If you are planning on buying some comics, or if you’re thinking about getting into collecting comics more, you might be interested to know that Melbourne has four different, and quite unique comic book stores within its CBD.
One of the most frustrating things when you’re just getting into buying comics, or if you’re only an occasional purchaser, is not knowing where all the comic book shops are and which have what (and at what price). That’s what this guide aims to clarify.
It’s worth mentioning that there are comic shops outside of Melbourne’s CBD, however I’ve never actually been to any of them, so I can’t really tell you much about them. Some of them are sister stores to the ones listed below, while others are independent.
The best resources for finding comic book stores is the Store Locator on the Free Comic Book Day website. It’s how I discovered some of these stores a few years back, and it’s pretty comprehensive, even if it is slightly strangely segmented.
Speaking of FCBD, if you want a bit more of an impression of each of these stores, you can check out my previous posts about Free Comic Book Day. It’s the perfect time to get a feel for each comic book store at its most hectic.
Also, I’m not going to comment on the personalities and service at each of these stores, because I have experienced both ends of the spectrum at all of these stores. Despite that, I still see a place for each of them, as they do things differently.
A Little Glossary
- TPB = trade paperback => Collection of comics as soft cover book
- Trades = trade hardbacks and paperbacks => see above
- Back issue => Single comic that’s not the current release. This ranges from a few months old to years old.
- The Big 2 = the big two comic publishers => Marvel & DC
For a more extended glossary, check out this article on PANELS
Before I tell about the points of difference between the stores, it’s worth mentioning the common elements. Each has a large range of current issues and trades, and often have sets of back issues on sale, and all except Comics-R-Us have manga paperbacks.
NOTE: All comic prices are as of 10/12/2015.
UPDATE: All comic prices are still accurate as of 05/05/2018.
Comic prices fluctuate with the value of the Aus Dollar against the US Dollar. As one gets worse, the other does too. As some indicator, the Aus Dollar was about $0.71 US at the time of these prices.
This will also have an effect on trades prices, which mostly seem to trend the same way as single issue prices, i.e. stores where singles are more expensive will often have more expensive TPBs as well.
Also, most stores offer a discount if you have a standing order with them. The terms & conditions of this vary by store, usually depending on you purchasing a particular minimum to qualify.
Minotaur
Location: 121 Elizabeth Street
Web Presence: www.minotaur.com.au
Specialty: Very large range of trades, including from publisher other than the Big 2, mix of independent releases, recent back issues
Also stock: Lots of sci-fi/fantasy novels, merchandise of every sort, from every movie, TV show, and comic you can think of, including plushies, t-shirts, teapots, posters and more
Comic Prices:
| Cover Price | Retail Price |
|---|---|
| $2.50 | $4.95 |
| $2.99 | $4.95 |
| $3.50 | $5.95 |
| $3.99 | $6.50 |
| $4.50 | $7.95 |
| $4.99 | $8.95 |
| $5.99 | $10.50 |
| $6.99 | $11.95 |
| $7.99 | $13.95 |
All Star Comics
Location: 53 Queen St
Web Presence: http://allstarcomics.com.au/
Specialty: Large range of trades, cheap second-hand trades, local & independent stuff, special section for kids
Also stock: Vintage toys, a few other pop culture books
Comic Prices:
| Cover Price | Retail Price |
|---|---|
| $1.00 | $1.90 |
| $1.25 | $2.40 |
| $2.99 | $5.70 |
| $3.50 | $6.70 |
| $3.99 | $7.60 |
| $4.99 | $9.50 |
| $5.99 | $11.30 |
| $6.99 | $13.30 |
| $7.99 | $15.20 |
Classic Comics
Location: 50 Bourke St
Web Presence: https://www.facebook.com/Classic-Comics-166008573448513/
Specialty: Old back issues (10+ years), a few local comics
Also have: Board games, posters, a small selection of other comic-related merch
Comic Prices:
| Cover Price | Retail Price |
|---|---|
| $2.99 | $5.25 |
| $3.50 | $6.00 |
| $3.99 | $6.25 |
| $4.50 | $7.50 |
| $4.99 | $8.25 |
| $5.99 | $9.99 |
| $6.99 | $10.99 |
| $7.99 | $13.50 |
Comics-R-Us
Location: 1st Floor – 220 Bourke Street
Web Presence: http://www.comicsrus.com.au/
Specialty: Very large range of recent – oldish back issues
Also have: Vintage and current toys & action figures, statuettes
Comic Prices:
| Cover Price | Retail Price |
|---|---|
| $2.99 | $5.50 |
| $3.50 | $6.40 |
| $3.99 | $7.35 |
| $4.99 | $9.25 |
| $5.99 | $10.95 |
| $6.99 | $12.15 |
| $7.99 | $13.95 |
| $8.99 | $15.50 |
| $9.99 | $16.95 |
| $10.99 | $18.65 |
| $11.95 | $19.95 |
| $12.95 | $21.95 |
If you have any problems, feel free to send me a message, or leave a comment below!!
From your Friendly Neighbourhood
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