MORE Marvel Merchandise to Drool on!
I have to admit, the Marvel fanboy in me was out in full force as I stepped into Kapow! Universe because aside from the merchandise, you will see numerous Marvel comics references throughout the shop. On one corner, you’ll stumble upon the ‘locker room’ area of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents while on the other, there’s Captain America’s suit. So aside from the comic books, t-shirts, toys, and other Marvel merchandise, Kapow! Universe has something for Marvel fans to ‘geekgasm’ about when they enter.
Pop! Marvel Toys by Funko
One tip I’d like to give you when you enter the store is: “look up”. There’s a ‘very small’ couple that’s hanging around in the store. As much as it’s easy to spoil you guys with a picture, you have to see this little ‘easter egg’ for yourselves. 😉
No Mutants Allowed!
We had a short chat with one of the owners of Kapow! Universe, Ivan Guerrero. He talked about the store’s origin story in our brief chat:
On how the concept of Kapow! Universe started: “We were looking for licensed products to bring in. It just so happened that our contact (Funko) was in touch with the people in MINDstyle International, LLC. The people from MINDstyle were like, ‘we have a concept store for you guys’ and it was a Marvel Comics theme store. We LOVE Marvel. As friends, we grew up reading Marvel Comics. It was an easy ‘yes’ from us, and that’s how it started.”
On the store’s design: “We wanted to introduce fans to Marvel in a unique way, so we came up with the idea of doing a S.H.I.E.L.D-themed store. The theme is a good way for a customer to see superhuman things happening. That’s why you have areas such as Captain America’s locker, Thor’s hammer, and the like. It’s a good way to introduce the Marvel Universe to the customers.”
On other Kapow! stores across Manila: “There will be another Kapow! store in the near future, that’s for sure. It’ll be bigger than our Glorietta 5 branch. As to when it will open, probably around 6 months or so.”
The Owners of Kapow! Universe posing at the store’s entrance
Entering the Kapow! Universe store was a breath-taking experience for a Marvel comics fan such as myself. It was like the little kid in me was so happy to walk around the store and check out all its awesomeness. There’s no doubt I’ll be dropping by Kapow! sooner than later.
Spoilers: Coulson lives…
When in Manila and you are a certified Marvel addict (or may have symptoms of such), go to the newest store in town: Kapow! Universe. I guarantee you, it’ll be an awesome trip that you will never forget! We’d like to thank the people from Collections, Inc. and 1688 Marketing & Advertising Services for inviting the us to this amazing store opening.
Photos by: Dale Ligon
p.s. Oh and before anything else, I recall a certain article from our founder Vince Golangco, where he was fan boy excited to see the DC Store in Malaysia, having a similar comic book themed store and stumbled upon a cool picture. Vince, if you’re reading this, I’m sorry but I HAD to try it out. 😀
Kapow! Universe – The One-Stop Shop for all the Marvel Comics Fans in Manila
KAPOW! UNIVERSE
Address: 2F/Glorietta 5, Makati City
