Best Book and Comic Shops in the City Centre

The Bookish Type

58 Merrion Shopping Centre, LS2 8NG

Run by Ray and Nic, The Bookish Type is a queer indie bookshop in Leeds. 

They sell a range of queer literature: fiction, children’s books, YA, memoirs, poetry, short stories, zines, non-fiction, colouring books and graphic novels. Championing LGBTIQA+ authors and books with queer themes and characters, they understand the importance of queer folks seeing themselves – and their community – represented. 

They’re a community bookshop who aim to actively support and work with the local queer community. They have a Pay It Forward scheme, making queer books available to those who can’t afford them. They also hold Second Hand Sundays where pre-loved queer books are sold to raise money for local grassroots LGBTIQA+ groups. And if that wasn’t enough, they run Queer History Tours around Leeds so that everyone can learn about the rich LGBTIQA+ history of the city.

Discounts available to members of local queer book groups. Pop in for a chat and check out their notice board for other goings on.

Colours May Vary

The Corn Exchange, Call Ln, LS1 7BR

An independent shop stocking a range of beautiful, useful and inspirational wares. Colours May Vary are proud to focus on design publications with a range of graphic art and design, typography, illustration, and product design. They stock a range of books, journals, prints, cards, gifts, wrap, homeware and stationery, sourcing their collection both locally and Internationally from a mix of established and up-and-coming producers. Colours May Vary strives to support their fellow independents in the City and bring things to Leeds that can’t be found elsewhere.

Relocated to Leeds Corn Exchange in 2021, they still have space for exhibitions. They also collaborate with designers and illustrators on a regular basis including pop-up exhibitions, limited edition prints and publications so if you have an idea and would like to chat, please drop them a line at hello@coloursmayvary.com

Forbidden Planet International

8 The Headrow, LS1 6PT

Forbidden Planet is a small chain of 15 stores in the UK and Ireland selling a huge range of toys, collectibles, graphic novels, comics, sci-fi, movie and TV merchandise. 

They are passionate about what they do. As fans themselves they buy, collect and read the same stuff as their customers, and are always looking to pass on their enthusiasm. Whether you are looking for Manga books, action figures, designer toys, comics, clothing or merchandise, from all over the world, you’ll find it at Forbidden Planet.

OK Comics

19 Thornton’s Arcade, Briggate, Leeds LS1 6LQ

OK Comics is an independent Bookshop specialising in Graphic Novels and Comics. They stock everything from great independent books (Lichen, In Waves, Nao of Brown etc) to the latest superhero action adventure comics (Spider-Man, Batman). Popular genres you will find in store are crime, horror, biographies, history, gender issues, and music.

OK Comics also offer free regular order service for people who never want to miss an issue of their favourite series. These can be collected in store or mailed out anywhere in the world. Email shop@okcomics.co.uk to set this up.

Travelling Man

32 Central Rd, Leeds LS1 6DE

An enthusiasts’ store for role-playing, card & board games, manga, graphic novels & merch. The UK’s Friendliest Comic & Games Shop Since 1991.

Travelling Man had its humble beginnings back in the late 80’s when two friends, Nabil and Simon were looking to use their passion for role-playing games to escape their dead-end jobs. Named after the prototypical adventurer from the games it continues to sell today, “Travelling Man” became both a mission statement as well as the company name – to be always moving forward and to keep exploring the rich genres and worlds that games, comics and independent press have to offer.

The company prides themselves on having a lovely community around their stores, scheduled gaming tournaments, comic signings and other events. As well as being a proud partner of Thought Bubble Festival and Airecon Festival. 

Village

10-12 Thornton’s Arcade, LS1 6LQ

Village is a bookshop & gallery offering a selection of contemporary art, design, fashion and photography publications. They also source self-published and small press zines from artists around the world.

Their bookshop supports a not-for-profit gallery space. Through regular exhibitions, book launches, and artist talks, they aim to promote work from talented emerging artists and photographers within the city, and provide a platform to showcase work by established artists from further afield.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it to visit them in store, they ship worldwide! Packed with care and delivered to your door.

Waterstones

93-97 Albion St, LS1 5AP

Whether you’re after the latest fiction must-read, a how-to manual for your garden or an enchanting adventure for your little one, you should have no trouble finding your next perfect read.

If you need a break after all that literary heavy-lifting, head on up to the first floor café for a coffee – nothing goes better with a good new novel than a slice of cake.

Don’t forget to check out their packed events calendar. They host everything from intimate book readings to sell out author talks, as well as plenty of activities for the kids during school holidays.