Welcome to Close Encounters

Close Encounters are now in their fourth year of business and have become widley acclaimed as one of the foremost providers of comic and grahpic novels in the UK, if not the world.

Quite apart from running a successful, market-leading retail operation, the owners - two Bedfordshire-based brothers - have made Close Encounters a nexus of comic activity, where book signings are held regularly and both staff and customers enjoy regular off-premises get-togethers at local restaurants and pubs to exchange industry news and views with a passion.

Local and Nationwide Custom

Moreover, staff at Close Encounters have an infectious enthusiasm for the comic business which, when combined with their in-depth industry knowledge, makes browsing and buying an intensely fascinating and deeply pleasurable experience.

The quality of service does not end at the shop counter: orders taken for UK and international customers are meticulously double wrapped to ensure all products arrive in pristine condition.

Comics and Graphic Novel Stock

The sheer volume of stock on the premises - some 50,000 comics and graphics novels, both current and back issues - attracts customers from across the UK to the shop's first floor reading room.

Customers are not restricted to in-house products. Staff have an almost uncanny ability to track down obscure items - comics, graphic novels, action figures - using their extensive collection of worldwide industry links.

Comic and Graphic Novel Signings

October 2007 saw the latest book signing where half a dozen preeminent comic authors and graphic artists spent the day discussing and signing copies of their works. Close Encounters have held many such events, drawing 1000s of visitors from around the UK.