Tuesday, May 31, 2011

All Star Recommends!

We're back again with a couple more recommendations. Next week we plan on doing a special on some Ben Templesmith books in anticipation for the upcoming signing so be sure to keep your eye out for that. Our archive of previous recommendations is here. Remember to mention All Star Recommends when you come in to get a 10% discount on these books and any others you pick up.

Kirby Genesis #0
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artist: Jack Herbert and Alex Ross
Recommended by: Dom

It can be easy to pull at the heart strings of a science fan, one way being to talk about the pioneer 10 space probe. This was the probe that was sent out to explore Juipter transmitting some amazing images of that planet back to earth. Once finished, it pushed on further out into the far reaches of space. It was not only a mission of discovery though, it was also a mission of hope. An image was placed on the probe of a male and female human to show what we as a race look like to any alien life. Kirby: Genesis asks, what if Jack Kirby had drawn that image?

This is an issue zero so it isn't much more than set up. It does however lay the groundwork, the reader follows the probe as it travels into a black hole and past many of Jack Kirby's lesser known creations. When it finally reaches its destination the issue ends leaving the reader to ponder what happens next. The issue also contains a great deal of back up material to clue to reader in on how the series will progress, the characters that will ground it and the history of some of Jack Kirby's designs.

There isn't too much in the way of story here, but what there is can help ignite the imagination of the reader. The questions raised and it will be interesting to see how everything ties together. The cool promise on display here though is that this will be a journey into the mindscape of Jack Kirby, an exploration potentially of how he saw the world and how humanity should represent itself, one hopes it can deliver on that promise. If you are curious about a neat alternate history tale then this could be a book to check out. Perhaps though you are just interested in a creative examination of one of comics great creators, a man responsible for bringing so many favourite super heroes to life. If so, give Kirby Genesis a try, it might surprise you how fun it can be.

Kirby: Genesis #0 is available at All Star Comics Melbourne now for just $1.35.

Green Wake
Writer: Kurtis J. Weibe
Artist: Riley Rossmo
Recommended by: Jess

I wanted to start this recommendation with 'Do you like frogs and blood and manpain?' but I...no, I'm still going to start it like that. 'Green Wake' is all of those things, wrapped up in a jagged art style and tied off with a creepy ribbon.

It begins in sepia tone, with a carcrash, a dead woman and a man wanting the world to swallow him up. It obliges nicely, leading him to a place called Green Wake via a hole in the ground and a torrent of frogs. From here, things get murky. A detective-type called Morley and Krieger, a froggish looking man in a 3 piece suit and bowler hat, find a lipless, bloody body. They also find a slightly more alive one in a boat.

The living one is Carl, and he is one of the lost. Instructed to drink some whiskey until he's good and dizzy, Carl has come to Green Wake with no memory of what has happened before. Morley acts as exposition and guide, while trying to find out about Carl's ex girlfriend Ariel who is responsible for the lipless man.

It's all very fairy tale horror from here - frogs, Babylon and death. Sex and blood. Regrets and dreams. Riley Rossmo's art conveys the surreal, swamplike feel of the town with strong expressions, hulking buildings and colour washes over shadows and thick inked lines. Kurtis Wiebe's dialogue is reminiscent of a B-grade Noir, though with more grit and less wit. He's trying to hook you in with a fragmented, dreamlike plot on one side and the narration of Morley's character. It's full of repressed emotion and that niggling feeling of 'someone done wrong'. It seeps into you, rather than pulls you along but that isn't a bad thing.

Highly recommended for people who like men in pain and slowburning supernatural murder mysteries.
And frogs.

Green Wake is currently out of stock but we are aiming to get more issues in. Please note that as this is a five issue series, we hope the trade will be out in a couple of months time. Keep it on your radar.

Butcher Baker: The Righteous Maker
Written by: Joe Casey
Art by: Mike Huddleston
Recommended by: Luke and Eddie

Lukes Take:
Having recommended CASANOVA recently on this very spot, it seems fitting to welcome from Image Comics what appears to be its antithesis, or aggressive, machismo cousin at the least. Though only an issue in, the book’s decidedly right wing ‘hero’ may have some disruptive notions in store for the republican/corporate stooges (here represented by Jay Leno and Dick Cheney) who are relying on the boon of their previous arrangement holding fast in the new age.

A throwback not unlike the soon-to-be resurrected Duke Nukem, Butcher’s recall comes as he is enjoying the spoils of having taken out the world’s trash. A propaganda poster like image suggests he was the one to squash Bin Laden while prominently clad in the red, white and blue. Much like the aforementioned Duke however, and more the mustachioed counterpoint to a clean cut Steve Rogers, his appetite for destruction is now seemingly only ever satiated from the waist down. So this new offer gives him a chance to take his show on the road again.

The symbolism may be overt but the satire is no less poignant, and like Starship Troopers, this first slice has the potential to appeal to both ends of the political strata. The art’s bright palette surrounds Butcher and breaks in waves over the grey landscape America has become, and this new hero’s methods may be more than those who have set him loose can spin positive. Casey’s back matter further encourages the unpredictable nature of his lead character as he welcomes the unbridled chaos that could result from setting this relic loose, and why not. Like Rabbi Kook says “the pure righteous do not complain of the dark, but increase the light; they do not complain of evil, but increase justice; they do not complain of heresy, but increase faith; they do not complain of ignorance, but increase wisdom.” Yeah.

Eddies Take:
This book is CRAZY! But not without reason. The idea of a retired superhero is nothing new to the world of comics. It does however seem to me that Joe Casey is getting into some meta text here.

Joe Casey is a guy who had pretty reasonable success as a comic book writer working for Wildstorm before moving on to the big two. His biggest success of recent however was being a co-creator of Ben 10. I don’t think its any secret that these “Man of Action” guys are living pretty comfortably at the moment.

This is right were Butcher Baker starts, a guy that has done the mainstream thing and is now just kicking back and enjoying life. Till two “well known” men bring him back to the world, not with a bribe, not with some promise but for the idea of the fun reward.

Butcher Baker to me is Joe Casey’s take on comics in general (were else would you have president of a universe??? Answer A comic book company) , Butcher in my eyes is Joe. You will see a lot of his old work (Godland, W.i.l.d.Cats, G.I.Joe) in this book. It’s a guy who has proven himself, just doing a book for the fun of it. Very cool, very fresh. After a new voice in comics? THIS IS IT!

Unfortunately, Butcher Baker is also out of stock at the moment but we continue to try and get more of the issues in. If you can track them down, be sure to head in for the latest issues as they hit. We'll of course be getting many copies of the trade in when it becomes available.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Comics For Thursday 2nd of June

 
This weeks comics are delayed 24 hours but you can still read this list and at the very least dream about getting some of these on Wednesday. For those of us that are sane, enjoy looking at what is due to land on shelves this Thursday afternoon.

Marvel
ALPHA FLIGHT #0 POINT ONE
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #663
ASTONISHING X-MEN #39
AVENGERS ACADEMY #14 POINT ONE
AVENGERS THOR CAPTAIN AMERICA OFF IND MU #14
CRIMINAL LAST OF INNOCENT #1 (OF 4)
DARK TOWER GUNSLINGER BATTLE OF TULL #1 (OF 5)
FEAR ITSELF #3 (OF 7)
FEAR ITSELF DEEP #1 (OF 4) FEAR
HERC #4 FEAR
HEROES FOR HIRE #8
HULK #34
MARVEL ZOMBIE CHRISTMAS CAROL #1 (OF 5)
MIGHTY THOR #2
MOON KNIGHT #2
OZMA OF OZ #7 (OF 8)
SHIELD #1
THUNDERBOLTS #158 FEAR
UNCANNY X-FORCE #11
UNCANNY X-MEN #537
WOLVERINE HERCULES MM&M #4
X-23 #11
X-FACTOR #220
X-MEN #12

DC
ADVENTURE COMICS #527
BATMAN BEYOND #6
BATMAN GATES OF GOTHAM #1 OF(5)
DC COMICS PRESENTS SUPERMAN INFESTATION #1
DC UNIVERSE ONLINE LEGENDS #9
FLASHPOINT #2
FLASHPOINT ABIN SUR THE GREEN LANTERN #1
FLASHPOINT BATMAN KNIGHT OF VENGEANCE #1
FLASHPOINT SECRET SEVEN #1
FLASHPOINT THE WORLD OF FLASHPOINT #1
JONAH HEX #68
SECRET SIX #34
STATIC SHOCK SPECIAL #1
SUPERBOY #8
WEIRD WORLDS #6 (OF 6)
WONDER WOMAN #611

Vertigo
HOUSE OF MYSTERY #38
IZOMBIE #14
SWEET TOOTH #22

Boom
DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP #23
INCORRUPTIBLE #18
IRREDEEMABLE #26
STAN LEE TRAVELER #7

Dark Horse
BPRD DEAD REMEMBERED #3 (OF 3)
HELLBOY THE FURY #1 (OF 3)
SOLOMON KANE RED SHADOWS #3 (OF 4)
WITCHFINDER LOST & GONE FOREVER #5 (OF 5)

IDW
30 DAYS OF NIGHT NIGHT AGAIN #2 (OF 4)
DOCTOR WHO CLASSICS #5 SEVENTH DOCTOR
GI JOE VOL 2 ONGOING #2
TRANSFORMERS ONGOING #20

Image
50 GIRLS 50 #1 (OF 4)
DARKNESS #91
HACK SLASH MEETS ZOMBIES VS CHEERLEADERS #1
HALCYON #5 (OF 5)
HAUNT #16
INTREPIDS #4
REED GUNTHER #1
WALKING DEAD SURVIVORS GUIDE #3 (OF 4)
WHO IS JAKE ELLIS #4

Misc
BOYS #55 (MR)
DEATH OF ZORRO #4
FATHOM PRIMER #1
FATHOM VOL 4 #0
GREEN HORNET YEAR ONE #10
QUEEN SONJA #17
WULF #2

Trade Paperbacks
ALIENS VS PREDATOR THREE WORLD WAR
BTVS SEASON 8 TP VOL 08 LAST GLEAMING
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER TALES HC
CITIZEN REX HC
DAREDEVIL GUARDIAN DEVIL TP
DEADPOOL CLASSIC TP VOL 05
ESSENTIAL X-FACTOR TP VOL 01 NEW ED
OSBORN TP EVIL INCARCERATED
PEANUTS HAPPINESS IS A WARM BLANKET CHARLIE BROWN
PLANETARY BATMAN DELUXE HC
STUCK RUBBER BABY SC NEW EDITION
SUPERMAN NEW KRYPTON TP VOL 04
THOR TP THUNDERSTRIKE
WONDER WOMAN HC VOL 01 ODYSSEY
X-MEN TO SERVE AND PROTECT TP

Other/Merch
FANGORIA #304 JUN 2011 
POP ROCK OZZY OSBOURNE VINYL FIG

Friday, May 27, 2011

All Star Comics Presents: Ben Templesmith Signing and Q&A


We are very happy to announce that on June 9th, Eisner nominated artist and highly respected industry figure Ben Templesmith will be heading into All Star Comics Melbourne for a signing and Q&A event. Ben is of course the Australian comics artist responsible for such well known works as 30 Days of Night which he worked on with Steve Niles and Fell written by Warren Ellis. He has recently released creator owned works which he both scripted and drew with Wormwood Gentlemen Corpse and Singularity 7.

The signing will run from 6pm-7pm. We have ordered in some extra stock if you'd like to buy something on the day but we are more than happy for you to bring your own items to sign as this will be a free event.

If you have any further questions on the details, don't hesistate to get in contact with us.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Transformers: Dark of the Moon 3D Discussion and Clip!

Thanks to Paramount Pictures Australia we're happy to present this clip of a discussion between Michael Bay and James Cameron which might interest you regarding shooting films in 3D. It also has some cool footage from the film. We also have a short robot free clip from the film which you might enjoy.

First up, the discussion with some great shots from the film:


Transformers 3-Dark of the Moon Bay & Cameron... by Paramount_Australia
First up, the clip from the film:


Transformers 3-Dark of the Moon Duchess clip by Paramount_Australia

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Tin Tin Trailer and Posters!


Thanks to Paramount Pictures Australia we're pleased to present the trailer for the upcoming Steven Spielberg film The Adventures of Tin Tin along with those two awesome posters above (click on them to enlarge) in case you haven't seen them yet. Enjoy.


The Adventures of TinTin-The Secret of the Unicorn by Paramount_Australia

Monday, May 23, 2011

New Comics For Wednesday 25th May


Another week of new comics (you know, like every week?) and it is a big one. Remember, we'll take reservations on most things. These comics should be on shelf by about 4pm on Wednesday. What are you going to buy?

Marvel
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #661
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #662
ASTONISHING SPIDER-MAN WOLVERINE #6 (OF 6)
AVENGERS #13 FEAR
CAPTAIN AMERICA #618
DAKEN DARK WOLVERINE #9.1
DEADPOOL #37
FF #4
INCREDIBLE HULKS #629
IRON MAN 2.0 #5 FEAR
MIGHTY SAMSON #3
MIGHTY THOR #2
NAMOR FIRST MUTANT #10
ONSLAUGHT UNLEASHED #4 (OF 4)
ORSON SCOTT CARDS SPEAKER FOR DEAD #5
POWER MAN AND IRON FIST #5 (OF 5)
RUSE #3 (OF 4)
SECRET AVENGERS #13 FEAR
SECRET WARRIORS #27
SPIDER-GIRL #7
SPIDER-MAN #14
ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #158 DOSM
UNCANNY X-FORCE #10
UNCANNY X-MEN #537
VENOM #3
WOLVERINE #9
X-MEN EARTH'S MUTANT HEROES #1
X-MEN LEGACY #249

DC
ACTION COMICS #901 (DOOMSDAY)
BATMAN AND ROBIN #23
DC PRESENTS GREEN LANTERN WILLWORLD #1
DETECTIVE COMICS #877
GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #23
GREEN ARROW #12 (BRIGHTEST DAY)
GREEN LANTERN #66 (WAR OF GL)
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #60 (WAR OF GL)
GL EMERALD WARRIORS #10 (WAR OF GL)
INFAMOUS #6 (OF 6)
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #51
XOMBI #3

Vertigo
AMERICAN VAMPIRE #15
STRANGE ADVENTURES #1

Boom
AMORY WARS KEEPING SECRETS OF SILENT EARTH 3 #11
HELLRAISER #2
INCORRUPTIBLE #18
KING CONAN SCARLET CITADEL #4
NIGHT O/T LIVING DEAD #5 (OF 5)
PLANET OF THE APES #2
STAN LEE STARBORN #6
STAN LEE TRAVELER #7

Dark Horse
CONAN ROAD OF KINGS #5 (OF 6)
MAGNUS ROBOT FIGHTER #4 (OF 4)
STAR WARS DARTH VADER & LOST COMMAND #5
STAR WARS LEGACY WAR #6 (OF 6)
STRANGE CASE OF MR HYDE #2 (OF 4)

IDW
COBRA ONGOING #1
DOCTOR WHO ONGOING VOL 2 #5
DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS #7
GODZILLA KINGDOM OF MONSTERS #3
KILL SHAKESPEARE #11 (OF 12)
SUICIDE GIRLS #2 (OF 4)
TRANSFORMERS HEART OF DARKNESS #3
TRUE BLOOD TAINTED LOVE #4

Image
BUTCHER BAKER RIGHTEOUS MAKER #2 2ND PTG
BUTCHER BAKER RIGHTEOUS MAKER #3
CARBON GREY #3
HACK SLASH #4
HACK SLASH EVA MONSTERS BALL #1
MISSION #4
SKULLKICKERS #7
SUPER DINOSAUR #2
WALKING DEAD #85

Misc
CHARMED #9
FUTURAMA COMICS #55
KIRBY GENESIS #0
MEDITERRANEA #4 (OF 14) 

Trade Paperbacks
5 RONIN HC
AMERICAN VAMPIRE HC VOL 02
BATMAN BRAVE AND THE BOLD EMERALD KNIGHT
BEAUTY AND SQUAT BEARS HC 
CAPTAIN AMERICA MAN OUT OF TIME PREM HC
CHAOS WAR X-MEN TP
DEEP SLEEPER HC
DOC MACABRE HC
DV8 GODS AND MONSTERS TP
EMMA FROST ULTIMATE COLLECTION TP
GL CORPS REVOLT OF ALPHA LANTERNS HC
HOUSE OF MYSTERY TP VOL 06 SAFE AS HOUSES
INV IRON MAN PREM HC VOL 07 MY MONSTERS
JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL TP VOL 06
MARVELS PROJECT BIRTH OF SUPER HEROES TP
MEOWMORPHOSIS SC
MMW DAREDEVIL TP VOL 02
MYSTIQUE BY BRIAN K VAUGHAN COLLECTION TP
PUNISHER IN BLOOD TP
RUNAWAYS TP VOL 04 TRUE BELIEVERS DIGEST
THOR LORD OF ASGARD TP
THUNDERSTRIKE TP YOUTH IN REVOLT
TOM STRONG AND THE ROBOTS OF DOOM TP
TRANSFORMERS 3 DARK MOON MOVIE ADAPT TP
TRANSFORMERS IDW COLLECTION HC VOL 04
ULTIMATE COMICS CAPTAIN AMERICA PREM HC
UNKNOWN SOLDIER TP VOL 04 BEAUTIFUL WORLD

Merch
MARVEL COMICS CAPTAIN AMERICA 7IN PLUSH
WALKING DEAD T/S SURVIVAL TOUR MED & LARGE

Monday, May 16, 2011

New Comics For Wednesday 18th May


Here is this weeks list of new comics which we hope will take the sting off of Monday. As usual, anything you want us to put aside for you, let us know.

Marvel
ALPHA FLIGHT #0.1
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #661
ASTONISHING X-MEN #38
AVENGERS #13 FEAR
AVENGERS ACADEMY #14
CAPTAIN AMERICA FIRST VENGEANCE #2 (OF 4)
DEADPOOLMAX #8
GENERATION HOPE #7
HAWKEYE: BLIND SPOT #4 (OF 4)
HERC #3 FEAR
HEROES FOR HIRE #7
HULK #33
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #504 FEAR
NAMOR FIRST MUTANT ANNUAL #1
SIGIL #3 (OF 4)
SILVER SURFER #4 (OF 5)
SKAAR KING OF SAVAGE LAND #3 (OF 5)
THUNDERBOLTS #157
ULTIMATE AVENGERS VS NEW ULTIMATES #4 DOSM
ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #158 DOSM
UNCANNY X-FORCE #10
X-23 #10
X-FACTOR #219
X-MEN GIANT-SIZE #1
X-MEN PRELUDE TO SCHISM #2 (OF 04)

DC
BATMAN #710
BATMAN AND ROBIN #23
BATMAN GATES OF GOTHAM #1 OF(5)
BOOSTER GOLD #44 (FLASHPOINT)
DC COMICS PRESENTS BATMAN DARK CITY #1
DC UNIVERSE ONLINE LEGENDS #8
DEUS EX #4 (OF 6)
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #57
LEGION OF SUPER HEROES #13
OUTSIDERS #39
POWER GIRL #24
SPIRIT #14
SUPERGIRL #64
SUPERMAN BATMAN #84
TEEN TITANS #95
THUNDER AGENTS #7
TINY TITANS #40
YOUNG JUSTICE #4
ZATANNA #13

Vertigo
DMZ #65
FABLES #105
HELLBLAZER #279 (MR)

Boom
28 DAYS LATER #23
STAN LEE SOLDIER ZERO #8

Dark Horse
HELLBOY BEING HUMAN ONE SHOT
STAR WARS JEDI DARK SIDE #1

IDW
DOCTOR WHO FAIRYTALE LIFE #2 (OF 4)
GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #166
JOHN BYRNE NEXT MEN #6
ROCKETEER #1 100 PENNY PRESS
ROCKETEER ADVENTURES #1 (OF 4)
SNAKE EYES ONGOING #1
TANK GIRL BAD WIND RISING #4 (OF 4)
TRANSFORMERS 3 MOVIE PREQUEL FOUNDATION #4
TRANSFORMERS ONGOING #19
ZOMBIES VS ROBOTS UNDERCITY #2 (OF 4)

Image
CHEW #27 (MR)
INVINCIBLE #79
LAST MORTAL #1 (OF 4)
LIL DEPRESSED BOY #4
MAGDALENA (ONGOING) #6
NONPLAYER #1 2ND PTG
SCIENCE DOG SPECIAL #2
SUPER DINOSAUR ORIGIN SPECIAL #1
WITCHBLADE #144

Misc
B & V FRIENDS DOUBLE DIGEST #214
BART SIMPSON PRINCE OF PRANKS TP
CLINT #7 
LONE RANGER #25
RED SONJA REVENGE O/T GODS #3 (OF 5)
SIMPSONS COMICS #178

Trade Paperbacks/Graphic Novels
ADV OF DR MCNINJA TP VOL 01 NIGHT POWERS
BATGIRL THE FLOOD TP
CHAOS WAR INCREDIBLE HULKS TP
COVER GIRLS OF THE DCU SUPERGIRL STATUE
DEADPOOL MAX PREM HC NUTJOB
DEADPOOL TEAM-UP HC VOL 03 BFFS
DEADPOOL WADE WILSONS WAR TP
DEATH OF DRACULA TP
DONG XOAI VIETNAM TP
ELECTRIC ANT TP
ESSENTIAL X-MEN TP VOL 08 NEW ED
FLASH OMNIBUS BY GEOFF JOHNS HC VOL 01
HELLBLAZER CITY OF DEMONS TP
JSA ALL STARS GLORY DAYS TP
NEW AVENGERS 100 PROJECT SC
STAN LEE SOLDIER ZERO TP VOL 01 ONE SMALL STEP 
STAR WARS BLOOD TIES TP VOL 01 TALE OF JANGO & BOBA FETT
STAR WARS OLD REPUBLIC TP VOL 02 THREAT OF PEACE
SUPER HERO SQUAD SQUAD FOR ALL SEASONS GN TP
SUPERBOY LEGION OF SUPER HEROES THE EARLY YEARS
THOR WORLD EATERS PREM HC
TRANSFORMERS FOUNDATION TP
TRANSFORMERS RISING STORM TP
TROUBLE BY MARK MILLAR PREM HC
ULTIMATE COMICS DOOMSDAY HC
ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN TP VOL 02 CHAMELEONS
X-MEN AGE OF APOCALYPSE PRELUDE TP
ZERO JM KEN NIIMURA ILLUSTRATION TP

Merch
MARVEL COMICS HULK 7IN PLUSH
MARVEL COMICS THOR 7IN PLUSH

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Free Comic Book Day Costume Contest!


As you all know, we are running a costume contest for all the people who went to the effort of coming to Free Comic Book Day in costume. We've had some discussions on how best to run it and we've all agreed that we should leave it up to you, the fans.


We've created an album on Facebook and all we want you to do is go in and like the photo of the person you feel deserves to win, you can vote more than once if you like. We do have a couple of group shots, all we will do for these is add comments under them with the characters names, for these, just like the comment of the characters name. We hope this process isn't too confusing. We'll run this till next Monday the 23rd of May.


What does the winner get you ask? They receive a $50 All Star Comics Gift Voucher, an exclusive All Star Comics competition winner T-Shirt and thanks to the fine folks at FEC Comics, an FEC T-Shirt, sticker and badge set.


Thanks once again to everyone who came in costume, you helped in making it a day that we will always remember. What are you waiting for? Head on over to the Facebook album to get-a-votin.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Your Highness - The Winners!


The following people are the winners for our Your Highness competition thanks to Universal Pictures Australia. Each of the winners has won a double pass to see the film tomorrow night at 7pm Hoyts Melbourne Central. Please come and collect your pass from All Star Comics Melbourne.

Our first list of 8 winners also get a Your Highness poster, they are:
Absurdia #9 (Blogspot)
Scare Crow
John Wheeler
Haydn Klemm
James Holesis
Michael Z Currie
Jason Poley
Brett Magnuson

Our second list of winners all receive a double pass to the film tomorrow night:
Mary Day
John McCabe
Danny Thor Beaton
Thomas Bailey
Travers Cleeman
Joe Taewa
Karl Uebergang
Michelle Whelan
Ryan Edmends
Jane Lee
Scott Vandervalk
James Link Williams

Thanks to all that entered, once again, your creativity was greatly appreciated. We are open till 6pm tonight and 10am-7pm tomorrow night (if you want to cut it close) for you to pick up your tickets. We look forward to seeing you all.

Your Highness, Only In Cinemas May 12th

Thanks Once again to Universal Pictures Australia.

Monday, May 9, 2011

New Comics For Wednesday 11th May


After a huge weekend of free comics and festivities we're back into the swing of things with a whole bunch of new comics to enjoy. Please let us know if there are any reservations you'd like to make.

Marvel
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #660
ASTONISHING X-MEN #37
BLACK PANTHER MAN WITHOUT FEAR #518
DAKEN DARK WOLVERINE #9
DAREDEVIL REBORN #4 (OF 4)
EMMA #3 (OF 5)
FEAR ITSELF YOUTH IN REVOLT #1 (OF 6) FEAR
FF #3
FORMIC WARS BURNING EARTH #5 (OF 7)
INCREDIBLE HULKS #628
JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #623 FEAR
NEW AVENGERS #12
NEW MUTANTS #25
PUNISHERMAX #13
STAND NO MANS LAND #4 (OF 5)
SUPER HEROES #14
X-MEN #11
X-MEN LEGACY #248

DC Comics
ALL NEW BATMAN THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #7
BATGIRL #21
BATMAN ARKHAM CITY #1 (OF 5)
BATMAN INCORPORATED #6
BIRDS OF PREY #12
DC PRESENTS LEGION SUPER HEROES DAMNED #1
DC COMICS PRESENTS THE FLASH #1
DOC SAVAGE #14
FLASH #12 (FLASHPOINT)
FLASHPOINT #1
INFAMOUS #5 (OF 6)
REBELS #28
RED ROBIN #23
SUPERMAN #711
TITANS #35

Vertigo
CINDERELLA FABLES ARE FOREVER #4 (OF 6)
NORTHLANDERS #40
UNWRITTEN #25

Boom
STAN LEE STARBORN #6

Dark Horse
HELLBOY BEING HUMAN ONE SHOT
HELLBOY BUSTER OAKLEY GETS HIS WISH

IDW
30 DAYS OF NIGHT NIGHT AGAIN #1 (OF 4)
FALLEN ANGEL RETURN OF THE SON #4 (OF 4)
GI JOE VOL 2 ONGOING #1

Image
CHEW #27
ELEPHANTMEN #31 (MR)
MICE TEMPLAR VOL 3 #4
MORIARTY #1
NETHERWORLD #1 (OF 5)
SPAWN #207
UNDYING LOVE #2

Misc
CROSSED PSYCHOPATH #2 (OF 6)
DEATH OF ZORRO #3
MAGUS #4 (OF 5)
MEGA MAN #1
QUEEN SONJA #16
ROBERT JORDAN WOT EYE O/T WORLD #10
TOTAL RECALL #1
VERONICA #206

Graphic Novels
ALEXANDRO JODOROWSKY SCREAMING PLANET
AVENGERS WE ARE THE AVENGERS TP
BATMAN AND ROBIN DELUXE HC VOL 03 BATMAN MUST DIE
BATMAN STREETS OF GOTHAM TP VOL 01 HUSH MONEY
BIRDS OF PREY HC VOL 01 ENDRUN
BLACK DYNAMITE SLAVE ISLAND GN
CAPTAIN AMERICA AND KORVAC SAGA GN TP
CHRONICLES OF KING CONAN TP VOL 02 
DANGER GIRL TP VOL 01 DESTINATION DANGER
DEADMAN TP VOL 01
DEADPOOL CORPS PREM HC VOL 02 YOU SAY REVOLUTION
EMILY THE STRANGE TP VOL 03 13TH HOUR
GOON VOL 01 NOTHIN BUT MISERY 2ND ED
IRREDEEMABLE TP VOL 06
JEW GANGSTER TP
MARVEL ADVENTURES THOR SPIDER-MAN DIGEST
SPIDER-MAN EXTREMIST TP
SPIDER-MAN HOBGOBLIN LIVES TP
SPIDER-MAN MATTERS OF LIFE AND DEATH HC
STARCRAFT TP
SUPERBOY THE BOY OF STEEL TP
THOR LORD OF ASGARD TP NEW PTG
WITCHBLADE REDEMPTION TP VOL 02
YOSSEL TP

Merch
BUDDY CHRIST DASHBOARD STATUE
INVINCIBLE CAST POSTER
POP BEETLEJUICE VINYL FIGURE 
POP ROCK KISS GENE SIMMONS VINYL FIG
POP ROCK KISS PAUL STANLEY VINYL FIG
POP ROCK RUN-DMC RUN VINYL FIG
STRATOMATIC FOOTBALL 50TH ANNIVERSARY ED

Friday, May 6, 2011

Your Highness Giveaway!


Thanks to Universal Pictures Australia we have some cool prizes to give away for the new film Your Highness including 20 double passes for a preview screening next Wednesday night.

All we want you to do is tell us what 3 people, real or imaginary you would want in your party on a Dungeons and Dragons style adventure. The following prizes will be drawn:

* 8 Winners will receive a double pass to the film and a poster.

* The following 12 drawn will receive a double pass.

Please note: These passes are only valid for the screening taking place on the 11th of May, 7pm at Hoyts Melbourne Central. We kindly request that you don't enter if you can't make the screening.

The prizes will be drawn on Tuesday the 10th of May at 12pm and we require that you pick your ticket up from All Star Comics Melbourne.

As usual, enter in the comments, on Facebook or just tweet us.

Your Highness is only in cinemas May 12th

Big thanks once again to Universal Pictures Australia.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

All Star Update Free Comic Book Day Special!


We're counting down the days till Free Comic Book day and are starting to get just a little stressed about the whole affair, but that's okay, it's all part of the fun.

First up, if you haven't seen the artists and writers we have lined up for signing and sketching, we posted a schedule last night so be sure to check that out so you know when everyone will be at work.

You remember the posters by Justin Van Genderen right? Well we are happy to report that we got copies of the Gotham and Time Machine posters back in in stock this week just in time for Free Comic Book Day. Not only that though, we have a whole bunch of new designs, check these out, as with the other posters, these are $45 a print:



Also, as a special for Free Comic Book Day, have you ever browsed our Showcase/Essential tower and been hesitant to buy so many classic black and white stories? We'll on Free Comic Book Day we'll try to make that decision easier for you by offering ALL Showcase and Essentials for $19.95 regardless of cover price. Some of these books weigh in at over 500 pages so we like to think it is a nice little value proposition for anyone interested in some hard to get classic stories. Some Great Showcase and Essential Volumes we have available include the following:



That's all for now, we hope to have another announcement tomorrow afternoon too so as always, watch this space, Facebook and Twitter.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Free Comic Book Day Writer/Artist Schedule


As you know, some top talent has loaned us their time to give some free sketches, signing and chatting to you all on Free Comic Book Day this year. Below is the schedule for the time they will be appearing.

11am - 12pm: Matthew Dunn and Andrew Issac
12pm - 1pm:   Jeff Cruz and Hugh Freeman
1pm - 2pm:     Tristan Jones and Katie Houghton-Ward
2pm - 3pm:     Tom Taylor (Writer) and Colin Wilson
3pm - 4pm:     Mike Wszelaki

Please remember that some artists will be selling items on the day so make sure to keep you eye out for them. Some will also have items to give away. Please also note that not every artist will be sketching.

There will be further updates on the day tomorrow including what we hope to be some information on the giveaways. Keep your eye out here, on Facebook and Twitter.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

All Star Recommends! Free Comic Book Day Edition

Welcome to a special Free Comic Book day edition of All Star Recommends. A complete list and previews of all comics can be found on the official Free Comic Book Day Website. Naturally we can't offer you the usual 10% discount on any of these titles but if you come in on Free Comic Book Day, pick up one of these books and mention All Star Recommends, we'll give you a 10% discount on any purchase you make on the day. So let's get to it.

Super Dinosaur 
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Jason Howard
Recommended by: Luke

This is no doubt one for all ages with bright vibrant art and a high concept that would appeal to anyone who has thought about their pet being super-powered. Kirkman of course takes that to the extreme making this particular sidekick an armour clad super dinosaur. Serving as a primer for the Image/Skybound series proper it is an attempt to introduce all the characters of the series in an origin style format, establishing the dynamic of the team and the conflicts and mission they face.

Basically Doctor Dynamo and son Derek have discovered a kind of lost world hidden within the Earth’s crust which they dub Inner Earth. Here they discover that prehistoric life has continued to evolve and so they seek to preserve its existence, taking one of the dinos and kitting him out with cybernetics, missiles and guns to aid them as a soldier and guardian. The concept seems to drive it and the setup seems very basic, but one should never underestimate the plotting skills of Kirkman, whose Walking Dead and Invincible are simple enough in their premise but formidable in their narrative power and sense of drama.

Super Dinosaur is an exclusive book for Free Comic Book Day released by Image Comics.

Amazing Spider-Man
Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Humberto Ramos
Recommended by: Jess

Ah, the Amazing Spider-Man. It wouldn't be FCBD without him. With his meta-knowledge narration and his insistence on calling everyone by their first name, this freebie issue begins with Spidey fighting SpiderWoman on Fifth Avenue. She's been chemically seduced by the Mandrill and Spidey is trying to get her to stop stealing shiny things for her new primate boyfriend. (Sidenote: nothing is more off putting than reading a character say your name over and over). The battle is being watched by the latest Madame Webb and Shang-Chi, The Master of KungFu, who don't so much step in as evaluate Spidey's technique (which is woeful, thanks to his lack of training and the loss of his Spider-sense).

From there, we get to see shirtless Spidey in action. I mean, ahem, we are treated to some excellently drawn fight montages, a bit of the usual banter interspersed with Madame Web's warnings and the preparation of our hero into the fighting machine needed to tackle what is coming up in the ominously called 'Spider Island' arc.

Being that this is a freebie, of course it's not quite a full issue, but you never really feel at the end that you've missed a whole heap of vital plotpoints. Dan Slott's writing is clever and playful, feeding you enough of the addictive fun that makes for a good Spider-Man story to keep you from throwing a tanty. If you're unimpressed with that, prepare to at least wet your pants in glee at Humberto Ramos' artwork. I love how he does facial expressions (my favourite in this issue accompanies the phrase “Oh. My. God...you REEK!”) and his action panels are always interesting. In what is a very compact story with a few restrictive plot devices thrown in to keep it tight (everybody loves a montage), Slott's banter is lively, Ramos' art is gorgeous to look at and the plot a light lead up to Amazing Spider-Man #666.

The bonus bit in this is a sneak preview of the upcoming 'Fear Itself' event. It's got Antarctica, Nazi librarians, a big hammer and the Red Skull's daughter prancing about talking about darling Daddy’s diary. Tasty tidbits!

Amazing Spider-Man is just one of Marvel's offering this Free Comic Book Day and we have plenty of them.

The Intrepid Escape Goat
Writer: Brian Smith
Artist: Brian Smith
Recommended by: Dom

It can be a lot of fun when a book hearkens back to a pulp style adventure leaving concerns of reality behind in favour of escapism. This is why the Intrepid Escape Goat works, it balances the fun adventure and artistry of a children's television series and the mysticism and intrigue of an Indiana Jones film.

The titular character is just as his name suggests, the worlds greatest escape artist...and an anthropomorphic goat. This story feels like just another of many adventures of his double life as adventurer and world famous escape artist. While the villains here are obvious and of the moustache twirling variety it all feels okay and makes the interactions with them all the more humorous. Characters that pop up throughout all have some fun quirks particularly the princess of the story's sub-title who it can be assumed will go on to become a regular character in the upcoming series.The story is complimented by artwork which has a strong angular style reminiscent of a well produced animated series and moves the action along at a brisk pace.

A story that taps into Egyptian archeology, daring escapes with an exciting train chase thrown in for good measure, The Intrepid Escape Goat is an adventure that can be enjoyed by young and old. Also included as a back up is a short introduction to the comic The Stuff of Legend. It's a story that will quickly get you introduced to the cool world of the series and is sure to suck in new readers.

The Intrepid Escape Goat is published by Th3rd World Studios exclusively for Free Comic Book Day. 

Atomic Robo
Writer: Brian Clevenger
Artist: Scott Wegener
Recommended by: Jess

How on Earth I have missed Atomic Robo in my forays into random comics I do not know. The blurb describes the world of Atomic Robo as '...a lot like our world, except for the robot who is also a scientist. And the monsters. And the evil brains in jars. And the talking dinosaur.' The plot opens with Robo and his team discussing hostiles, entrances into a compound and angles of attack. Their destination? The horrors of a Regional 4th Grade Science Fair! Inside, there's a cute little girl with a big, awesome invention, who dreams of being asked to join Atomic Robo's company – Tesladyne – and finishing what her grandfather started. But suddenly! A dinosaur in a suit appears, with guns, ready to steal her invention and instruct our hero on what bullets killing things sound like. It's beautifully ridiculous and the dialogue is swings from dry humour to over the top in a matter of a panel. The same could be said of the art – Scott Wegener has created these wonderfully expressive characters and doesn't shy away from (well drawn!) ugly poses and pulling faces to get the humour across. This little freebie story seems like a nice entrance into the Atomic Robo world. I am really keen to read more.

Included with Atomic Robo are two other vignettes from new Red 5 Comics titles – Foster Broussard and Moon Girl. The first is a ribald little tale by David Ziebart, about a trickster and confidence man in the mid 1800s who weasels his way out of the hangman's noose and onto an expedition to the California Gold Rush. There's mystery, scoundrels and some very pretty art by Dan Glasl. It's a nice little teaser for an alt-history comic that would otherwise fly under the radar.

Tony Trov and Johnny Zito’s Moon Girl looks and reads like an old school pulp horror. The Rahzaah’s art is stylised, lending the little snapshot scene a nice dark feel. Those few pages don’t give much away – Moon Girl seems to be some kind of warrior queen with a steampunkish bent who really likes punching the crap out of other girls - but it definitely looks intriguing.

Atomic Robo is Red 5 Comics contribution to this years Free Comic Book Day.

Spontaneous
Writer: Joe Harris
Artist: Brett Weldele
Recommended by: Dom

Last year, Oni Press launched their mystical western The Sixth Gun on Free Comic Book Day giving the entire first issue away for free. Clearly happy with the results of the venture, they have taken the same approach this year launching a series that looks into the mysteries of spontaneous combustion.

It is the characters that make this one, main character Melvin's tragic past has him obsessed with what is a seemingly random occurrence. The story suggests though that he has a way of knowing to who or when the event is going to occur and he is driven to finding out the why. His investigations lead him to Emily, "investigative reporter at large" who is looking into the latest incident. She's a lot of fun and attempts to dig into Melvin's obsession with some level of success. The back and forth banter between the two characters is great with their drive and motivations made clear within the story. The art by Brett Weldele gives off a strong Ben Templesmith vibe but remains unique to the artist and the leads are all highly expressive it compliments the characters that have been created nicely. The way the writer and artist build the tension to the first combustion is timed perfectly as mix of words and art, it drives the reader to continue.

As an opening chapter, this story asks a question and gets its hooks into the reader through its characters. If you are looking for something original with a story that will continue beyond Free Comic Book Day, Spontaneous is a mystery worth looking into.

Spontaneous is the first issue of a mini series being offered by Oni Press this Free Comic Book Day.

Locke and Key
Writer: Joe Hill
Artist: Gabriel Rodriguez
Recommended by: Luke

Joe Hill’s macabre series is soon to reach its zenith and in the opening scrawl of this stand-alones introduction to the series’ chilling wonders, he is keen to point out the main book is not FOR THE LITTLE ONES! But before you despair, this one-off is more likely to draw a PG rating from the censors despite alluding to the more mature aspects of the over-arching series.

This adventure, much like the majority of the stories so far, remains confined to the newly acquired manor of the Locke family, comprised of Mrs. Locke and her children three, but what a house it is. The keys of the title unlocking doors that reach beyond a patch of simple grass garden or the mere patio, simultaneously bestowing powers upon those that would dare to venture through with a childlike fearlessness and curiosity.

Here, we join Bode, Tyler and Kinsey as they again have to utilize the houses ‘defenses’ to fend off a persistent Dodge from rubbing them out; Just so he can, without interruption, better harness the secrets that the keys unleash. Big on action and the mystic powers that heighten the ongoing tale, this is one is a "Locke" for fans of the series for sure, and maybe for a parent to read a courageous young one, after first gauging its content.

This issue of Locke and Key is published by IDW exclusively for Free Comic Book Day.

Criminal Macabre/Baltimore
Writer: Steve Niles/Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden
Artist: Christopher Mitten/Ben Stenbeck
Recommended by: Luke

Again with the supernatural creepy ones! And once again the tone of this pairing is best judged by an elder before allowing the kids access.

Baltimore is first and serves up a cautionary tale as two young boys who should know better from the forewarning of their parents, venture out after dark when a bald stranger laden with the tools of a hunter is seen passing through their village. As the boys follow, they foolishly fail to heed the red flags and there results a nice play-with-fire comeuppance that hearkens back to what we fear under bridges and the darkness therein. There is some unsettling imagery that is based in light and shadow that is further heightened by Stenbeck’s art style; which as most do when working with the Hellboy creator, smartly channels writer Mignola. Its beauty is found in the bleak and cold landscape and the finale holds a simple lesson imparted from a stranger who knows better than to give little thought to a persistent curse, and to listen to your folks.

Then detective Cal Macdonald takes over for his slice of supernatural swindle solving. Frankenstein is not happy with his folks, or at least the current holders of his estate of which he was technically the first born, who want to parade him as the profitable property of the Frank family. What follows is a tongue-in-cheek ride along that is not unlike Men In Black, which possesses a unique vibe wherein the monsters or aliens are often proven more human than those who fear and/or seek to exploit them. Good humour from Niles and great noir art from Mitten of Wasteland fame.

Criminal Macabre/Baltamore Free Comic Book Day edition is published by Dark Horse Comics.

Top 10 Deadliest Sharks/Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Predators
Writer: Joe Brusha
Artist: Various 
Recommended by: Dom 

Dudes, Sharks! Dinosaurs! What more do you want?


Top 10 Deadliest Sharks/Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Predators is released by the Discovery Channel for Free Comic Book Day. 

Be sure to check out our Archives for older recommendations.