A1 Toys

If Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons was real, he would work in here.

I don't read comics, but I know enough to know there's a genuinely good selection on the go in here.

I go to pick up obscure gifts for people and generally let me jaw drop at some of toys and games in here.

There's alot of that in here, just looking around and such. Given the recent trend for superhero movies, there appears to be enough of an appeal for places like this to survive.

And I'm all for it.

Brightening up the area behind Argyle Street with its bright yellow exterior, is the quirky A1 Comics which sells, you guessed it, lots and lots of comics. It has the latest imports as well as back issues and the knowledgeable staff go out of their way to help you.

Like its sister store Static Games, my brother is a regular customer and chats about the guys here by their first names. I was once with him when he popped in & they chatted like old friends that even I, a comic novice, felt totally welcome and was in awe of their geeky knowledge. A fun place.

You literally can't miss this. It's YELLOW.

A decent selection of new comics and a great library of trades, plus all the usual action figures, toys and trinkets you'd find in any good comic book store.

It's location and independence means it's much less manic than the similarly shelved Forbidden Planet, and as such the place has much more of a local, friendly feel so if you're a comic book junkie you'll get to know the staff and the regulars in no time.

It's my favourite place to get my funny books.

The independent alternative to Forbidden Planet is tucked away near the Tron, next door to a gaming shop and a second hand store that also offers back issues. The new comics are the same price as everywhere else, but A1 does carry back issues: half of the shop is comics, including rarer items. The rest is taken up with toys and shirts, trading cards and the other bits and pieces that surround the superhero world.

A1 has a huge range of graphic novels, carries both UK and US titles, and is staffed by people who know their stuff. That doesn't always mean that they can be helpful- like many minority interest enthusiasts, fans can be too partisan- but they are always polite and willing to advise. Never too busy, and usually quite relaxed, except for the mother trying to understand her young child's fascination with vastly overpriced trading cards.

I have been assured that A1 Comics is a fantastic shop if you like comics. I am not a big fan of the comic world though I, along with the rest of the world, have become familiar with the big names due to Hollywood gold rush that brought us the X-Men and Batman. So what has it got? Well they have a massive selection of all things Marvel and DC as well as some random little things that confused me. Ben Ten and WWE seemed to be popular and they have loads of these toys. When I asked the nice chap behind the counter he was happy to answer my questions.

Great comic shop. The staff are lovely and always up for a chat when they're quiet.


The selection is pretty immense but tends to be very mainstream, you will occasionally find something quirky and new though.


Great for gift shopping or just a random browse.

I Cancelled my order shortly after placing it. I Was told order was cancelled and I would be refunded.
They sent the item out anyway and expect me go out of my way to send it back and wait for a refund.
Be careful using this company - long postage times 6-8 days.

A1 is a little bit out of the way from the hubbub of Argyle St but is well worth it.


The friendly staff are always happy to order in for you and reserve stuff for you, even if the requests are a bit more random they are fine with sorting you out, so they have the customer service down pat.


Huge collection and they haven't compromised by just supplying mainstream manga, they know their stuff and are always able to suggest comics to suit your taste.

this store is well worth the extra time to get to it - a great selection of new and old titles, and a huge range of toys, games, and other collectables. the staff are helpful and, frankly, great big nerds, who will happily shoot the breeze with you about anything comic-related if they're not too busy.