Close Encounters has been Bedford’s premier supplier of genre fiction and pop culture merchandise for 17 years, supplying Manga, Comics, Novels, trading cards and Action figures. A one-stop shop for fans of everything from Peaky Blinders to The Umbrella Academy. 

Fans can pick up original comics, graphic novels, figures, posters, and key rings all in one place.

The shop has been busy since re-opening post lockdown, due to a pent up demand for entertainment merchandise.  They offer a subscription service for comics, as well as being happy to order in anything they might not have on their shelves.

“We have something here to entertain everyone, from the child of the family to the parents who want to reminisce about video games, movies or comics from the last century,” said Bub Chahal, 

“We also stock non-fiction books about politics, as well as thrillers, and even romance.

“Close Encounters has recently expanded its books section into a whole floor, which contains a mixture of fiction and non-fiction for all ages and a mix of genres. Whether you’re a die hard fantasy fan, or more into political non-fiction there’s something for everyone. They also offer a trade in service for novels, manga, graphic novels and comics where you can get store credit for items you no longer want.

“Close Encounters has also sponsored the NICE Comic Convention in Bedford, which we hope will return in 2022 - but in the meantime people can visit our store or buy online,” said Bub Chahal.

Subscriptions available at www.closeencounters.co.uk or call 01234 270777