Over the next few days we'll be pointing you in the direction of our favorite shops and shopping neighbourhoods near the meeting and ending points of our London Walks …
No.33. Orbital Comics
DC Editor Adam writes… This being a Wednesday, I'm heading off to lead the Rock'n'Roll London Pub Walk (the last one of 2015). As you read this, I'll just be leaving Orbital Comics in Great Newport Street because Wednesday is also new comic book day. Hoorah!
I've raved about Orbital before here on The Daily Constitutional – the guys were kind enough to help out with my Cartoon & Comic Book Tour Of London earlier in the year with great recommendations for London-set comic books (see posts HERE (on The Wicked + the Divine) and HERE (all about Metroland & Velvet).
But Orbital is worth another mention because they represent everything that's great about small shops here in London.
Firstly, knowledgable staff: I've lost count of books that have become great faves thanks to the guys behind the counter here. Next, imaginative presentation: they make the most of the potential pitfalls in the long, thin, corridor-like space and their gallery is excellent. Best of all, there's an easy-going and friendly atmosphere.
We're lucky in the West End to have three comic book stores. Forbidden Planet is fine, huge stock but it's a countrywide chain, the McDonalds of the comic book world. Gosh! in Soho is great, too… if a little bit too-cool-for-school for my tastes. Orbital, however, is also well-stocked, is also cool but the tie-breaker is the warmth of the welcome. Well done guys, you're my favorite comic book store. My week brightens up at around 6pm every Wednesday and I become a better guy to be around as I relish the prospect of reading my little bag of comics on the train home from my walking tour. Happy Christmas!
Find Orbital Comics at 8 Great Newport Street WC2…
Christmas 2015 With London Walks
The Christmas Lights & Seasonal Cheer Pub Walk takes place on the 19th December meet at Embankment Tube 7:15p.m
On Christmas Day there are TWO London Walks:
Walk off the pudding with The Christmas Day Charles Dickens Walk – meet by the big tree in Trafalgar Square at 2:00pm
A London Walk costs £10 – £8 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com