Wow, I really cant’ believe that another year has gone by so quickly. Yes, I know it’s only the end of April but I’m not talking about the year of 2017, even though we are now close to being half way through with this year.
No, the year I mean is the year that has passed since the last Free Comic Book Day. It’s only 2 weeks away, May 6, and usually at this point I’ve already talked about how you should be getting prepared for the event. Sorry for the lack of an earlier post but I’ve been busy with trying to get set up for the Star Wars Celebration convention and then going to it. In fact, I’m still trying to get my posts in order for the convention. It’s not that easy having to work a day job, get chores done, then go to conventions where I have to prep and write about after. Which I’ll get back to the Celebration posts after this and the posts about the Raleigh Supercon in July, but I wanted to get a quick reminder out there about Free Comic Book Day.
First thing to know about FCBD, get there early. Depending on where you live, lets say Fort Mill, SC, a small town, small comic shop, you can get there right around opening time. Unless something big is planned, most of the small town shops that will be participating in the FCBD will just have the comics to hand out. Which is the best part, free comics. On the other hand if you are living in a city like NYC, you will want to get there hours before the opening. I know for me here in Charlotte, NC, when I go to Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find shop, I get there about 2 to 3 hours before the event. This shop has artists, creators, photo ops, the comics, and a huge sale going on. It’s so much fun but it also brings out a lot of people and they only have a limited amount of comics, even though those should last most of the day there is always a few of the more popular ones that go fast. Ones like I’m thinking the Guardians of the Galaxy comic since the second movie will have come out in theaters the day before (well 2 days before since they show big movies like this starting Thursday evenings).
There are events going on and guests appearing at some that will create a long line so if you are planning on wanting the comics and to meet some people, get there early.
Another important thing to know about FCBD, be kind to everyone. You’re not the only one standing in line waiting so don’t get upset if the line is not moving as fast as you want it to. Yes I know it can be uncomfortable, especially if weather is not helping, but you are there for free stuff and even free stuff comes with a cost. This cost being waiting in line. I don’t mind it so much because I take my camera to get photos of the cosplayers, the cars like the Ghostbusters car, and other cool stuff happening at the store.
If you think it’s going to rain or it is raining, take an umbrella but be mindful of your surroundings. The water will run off and I’ve seen it before where people not paying attention of where their umbrellas are end up having the water roll off to either the backs of the people around them or onto comics or other items brought or got while at the event. The umbrella also works if it’s a hot sunny day and you don’t want to bake under the sun. In either case, if you are nice you might make some new friends as you offer some protection with your umbrella.
Watch your drinks and food. I know standing in line for hours can make you thirsty and hungry and it’s fine to have drinks and food (as long as the shop is OK with it), in the line. However, DON’T take either food or drink into the comic shop. With all the people around it’s very easy to be bumped where you spill on the comics and that’s not good at all. You will be out money and those might have been the issues I was wanting and now they are destroyed.
Last but most important, have fun. Enjoy yourself while out there. Talk to people, take photos, and get some free comics. It’s a fun day so enjoy it.
Now if you want to know what comics will be given away, check out the list here. http://www.freecomicbookday.com/catalog