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The 12 Best Anime and Manga Shops in Manchester
Manchester’s buzzing with more than just footie and tunes; it’s a hotspot for anime aficionados too. This city is packed with shops that turn every anime and manga hunt into a treasure find.
In this guide, we’re zoning in on the best spots across Manchester, perfect for both manga newbies and seasoned anime buffs.
Forbidden Planet International
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Website: Forbidden Planet International
Address: 65 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JR, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 839 4777
Opening Hours:
- Mon-Sat 9AM-5:30PM
- Sun 11AM-5PM
Forbidden Planet International is where it’s at if you’re chasing down the ultimate manga haul or that niche anime merch that’s been dodging you online.
This gaff is like the holy grail of geekery, nestled right in the Northern Quarter, where it stands as a beacon for comic buffs, anime aficionados, and all-around pop culture enthusiasts. The shelves here are filled with the latest manga hits, cult classics, and everything in between.
They’ve also got a banging selection of graphic novels, action figures, and even some rare collectibles!
Pro tip: Keep an eye on their events calendar. They host some wicked signings and launch events. You could be rubbing elbows with your favourite comic book artist or getting the first dibs on an exclusive release. |
Tokyo Go
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Website: Tokyo Go
Address: 100 Market St, Manchester M1 1PB, United Kingdom
Operating Hours:
- Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM
- Sun 11AM-5PM
Tokyo Go is a portal straight to the heart of Japan, but it’s right in Manchester! It’s a treasure offering an extensive manga selection that spans the latest releases to hard-to-find classics.
The shop is a bright, welcoming space filled with an array of Japanese snacks, collectibles, and apparel, alongside a vast manga library. It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time exploring.
Pro tip: Their Japanese snack range is also a highlight, so don’t leave without trying some authentic treats that will transport your taste buds to Tokyo. |
Travelling Man
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Website: Travelling Man
Address: 4 Dale St, Manchester M1 1JW, United Kingdom
Operating Hours:
- Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM
- Sun 11AM-5PM
Travelling Man is a cornerstone of the Manchester otaku scene, offering a wide selection of manga, comics, board games, and tabletop RPGs. The store also serves as a community hub, with regular events and game nights that bring fans together.
It’s the perfect place if you’re looking to delve deeper into your hobby or discover something entirely new.
Pro tip: The board game and RPG selection is vast, offering endless opportunities for adventure and fun with friends. |
W O W Comix – Trafford
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Website: W O W Comix
Address: 10 Ashfield Rd, Sale M33 7DY, United Kingdom
Operating Hours:
- Mon-Sat 9:30AM-5:30PM
- Sun 11AM-3PM
W O W Comix – Trafford is a haven for comic enthusiasts, with its extensive collection that spans from blockbuster titles to indie gems. But it’s not just comics that fill the shelves – they have a dedicated section for manga fans, given their wide variety of genres and titles.
Beyond the printed pages, you’ll find an array of action figures, board games, and collectibles. The shop’s layout is pretty great as it encourages browsing. You may even uncover something new!
Pro tip: Keep an eye out for their regular sales and events. It’s a great opportunity to snag a deal on your next favorite read or add to your collection. |
9 Realms
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Website: 9realms
Address: 138 Market St, Atherton, Manchester M46 0DX, United Kingdom
Operating Hours: Wed – Sat 9AM-6PM
9 Realms in Wigan is worth the trek for any true anime or manga enthusiast. This shop offers a wide selection of manga, anime DVDs, and rare, unique collectibles.
Figures, Pops, comics, clothing, collectibles—you name it, they’ve got it. The chap running the place is friendly and knowledgeable – a great help if you’re on the hunt for something specific.
If what you’re looking for isn’t in the store, he can also find it and place an order for you. He even manages to snag limited edition items from Japan as well as exclusives from across the globe!
Pro tip: 9 Realms’ collectible range is particularly impressive, offering rare finds and limited edition items that are a must-see for any collector. |
Waterstones
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Website: Waterstones
Address: 91 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2BW, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 837 3000
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Sat 9AM-7PM
- Sun 11AM-7PM
Waterstones, while known primarily as a mainstream book retailer, holds a surprisingly rich selection of manga amidst its vast collection of books. The manga section, often nestled within the graphic novel area, offers a range of titles from classic series to the latest releases.
With its multiple locations across Manchester, you’re never too far from diving into your next manga adventure. The stores themselves offer a calm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for browsing at your leisure.
Pro tip: Check out their online store for exclusive online offers and the option to reserve a copy of the latest manga releases for in-store pickup. |
Paramount Books
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Website: Paramount Books
Address: 25-27 Shudehill, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 834 9509
Operating Hours:
- Sat – Sun 10AM-5PM
Paramount Books stands as a testament to the timeless charm of book hunting. This iconic second-hand bookstore (second hand book shops manchester) offers a labyrinth of rare and vintage finds, including a cozy corner dedicated to manga and graphic novels.
This is the perfect spot for those who love the thrill of the hunt! Who knows, you may even find out-of-print manga and quirky collectibles that add a unique flair to your collection.
Pro tip: Give yourself plenty of time to explore. The real gems in Paramount Books often hide in the most unexpected places. |
Blackwell’s Bookshop
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Website: Blackwell’s Bookshop
Address: University Green, 146 Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9GP, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 274 3331
Opening Hours:
- Mon-Sat 9AM-6PM
- Sun 11AM-5PM
Tucked away on Oxford Road, Blackwell’s Bookshop is a treasure trove for those in the know. This spot isn’t just for academics – it’s a haven for manga lovers and graphic novel aficionados alike.
Its cozy nooks and crannies are filled to the brim with the latest manga releases, timeless graphic novels, and a selection of rare indie comics. It’s the perfect place for a quiet afternoon browse!
Plus, their knowledgeable staff are always on hand to point you in the direction of your next great read.
Pro tip: Don’t miss out on their student discounts. It’s a great way to save a few quid on your next manga binge. |
hmv
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Website: hmv
Address: Unit 92, Manchester Arndale, Manchester M4 2HU, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 843 221 0265
Opening Hours:
- Mon – Sat 9AM-7PM
- Sun 11:30AM-5:30PM
When you think of hmv, your mind might jump to music and movies, but their anime selection is something else. Each hmv in Manchester is like a mini festival for anime fans, given their wide selection of the latest anime Blu-rays, DVDs, and merchandise.
The atmosphere in hmv is always buzzing, with fellow fans browsing the aisles. This makes it a great spot to pick up recommendations or even just chat about the latest series.
And with their regular deals and promotions, it’s a go-to for snagging a bargain.
Pro tip: Keep an eye out for their exclusive editions, especially if you’re a collector. Some of their releases are hmv exclusives, making them a must-have for any serious fan. |
FOPP
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Website: FOPP
Address: 19 Brown St, Manchester M2 1DA, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 839 7757
Opening Hours:
- Mon-Sat 9AM-7PM
- Sun 11AM-5PM
FOPP is the sister store of hmv but it offers a more curated experience. Although, it shares the same passion for film and music, and yes, anime.
Their selection might be smaller, but it features a mix of the latest hits and classic titles on DVD and Blu-ray. The store itself has a cool, indie vibe, with staff who really know their stuff and are happy to chat or offer recommendations.
It’s the sort of place where you go in for one thing and come out with an armful, thanks to their keen pricing and tempting range. And for anime fans, their collection, though concise, is well-curated.
Pro tip: Don’t overlook their vinyl and CD sections. You might just find the perfect soundtrack to your next anime marathon. |
Anime & Manga Exchange – Bolton
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Website: Anime & Manga Exchange
Address: Unit D23 Lifestyle Hall Ashburner Street Markets, Ashburner Street, Bolton BL1 1TQ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 7733 044220
The Anime & Manga Exchange store is worth the trek to Bolton. This place is like a mini-convention every day, with fans trading and chatting about the latest finds.
The place is crammed with manga, anime DVDs, and all sorts of collectibles that you won’t find just anywhere else. It’s got a proper community feel, where everyone’s buzzing about their latest obsession.
Pro tip: Their trade-in deals are top-notch. Got some old manga gathering dust? Bring it there. |
The Works – Manchester
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Website: The Works
Address: Units 172/172a Halle Mall, Arndale Centre, Manchester M4 2HU, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 834 4382
Opening Hours:
- Mon-Sat 9AM-6PM
- Sun 11AM-5PM
The Works might not be the first place you think of for anime and manga – it’s a bit of a dark horse. Nestled among the craft supplies and discounted books, you’ll find a snug little section dedicated to manga fans.
It’s like finding a hidden level in a game, with some surprisingly good finds at even better prices. The manga selection might be more hit and miss compared to a specialist shop, but when you hit, it feels like striking gold.
Plus, their art supplies section is a dream for any fan artist looking to grab some quality materials without breaking the bank.
Pro tip: Their discount deals are legendary. Keep an eye out for the sales, and you might just bag yourself a manga bargain or two. |