Five brave souls from Monkeys Fighting Robots ventured out for Free Comic Book Day and these are their tales.
Big Bang Comics
Dundrum, Dublin, Ireland
I’d suspect not many readers will have heard about Big Bang Comics, my LCBS in Dundrum, Dublin, but they are by far one of the most facilitating and amiable businesses I’ve ever had the pleasure of dealing with. This is unsurprising considering they became the first Irish store to ever be shortlisted for the Eisner “Spirit of Comics Retailer Award” in 2016. This was my first FBCD since moving to Dublin, though I’d been a mail-order customer for many years and needless to say, the lads put on an absolute belter of a show. People began lining up at 5 am for a 9 am opening and over 500 people showed up to collect their comics in the first hour alone. The range of comics on offer from 50 sanctioned books, to smaller independent works from Irish creators was unparalleled. Not to mention the deals on off, everyone who popped along from the young to the young-at-heart seemed to really enjoy themselves. This is comics as they should be, a unifying medium that brings those people together and alienates none. Maith sibh lads, maith sibh.
Cool Comics and Games
Cape Coral, FL
As the only comics and game shop in sleepy Cape Coral, FL, Cool Comics and Games is a geek port in a land of bars, boat docks, tourist stops, big box stores and labyrinthine canal waterways. Founded in 2003, the store is not only always current with its weekly shipment of new books, it also has a strong (and neatly organized!) section of affordable back issues and classic and new toy collectibles as well.
But perhaps the best thing is the sense of community the store brings. Tom and his small staff are not only friendly but knowledgeable and thoughtful as well. A good half of the store is set up with long tables that not only serve in helping host various weekly game nights, but you’ll also find fans sitting around reading, snacking, and talking comics and games. As a fairly recent transplant to this smallish town, Cool Comics and Games felt like home as soon as I walked in. And in my opinion, that’s the key feeling that any great comic shop can give a reader.
This year they once again hosted a great Free Comic Book Day, with people lined up before opening. A great diverse crowd of fanboys, gamers, kids, cosplayers and families! ‘Nuff said!
Dr. Cain’s Comics and Games
San Luis Obispo, CA
For the last few years, on the first Saturday in May, I’ve headed down to Dr. Cain’s in San Luis Obispo to get my free comics. The business always has something going on during FCBD, whether it be samples of food, custom t-shirt designs, raffles, and more. Despite the shop’s small size, it always brings a great atmosphere that is fun for all comics fans – whether you’re into Archie, Sonic The Hedgehog, the classics, or the “standard” Marvel and DC. If you’re even mildly into comics, I’d recommend heading to your local comic book store on Free Comic Book Day to join in on the fun.
River City Comics
Berlin, NJ
In celebration of FCBD, the focus of River City Comics was on sales. With storewide discounts up to 60% off, patrons were able to add stacks of key issues to their collections in addition to grabbing their free comics. The experience at River City is always superb, it’s a haven for we comic book obsessed. The two guys running the shop are the most welcoming and delightful retailers in NJ. They’re fairly priced and extensive selection is what gets you through the door, the conversations and enthusiastic debates had within are what keeps you.
Vault of Midnight
Grand Rapids, Michigan
In celebration of Free Comic Day, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc (DGRI) set up a sidewalk festival. Food trucks, sidewalk vendors, and people in costume were everywhere. The line stretched down the block and around the corner. The local staff of The Vault of Midnight had a stand out front with a “Wheel or Destiny” where you could spin for a prize.
Where did you go for FCBD? Tell us all about your experiences in the comment section below.
