It is Free Comic Book Day and Jim and I just got done making the rounds to see what was going on. It was a pretty good effort in our small town.
There is one major local comic book shop in town, Ron's Coin and Collectibles. They have three stores around town. There is also a gaming store that carries comics called Games Unlimited. At Ron's, the owner worked with the local movie theatre to put on a promotion. Everyone who attended Spider-Man 3 received a full page coupon for the store. It included a chance to win a limited edition Silver Surfer t-shirt and other prizes.
As we entered the main store downtown, I was pleasantly surprised to see how many kids there were lined up to pick out their free comic. Ron's was allowing two free books per person. By the time we got there, the Virgin Comics book and several other small press books were long gone. Several of the kids were picking out Spider-Man and Justice League. When I asked why, it was because of the recognition of seeing Spider-Man on the cover and enjoying the movie. I was very fascinated to see how the art really influenced their decisions.
Jim was a nice uncle and picked out his free comics based on what my nephews would like. I just said screw it and picked up the Lone Ranger/Battlestar Galactica book by Dynamite along with the Dark Horse Feedback special.
While we were at the store, we were asked what side of the backing board should be facing the comic in the bag. Jim, our local authority on all matters comics, concluded that it should be the smooth side. I would have to agree with him there.
After a brief discussion, we went to the West side store and picked up our free books there. Our good friend Corey works there so we are always looking for an excuse to go there. I picked out the Spider-Man comic for the sole reason that Phil Jimenez drew it. I also picked out the Image offering with The Astounding Wolf-Man on it just to give it a try. Jim was once again selfless and picked out books for the nephews!
We didn't make it to the other store because I need to go work out but Jim is going to head back to the west side store to help out for the rest of the day. We are hoping to see more kids there, especially with their parents to share the experience.
I would have to give the local store props for the coupon tie-in to the movie and the advertising they did. It did this old lady's heart good to see so many new faces at the store today. Now if we can just figure out a way to keep the momentum going.
How was your Free Comic Book Day?
Saturday, May 05, 2007
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11 comments:
I honestly forgot today was Free Comic Book Day. I've been running around trying to get everything ready for my vacation that starts in a few hours when I have to leave for the airport to fly to Washington D.C. I did manage to squeeze in a showing of Spiderman today. I thought it was very good. Hope you have a great week and if you don't hear anything from me this week it's cause I'm running around the streets of our capital.
I got a box of free comics for the library, and only picked up 3 for myself. My local comic store lets you take as many as you want, so I never realized some stores only let you have 2 or 3 to choose. He did say that yesterday some kids were being total gluttons and coming back...
Heidi,
Please let me know what you think of The Astounding WOLF-MAN...I didn't make it to free comic book day yesterday.
Did you watch Metal Mania last night? Really good round of videos this week! I went crazy when they played DEEP PURPLE's "knockin at your back door"! --and I'm really starting to groove to the NEW intro:)
John, I am pretty sure I have missed you before leaving, but have a wonderful time! We will miss you!
Red, I am really happy to see that you picked up a bunch for the library! That is wonderful! My local shop donated three or four boxes to our local library as well.
I am glad you brought up how many comics were allowed. In the past at my local shop, we were only allowed one, so to get two this year was pretty cool. The kids that were there were really excited. Of course, we followed a van to the other store in town, and it was full of kids. I just had to figure that at least they wanted to read so it was okay!
I am glad you had a good day!
Kirk my brother! I liked Astounding Wolf-Man very much. I will try and grab an extra copy of it for you this week!
I was in HEAVEN last night during Metal Mania. I watched the entire show and it was so damn cool. I didn't want it to end. Two Dokken videos!! Finally a Warrant video! I was so happy.
Our FCBD was awesome - our best day of the year so far, and nearly 25% better than FCBD last year. We had lots of people come in - young and old. I was so busy showing people around the store and answering questions and taking pictures that the day just flew by. It was a lot of work, but a lot of fun.
Lisa, I am so thrilled to hear that! I looked at your Flickr set and it is awesome! My hubby wishes that we lived close so we could go to your shop!! :-)
My FCBD was excellent, thanks for asking. My favorite store got the Silver as well as the Gold books this year and I got there in time for everything I wanted except Owly. I rushed to the store on the other side of town and got their last copy.
I also picked up an awesome dragon toy for my son who was with me. He wouldn't let go of the dragon all day.
So, yeah. It was awesome. =)
Vaklam, I am so happy to hear that you had a good day! That makes me so happy! I am also thrilled that you got copies of the books you wanted and got a toy for your son. That is wonderful!
Heidi,
The Good news:
I snagged the last copy of THE ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN from the comic shop today!
The Bad news:
Not very Astounding.
But thanks anyway for saying you'd try to grab me one if you could:)
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