Iron Man, Wonder Woman, Captain America, Shazam, Dr. Manhattan – these names have become as familiar to us as Luke Skywalker, Harry Potter and Mario. Yes, admittedly most of the aforementioned characters have been around for decades, immortalised in the pages of comic books. That being said, superheroes have never been a more prevalent part of pop culture than they have been in the past few years. Marvel, DC and independent comic-book characters are popping up on our big and small screens with ever-increasing frequency – a trend that is transcending zeitgeist and becoming a permanent fixture of our lives. We’re here for it – as are the owners of Fortitude Valley’s new comic-book inspired bar 1st Edition. Cocktail pro Marc Grey (formerly of Destino Sanctuary Cove) and chef Steve Maiden (ex-Baja) are the brains behind the bar and eatery, which officially opens today, Friday November 26, in California Lane. The duo are pairing their nerdy side with their culinary interests, creating an intimate and theatrical dining experience that plucks a few pages out of their favourite comic series. 1st Edition sits 22 in a cosy setting adorned from wall to wall in comic-inspired murals (featuring Batman, Spider-Man and an assortment of other caped crusaders) and neon lights, while the bar top is coated in covers of iconic comic-book issues encased in resin.

Marc and Steve are applying their own unique superpowers (Marc’s magical mixology and Steve’s captivating culinary craftsmanship) to 1st Edition’s food and beverage offering, which can be enjoyed via one of three 90-minute sittings. In the kitchen, Steve takes a globe-trotting approach – selecting salivation-worthy flavours from Asia and the Americas. Each dish is designed to be shared, from the cheeseburger gyoza, corn ribs with miso butter and tajin, and spanner crab with burnt butter to the red duck curry with pineapple and lychee, cauliflower popcorn, and wagyu steak with onion soubise. 1st Edition’s cocktails will tickle the sensibilities of any comic lover, with each concoction named and themed after a different character. The Harley Quinn boasts dry gin, lemon and rose cuvee topped with a crown of Persian fairy floss and a sprinkling of gold flakes. Mystic maestro Doctor Strange gets a tipple in his honour, too – this one made using rhubarb and bramble gin, lemon, lavender and simple syrup dispensed via an anti-gravity fountain. Bubbles, smoke and fancy flourishes will no doubt amaze the visual and olfactory senses, while the flavours of both nosh and liquid will deliver a zip, zap and pow to the tastebuds.

1st Edition is now open to the public – head to the Stumble Guide for menu and booking details.