Free Comic Book Day 2011

HULK READ!

As those of you noble comic readers out there know, the first Saturday of May brings a most joyous occasion: Free Comic Book Day. Originally started as a promotional event for comic stores nationwide, it has evolved into a day of fun, cosplay, happiness, and of course, comics!

The day itself has several purposes which include sparking interest in newbies on the comic scene, to thank regular comic readers for their repeated patronage and hell, who cares, it’s FREE! This year there were a total of 37 titles AND a free Green Lantern Heroclix. Most stores allowed 1-3 comics per customer and charged a small fee of either a dime or a quarter for additional comics.

Being the intense well read gal that I am, I swung into work at my comic shop (Keith’s Comics) to help out (you know, cause I work there) and check out the goods. Amidst a decent crowd, I made my way to the designated area and pondered the choices set out for all. Would  I want the Green Lantern one that had the largest group over it or would I want Elric by Michael Moorcock (yes, that’s his REAL name!!)? My brain pleaded for me to grab a copy of good ole’ Captain America/Thor but my heart screamed for something new.

The Dark Side accepts applicants of all ages

As I was arranging comics, I was caught off guard by the raspy breathing of one I know so well. Darth Vader reached over and chose Top 10 Deadliest Sharks and I giggled as I followed him outside to assist, only to see his cohorts waiting.

Outside of the comic store, there were quite a few cosplayers, including some from the Star Garrison of the 501st. The 501st are a Star Wars cosplay group dedicated to getting their costumes as screen accurate as possible.

I walked away that evening with a full heart, my comic choices, and some kickass pictures.

Several people walked in looking to get free comics based on their favorite TV shows and watching them walk out with several new titles to begin their journey is definitely a warm fuzzy feeling as I put everything away.

Hopefully all of you went out and shared in the FCBD festivities, ’cause let’s face it, comics are the backbone of us all.