All Star Comics — Attraction in Melbourne

Extroadinarily rude person with long hair. Told me to come in so I could sell some comics. I brought in 40 hard back comics, including 3 giant omnibuses. The person claimed due to their condition that the omnibuses I was trying to sell he would only give me 30 dollars each. These are sandman absolute editions 1 2 and 3, each retail price is around 500 aud. He claimed this was untrue "according to my computer system* which he refused to show me, and that because they were damaged he would only give me 90 for all of them and I should be "lucky I'm getting that much". I decided no and he almost diddnt even give me them back. I went to grab them from his end of the counter and he stopped me. I then very loudly said to everyone who could hear "could you please hand me back my comics", to which he did. Because I wouldn't give my comics, which I would have been happy to sell for around 400 if he had any negotiaton skills and wasn't so self entitled, he refused to even look at the other hard cover comics I bought to his counter.

It cost me 25 bucks to get there and 25 to get back via uber and I wasn't able to sell anything, so they made me out of pocket. They demanded I come in to get them appraised so I did but they were incredibly rude and short with me. They diddnt understand that I wasn't mad that they wouldn't take my "damaged" comics for 30 bucks when I purchased them each for 500 (theres absouletly no way a comic can be that badly damaged and still be noticed as a comic).

What I was mad about is that I knew they would have sold the comics at at least 200 each probably more and they would only give me 30, but I was also mad that they flat out refused to negotiate on any of the other comics I brought because I told them that they can not have my sandmans for that ridiculous offer.

They made no effort to haggle, they made no effort to make me feel welcome because they judged me for walking in with a Granny trolley with the comics cos im disabled. They completely ignored me as I was having issues putting my comics back and were joking around behind the counter when I was litterally crying my eyes out.

So yeah I can't say that Allstar Comics is a good...

One thing to keep in mind when reading this review: five stars doesn't even start to scratch the surface of what an astronomically sublime place this comics shop is. I can't comment on the single-issue experience, but downstairs has always been well-stocked. The size of the children's section is stunning and obviously curated with care. Upstairs, the graphic novel area, is just stupendous. Books are organised by publisher (each section clearly signposted) and the range is amazing. All the prices I've seen are top-notch. So yes: range, layout, price, space excellent. But it's the calibre of the All-Star staff which truly makes me want to use every single superlative available. I've not had an experience here approaching routine, let along negative. Everyone here knows their stuff, and their love of comics shines through in every way. Do yourself a favour - ask to be recommended something outside your comfort zone and marvel at the time, humour, attention and interest afforded you. I'm still astounded that I could return here recently, after a few years' absence, and be greeted warmly - by name! - by Troy.

I'm not a regular comics enthusiast, but I always feel empowered to own my narrow preferences here. The comics groups posters are front and centre as you come in off Queen Street, a great service to the community. And, considering how cis- and hetero-normative the comics industry is often perceived to be, it means so much and speaks so much to the calibre of the owners and staff that a comprehensive LGBTI section is proudly smack-bang in the middle of the upstairs space. This place is legendary, and it's a privilege to be able to experience shopping here.

TL,DR: just visit and...

Whether you’re a long time comic reader or simply curious about checking out your first comic book store: add All Star to your Melbourne Hit List, it is super convenient located on Queen Street in the CBD . The staff are friendly, welcoming and quirky- All Star was the first time I actually felt welcomed visiting a comic book store back when most stores still felt like intruding “man caves” . They have a great diversity of comics –something for everyone, from kids to adult. They a nice mix of new releases, manga, graphic novels and rarer finds. There’s some fun events through out the year also connecting local creators, readers and community, It’s great to follow them on socials to keep in the loop! They have done much for the local and international comic scene through out the years. All Star is more than just a store. Discover...