Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Free Comic Book Day

If you don't know already, then call your local comic shop today to find out if they are one of the thousands of shops around the country participating in Free Comic Book Day-- this Saturday, May 3rd!

If you don't the history of FCBD, let me fill you in: Free Comic Book Day is an annual promotional effort by the North American comic book industry to help bring new readers into independent comic book stores. Brainstormed by retailer Joe Field of Flying Colors Comics in Concord CA in his "Big Picture" column in the August 2001 issue of Comics & Games Retailer magazine (which no longer being published), it was started in 2002 and is coordinated by the industry's single large distributor, Diamond Comic Distributors.

On Free Comic Book Day, participating comic book store retailers give away specially printed copies of free comic books, and some offer cheaper back issues and other items to anyone who visits their establishments. Just to let you know, retailers do not receive the issues for free; they pay 12-50 cents per copy for the comics they will give away for free. So get there early to get what freebies you can and show your gratitude by buying a graphic novel for your mother (it's Mother's Day in just two weeks, y'know!).

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

REAL SUPERHERO HONORED BY LOCAL COMIC BOOK SHOPS ON SATURDAY MAY 3rd

The first Saturday in May represents a holiday for comic fans across the world know as Free Comic Book Day, where participating comic store retailers distribute free comics to anyone with no strings attached. A day where anyone can read about and dream of becoming superheroes, introducing millions to the unique art form and storytelling method that has delighted and inspired millions more.

This year however, Free Comic Book Day has a new meaning in the eyes of the local comic stores in Columbus , as they will all be honoring a very special local hero. On April 10, 2008 Diane Sharp, a crossing guard at Scioto Darby Elementary school in Hilliard, was killed saving the life of Christian Engle, a second grader. Sharp was very heroic and tried to protect the child with her own body and in the end, sacrificed her life to save another.

Jamie Colegrove, owner of Packrat Comics located near Scioto Darby Creek Elementary, said “It truly was amazing how quickly Diane reacted to protect Christian we wanted to honor her sacrifice and heroism.” Colegrove continued “Free Comic Book Day seemed like an excellent opportunity to acknowledge her as our own superhero.”

All comic retailers in the community whole heartedly agreed. Each of the participating stores in Columbus will be accepting donations on behalf of the Sharp and Engle families funds at Fifth Third and Key Bank. In addition, many of the stores will be contributing and offering other opportunities for all patrons to enjoy.

So on Saturday, May 3rd, stop by your local comic shop, get a free comic and support this true superhero and those she left behind.

Participating retailers include:

PACKRAT COMICS
3872 LATTIMER STREET
HILLIARD , OH
(614) 527-8450

PACKRAT COMICS
109 E FIFTH STREET
MARYSVILLE, OH
(937) 624-0492

THE LAUGHING OGRE
4258 NORTH HIGH STREET
COLUMBUS , OH
(614) 267-6473

BRITISH PAPERMILL
5733 BRICE OUTLET MALL
COLUMBUS, OH 43232
(614) 577-0220

DISCOUNT PAPERBACK CENTER
10 CHITTENDEN AVENUE
COLUMBUS, OH
(614) 291-5136

COMIC TOWN
320 S STATE STREET
WESTERVILLE, OH
(614) 890-8338

COMIC TOWN
1249 MORSE ROAD
COLUMBUS, OH
(614) 262-5006

COMIC TOWN
1065 GEMINI PLACE
COLUMBUS , OH 43240
(614) 436-3167

MOORE COMICS
5505 WESTERVILLE ROAD
WESTERVILLE , OH
(614) 901-3963

ALLEY CAT GAMES & COMICS
2744 FESTIVAL LANE
DUBLIN, OH
(614) 336-2445

DAVE’S CLUB HOUSE
1538 BRICE ROAD Brice Rd.
REYNODLSBURG, OH 43068

Max Ink said...

Thank you so much for posting this update-- Diane Sharp was definitely a hero and it's wonderful to see how the Columbus comics community is working together to celebrate her bravery.