The eighth annual Free Comic Book Day takes place Saturday, May 2. Started as a way for the comics biz to promote itself to new readers, the entire industry gets on board these days, with special edition titles released specifically to be given away on the day. It doesn’t hurt that X-Men Origins: Wolverine opens in theatres on Friday. It’s almost as if it was planned…!
Up in the north end, Quantum Frontier Games and Comics (3087A Robie, 446-8233) is ready for the big event. “We’ll have some in-store-giveaways,” says owner Patrick McMerty, who is also expecting mysterious costumed figures. “Some storm troopers. Possibly Darth Vader, a zombie, a superhero or two and an anime character.” He’s also looking into getting a hotdog vendor for in front of the store.
Over at 2091 Gottingen, the Monster Comic Lounge (429-2398) is planning a sale. Like last year, there will be 25 percent off everything in the place, with some special deals (overstock trade paperbacks!) in the 50 to 75 percent range.
Strange Adventures Comic Bookshop (5262 Sackville, 425-2140) intends on giving away 20,000 comics on Saturday, in special Free Comic Book Day bags that hold 80 to 100 comics. Because the cozy Sackville street location can’t accommodate all who that descend upon it, they open a satellite location for the day at St. David’s Hall (the Market Street entrance of The Presbyterian Church of Saint David, 1544 Grafton).
In attendance will be a number of local animators and cartoonists doing sketches, including Faith Erin Hicks and The Coast’s teller of True Stories, Mike Holmes. Last year Iron Man also made an appearance, so who knows who might show up Saturday. And owner Calum Johnston is happy to spread the Free Comic love around: He mentions that he’s heard The 2nd Last Gamestore (278 Lacewood, 457-7529) is showcasing live music on the day. Sure enough, video game theme cover band Nerd Army and Mega Band 3 are to perform, and at the Dartmouth location, The Last Gamestore (590 Portland, 434-3350), there’ll be a Super Smash Bros. tournament.
This article appears in Apr 23-29, 2009.
