From Anakin Skywalker, Barbie and Yoda to superheroes, King Kong and the Joker, these iconic figures, brought to the mainstream masses – and to life – through TV, film, and books, have an undeniable impact on us.
Colchester’s annual Secret Invasion event, which happens every September, is testament to that.
Famous characters roam the city’s streets in comic-con-esque attire and families of all ages giddily and adoringly lap it up.
If, like them, you’re a fan of superheroes, sci-fi or anything fantastical then you may just enjoy collecting trinkets and gifts related to your favourite intellectual properties.
And in Colchester there is a whole host of different stores you can purchase these items from.
If you’re not sure where to turn to for all your pop culture needs, here are some of the best in the city, according to Google.
Collectors Cave, Colchester
This charming family-run store can be found in Eld Lane in the city centre.
Collectors Cave sells posters, autographed pieces of memorabilia, key rings, badges, action figures, jewellery, retro metal signs and more from your favourite movies and TV shows.
The store is open Monday to Saturday from 10am until 5pm. On Sundays you can visit from 11am to 4pm.
On Google, the store has received 4.6 stars and one review even called the establishment a “neat little store” with friendly owners who are “knowledgeable”.
HMV Colchester
A well-known nationwide retailer, HMV is known for its wide range of musical and technological goods.
Colchester’s HMV earns a special mention on this list. Located in Culver Square Shopping Centre, the store has modernised its approach to being purveyors of pop-culture goods through diversifying their stock.
HMV Colchester boasts a wide range of superhero themed tee shirts, Funko pop, manga and graphic novels, as well as their traditional bread and butter, CDs, vinyls, DVDs and blu-rays.
You can visit the store from Monday to Saturday between 9am and 5.30pm. On Sundays you can visit from 10.30am until 4.30pm.
This particular HMV branch has received 4.4 stars on Google.
One customer said: “Love this shop, amazing atmosphere.”
Another commented: “I love browsing as a collector, so I’ll always love a HMV.”
Ace Comics, Colchester
Ace Comics is a specialist store which caters for all your comic book needs. You can find the Colchester branch at Culver Street East.
The store is full to the brim with comic books, graphic novels, trading cards, and other goods related to the fantastical.
The Colchester branch of Ace Comics also has a fantastic small Star Wars themed area which is perfect for a quick photo opportunity.
Opening times on weekdays are 11am until 4pm and on Saturdays 10am until 5pm.
On Google, the store has achieved a rating of 4.7 stars.
One Google review said: ”I love this place. [You] can get the best deck boxes card sleeves and so many Magic The Gathering cards.
“The shop owners are awesome and so helpful.
“[I] would strongly recommend for anyone who loves to collect comics, anime, Funko pop, DND, Pokemon, and so much more.”