Do you want some fee comic books? Would you like to know how you can get some free comics? Would you like me to stop asking rhetorical questions?
There is in fact a yearly event that all comic book shops participate in which is dedicated to free comic books. It’s even called FREE COMIC BOOK DAY. What is it? FCBD is a promotional event held annually by comic book stores in which comics are given away for free to patrons. Comic book publishers use this even as an opportunity to gain new readers or to get current readers to try comic books they might nit usually try. Retailers generally use this as a means to attract new customers. Stores will usually host special discount sales and provide face painting services for kids, do BBQs outside if the weather permits and stir up all manner of promotional shenanigans.
The event first kicked off in May 2002 and coincided roughly with the release of the Spider-Man live action film. This has become somewhat of a tradition with many FCBD events tying in to comic book movies.
For the Geek On A Budget, FCBD is an important event. With just couch cushion change you can buy a stack of comic books from the $0.25 bin. Or if you like softback comics stores will often sell them at two for one prices. Not to mention the free comics available such as the first chapter to the Blackest Night Saga that was published for free in 2008. The idea of the event is to gain readers. So bring your kids and friends and just enjoy a fun day out that won’t burn your wallet.
A few things to know:
Have fun next summer at Free Comic Book Day!
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I missed Free Comic Book Day this year. Made me sad. My store was having a big event, too.
Cool thing is that these free comics can also be acquired later pretty cheap in my experience. I have a couple that were FCBD prints. As far as I know, the material is the same as retail copies in some of these issues. It’s just easy to acquire the FCBD version cheap-as-free.
Got myself a Green Hornet comic that way. 😛
I went to my very first FCBD this past summer! It was great. My LCS did a deal where you got 2 free, and could get another for each book you bought from the store. I thought that was a great way to bring revenue to the store with that event, and also control the amount people take!
FCBD is awesome! I mean whats not to love about free comic books. The one thing I have to make sure is my timing. I have to go to my LCS at just the right time or things don’t go over well.
As far as I know there is no limit to the number of books you can take. but I have not gone into my LCS without picking up a few other books in a while.
I’m not to sure about this statement you made “Be kind, don’t push and shove others to get to the free comics. And always always always let kids go first.” I have seen things get a little rough and some of the kids are the worst. That’s one of the reasons I need to time my trip.
Well, there’s exceptions I’m sure but I’ve seen kids be really disappointed and sad at not getting the comics they wanted because some bully in a greasy spider-man shirt cut in front. It’s not a good look.
I know what you mean Jason. I try to let kids get their books before I take mine. I almost got into a fight my first FCBD because some guy was just pushing through everyone and messing up the piles of comics. Some people can get to worked up over free books. My LCS is fairly accurate though on how many to get so there is not much worry if you can’t make it on FCBD cause they stay free for a while.
