Pop culture is now jam packed with superheroes. And while the movies are awesome, real fans go straight to the source material for even wilder stories of action adventure and cosmic calamities. However comics aren't just about men in tights saving the world there's a thriving indie scene using the medium to tell varied intricate stories through words and pictures. Most comic shops also sell a healthy selection of Japanese manga, action figures, merchandise and film related goodies.

Here's our pick of the best comic book stores across London.

Gosh!
Gosh! focuses on indie comics, graphic novels and traditional superheroes. Welcoming and friendly with less emphasis on memorabilia and toys, Gosh! is aimed at the readers who take comics seriously.
1 Berwick Street, London, W1F 0DR

Forbidden Planet
One of the first comic shops in the UK, Forbidden Planet was once a Mecca for geek culture overflowing with back issues. Now it's a national chain while the flagship London shop is a giant mega store of comics, film merchandise, collectables, action figures and graphic novels. A one stop shop for all things sci-fi with regular events and signing sessions.
179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8JR

30th Century Comics
Harking back to the old school glory days of raking through boxes searching for hidden gems. 30th Century Comics specialises in back issues of every kind. Boasting over 100,000 items in stock at any one time covering everything from British kids comics to big name superheroes, from The Beano to The Watchmen.
18 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, London SW15 1JP

Book & Comic Exchange
A bit of a London institution, the Book & Comic Exchange offers second hand comics by the bucketload. Tons of bargains on offer with a vast array of titles to browse. They also buy up old collections. Not just comics but also books and sister stores deal with music, records, retro clothing and film.
30 & 32 Pembridge Road, Nottinghill, London, W11 3HN

Orbital
Central London store founded in 2002. Another haven for back issue collectors with a huge array of old issues for sale alongside the latest releases and graphic novels. Orbital also run their own gallery where you can purchase original comic art, as well as hosting regular talks, events and signings.
8 Great Newport Street, London, WC2H 7JA

A Place in Space
A south London store with comics and collectables galore. A Place in Space also have regular sales on their vast range of back issues. Toys, comics and graphic novels available instore with even more on their eBay shop.
96 Church Street, Croydon, London, CR0 1RD

Mega-City Comics
Mega-City have been in the comics biz for over 35 years so they know what they are talking about. Set up a subscription so you never miss an issue or browse their extensive collection of new and vintage titles in store or online. They even picked up a King of Camden award, for 'excellence in local retailing' in 2010.
18 Inverness Street, Camden, London, NW1 7HJ

The Cartoon Museum
The Cartoon Museum is a celebration of British animation and comics, covering political cartoons, TV favourites, kids comics, sci-fi and beyond. Unsurprisingly the museum shop sells books on cartooning and a selection of graphic novels aimed at children and adults alike.
35 Little Russell Street, London, WC1A 2HH

The Tintin Shop
The Tintin Shop specialises in one thing and one thing only: Hergé's young adventurer Tintin and his pals (Captain Haddock, Snowy, Thomson and Thompson, etc). Every Tintin title is on sale alongside posters, toys, alarm clocks, toys, models, bags, games, DVDs, basically if it has anything to do with Tintin you will find it at the Tintin Shop.
34 Floral Street, London, WC2E 9DJ