In a neat case of life imitating art, while proving the former is much less exciting, a would-be comic book thief was apprehended at an Australian comic book store this weekend by a crimefighter wearing a full Spider-Man costume.

When store owner Michael Baulderstone spotted the customer slip a $150 "X-Men Omnibus" into his backpack and make for the exit, he knew he had to act fast.

With his Spidey-sense tingling -- he was wearing a full Spider-Man costume for International Free Comic Day -- the 45-year-old sprang into action and followed the thief through the store to challenge him.

Then, in a sight which makes us glad CCTV was invented, he demanded the man hand over his bag and carried it back through the Adelaide store, followed by the red-faced crook.

During the incident Spidey, sorry Michael, shouted over to a group of 40 other costumed comic book shoppers, including Jedi knights and the Flash, to block the door.

However, he says it was not until he asked the collected superheroes to call the police that they realized exactly what was happening. Until then they'd all thought it was a PR stunt.

Keep reading to see Spidey in action.

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