Founded by Eric Nakamura and Martin Wong in 1994, Giant Robot Magazine began as a punk zine of Asian pop culture which covered art, design, politics, travel, and more. In 2001, the founders established a brick-and-mortar store in the Sawtelle neighborhood of Los Angeles serving as a one-stop shop for books and products regarding Asian pop culture. Over the years, Giant Robot opened stores and pop-ups throughout the United States, including San Francisco, New York City, and a second location in Los Angeles, but all of those locations have since closed down. Giant Robot Magazine released its very last issue in February of 2011. However, this flagship shop still remains open from Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Also along Sawtelle Boulevard is their GR2 Gallery, a space for art exhibitions which has featured works from both prominent and emerging Asian and Asian American artists.