Black Angel
05-02-2010, 11:30 PM
It's a comic book store owner's dream: dressing up as Spiderman and chasing down a thief, while The Flash stands watch and two lightsaber-wielding Jedis guard the door.
But for Michael Baulderstone, the owner of the Adelaide Comic Centre, this incredible spectacle was no fantasy.
About 50 comic book fans had turned up at the store on Saturday for a special promotional giveaway organised by Mr Baulderstone, who was dressed in a full Spiderman suit.
But like the friendly neighbourhood hero he was imitating, Mr Baulderstone was careful not to forget that with great power comes great responsibility.
"My spider sense was tingling," he told ninemsn.
He quietly followed one of the guests at the event, who was suspiciously dressed in regular clothing, as he headed towards the back area of the store.
"This gentleman took advantage of a hardcover book worth $160 and put it into his bag."
Before confronting the thief he told two of the guests dressed as Jedi Knights to stand guard at the door.
His business partner Peter Spandrio — who was dressed as The Flash — was also standing watch during the incident.
"I was actually desperate to get the mask off and the gloves as it was restricting my movements," Mr Baulderstone said.
"But in the end it was too late and I had to leave the costume on."
Mr Baulderstone asked to see inside the bag and after a small scuffle the thief returned the expensive X-Men Omnibus book.
Police arrived at the scene later and took statements from all involved.
The special event was organised for International Free Comic day, which is held around the world on the first Saturday of May.
"At first a lot of the people in the store thought it was some kind of pantomime," Mr Baulderstone said.
"It took a while for them to realise we weren't just acting."
A police spokesman told ninemsn they were currently making further inquiries.
From here (http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/1047573/spiderman-jedi-knights-foil-thieves)
But for Michael Baulderstone, the owner of the Adelaide Comic Centre, this incredible spectacle was no fantasy.
About 50 comic book fans had turned up at the store on Saturday for a special promotional giveaway organised by Mr Baulderstone, who was dressed in a full Spiderman suit.
But like the friendly neighbourhood hero he was imitating, Mr Baulderstone was careful not to forget that with great power comes great responsibility.
"My spider sense was tingling," he told ninemsn.
He quietly followed one of the guests at the event, who was suspiciously dressed in regular clothing, as he headed towards the back area of the store.
"This gentleman took advantage of a hardcover book worth $160 and put it into his bag."
Before confronting the thief he told two of the guests dressed as Jedi Knights to stand guard at the door.
His business partner Peter Spandrio — who was dressed as The Flash — was also standing watch during the incident.
"I was actually desperate to get the mask off and the gloves as it was restricting my movements," Mr Baulderstone said.
"But in the end it was too late and I had to leave the costume on."
Mr Baulderstone asked to see inside the bag and after a small scuffle the thief returned the expensive X-Men Omnibus book.
Police arrived at the scene later and took statements from all involved.
The special event was organised for International Free Comic day, which is held around the world on the first Saturday of May.
"At first a lot of the people in the store thought it was some kind of pantomime," Mr Baulderstone said.
"It took a while for them to realise we weren't just acting."
A police spokesman told ninemsn they were currently making further inquiries.
From here (http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/1047573/spiderman-jedi-knights-foil-thieves)