'Free Comic Day 2002' Talkback

[James Harvey]

The event kicks off on May 4th as an attempt to bring in new readers. Any comments on this event? Do you think it will be successful?

[Joe Wagner]

I have a feeling this is going to very successful in pulling people into comic shops all over. With any luck the people they bring in will do more than just pick up a free comic and leave. The advertising for this event has been very good so far and with all of the hype surrounding Spidey I hope this event is indeed successful. I alos hope that I'll be able to land a couple of free books myself :D

-Joe!

[Isondill]

Well Maybe it will....Even if it's not I plan on landin' a few Comic books for free myself! ;)

It'll at least get SOME new readers , Im sure...

[kid_flash]

I think it'll definitely be a success. There's an ad in the Oregonian (the statewide newspaper in Oregon) about this, as well as a few names of shops and the web site URL. Hope people caught it!

[Billy]

Well out of the 3 comic shops closest to me only one still had the free JLA comic still in stock! It's been a busy day...

[BLACKHEART]

I'm not bothering with this event.

[kid_flash]

SLIPKNOT: Any particular reason why?

[Dark Spider]

I was kinda upset with this event. I went the closest comic book shop called the "Alternate Universe". I go in and its dead quiet. I ask for the free comics and they give me only one (Justice League Adventures). According to the website, they are supposed to have a minimum of about 4 comics and I was supposed to recieve 1 of each. But instead, all the comics are behind the desk and they only give me one. I think they had the other comics back there, but they were to stingy to give them out. They didn't even ask me which one I wanted.

I was royally pissed off at that place.

As for the comic, I recieved "Justice League Adventures"and I was indifferent about it. They could've gave the potential new customers a better story than the one in that comic, but since it was free, I guessed they didn't have to. Oh well, I kinda enjoyed it. Some alien bomb crashed in Oakville. The locals called the Green Lantern to investigate it. While GL goes to Oakville, the rest of the members on their satelite, get visited by an alien. The alien warns the JL that the bomb has the potential to destroy the world and it is only set off by GL's Power from the ring. That was basically the story in a nutshell. It was decent, but then again...

I want to hear more stories from the members, I hope everyone else had a better time than I did.

[The Flash]

They actually charged the comic store owners 3 or 4 cents for each "free" comic. That can add up... especially if the comic book store doesn't have much money. I know my comic book store guy was only going to let kids get the free comics. http://community.sierra.com/Images/emoticons/shrug.gif

[rggkjg1]

well, besides the free star wars an spiderman comics i got. the owner was also giving out free batman 10 cent adventures too!

[Memphis Bleek]

My local comic shop decided it was only free comic day if you bought a comic. So basically instead of being free comic day for me it was chance for me to pick my subscription and get some extra comics as a free bonus.

[czyznyck99]

I went to my local comic book store in Irvine. For a small store, it was a little more busy than usual. I only could get one comic, so I got Ultimate Spiderman 1, I already had JL Adventures 1. There was a multitude of comics to choose from, from those two to Star Wars, to some independents, and even some back issues. Grrr, I could only pick one, though.

I observed the activity in the store for a while, too. Almost everybody did just go to get the free comic in the hour I was there. I bought some JSA comics, and a Fantastic Four graphic novel.

I think that the rules and conditions of Free Comic Book day were intentionally left wide open so that the more popular stores could provide for everybody, and the small stores could give away more.

At least THIS free giveaway is not as bad as the Baskin Robbins one on Wednesday. Every store had a line going down the block. What was that about??

til next time kiddies...

[The Green Hornet]

people came into my local shop all DAY getting free comics-- it was nice

[Billy]

Hey, Ive been ripped off judging by these comments. I had to buy a comic first, and I only got 2 free ones- One was the JLA one I already mentioned, (which was Ok) and one was some gory violent one that has nothing to do with Free Comic Book Day. I hate those types! :(

[JTurner954]

I needed to get Big O #3 anyway so I didn't have the intention of getting a free comic and leaving.

I went to two comic stores (both 30 minutes away and the closest ones to me). For the first store, I went and bought one of the Superman Funeral for a Friend issues (they don't have Big O)and I asked what the free comics thing was about and the clerk went to give me one: An Archie comic. I asked if he had anything thing different and he said something about one to a customer and that it is at random. I used to collect Archie, but I grew out of it years ago. I'll keep the book anyway.

The second comic book place had the original comic book that I wanted in the first place: Big O #3. Again, I went up to the counter and asked about the free comics. Guess what he said?? "Take as many as you want". So I went ahead and got two Star Wars titles (in case a friend of mine couldn't find it) and one of other titles: Matrix, Tomb Raider,Spiderman, and Justice League. This place has been great to me in the past (they even rent out anime) so I went and bought more comics (at a better price than the other place). It made my day. :cool:

[Dark Spider]

Ugh, I passively hate Alternate Universe now. They screwed me on some cool comics... :mad:

[Clayface]

Originally posted by Dark Spider

As for the comic, I recieved "Justice League Adventures"and I was indifferent about it. They could've gave the potential new customers a better story than the one in that comic, but since it was free, I guessed they didn't have to. Oh well, I kinda enjoyed it. Some alien bomb crashed in Oakville. The locals called the Green Lantern to investigate it. While GL goes to Oakville, the rest of the members on their satelite, get visited by an alien. The alien warns the JL that the bomb has the potential to destroy the world and it is only set off by GL's Power from the ring. That was basically the story in a nutshell. It was decent, but then again...



I hope that issue doesn't spoil you on "Justice League Adventures". That issue in particular is, in my opinion, the worst issue of the series. If you have any interest in the series at all, go out and check out some of the more recent issues - you won't be disappointed.

[JTurner954]

Oh, another thing: The two comic book stores that I went to weren't crowded at all ( I was there at around 2:30-3). The first place was just about empty, and the second place only had maybe 10 people.

[Livewire]

I need some comforting. :(



I get to my comic book store, and come to find out that all the good comic books were already taken. I really wanted to get a free comic book, too. Oh, well. Maybe next year....

[The Green Hornet]

dont feel bad livewire

i wanted JL: adventures #1 but wound up with some japaneese anime comic i coudlnt give two shakes about

the GOOD thing that came from my trip was my pickup of SPIDER GIRL #47-- this comic only gets better as it goes folks-- pick it up!

[Caped Crusader]

Originally posted by Livewire
I need some comforting. :(



I get to my comic book store, and come to find out that all the good comic books were already taken. I really wanted to get a free comic book, too. Oh, well. Maybe next year....



You're not alone, Livewire. Too bad I wasn't able to get to my comic book shop earlier. By the time I got there, nothing was left except a terrible selection. :(

[d4rkkn1ght]

My comic books store had at least 100 copies of the four comics and they were giving away more like Powerpuff Girls, Sonic and other comics they wanted to get rid of. It was the most packed I'd seen the store be in years which I thought was pretty cool.

[kid_flash]

The first store I went to, Things From Another World, were completely out of most comics after only an hour of being open.

Then I went to my local shop and grabbed QUEEN AND COUNTRY #1 (really strong stuff), and asked for a few USMs to give to friends. The shop owner said I could only have one, but told me to come back tomorrow. All around, a good day and I bought some stuff I needed to get.

[Sugar Daddy]

I picked up JLA, Spidey, and Tomb Raider. And my comic book store even had the Batman Beyond origin issue. It was also giving away the 10 cent adventure for free, but I already had that.

[Chris Sanders MSX]

I was at spider man so I couldn't go, But I'm gona go check tomorow tos ee if eithers tore has anything left over at all.

[Isondill]

I LOVE comics and i got 8 issues of the Card Captor Sakura manga , 2 Gundam Wing Manga , plus both the Spiderman and Star wars free comic book editons out of the four.

After I got the comics , I went to see Spiderman at the Theater and thats how I got the rest ;)

[Mattashell]

I went to see Hollywood Ending, because my cousin had a bit part in it. My sister wanted to see Spider-Man too. I wanted to see Spider-Man, but I was willing to wait and I had to work at six tonight, but I gave in and went to both movies. We barely got their in time for the first and only had ten minutes between the two. After the second I had only 15 minutes to get to work, plus the comic book store, Zanadu (sic) in downtown Seattle, was closing at the same time. I asked my sister, who knows and cares nothing of comics, to go pick them up for me. I knew that Tomb Raider, Ultimate Spider-Man, Star Wars, and Justice League Adventures were the ones participating in the event. I wasn't sure if the deal was that you get all four, or choose one, so I told her that if she had to choose to get me JL. When I got back to my apartment tonight, this is what I found on my coffee table; Justise League Adventures #1, Keenspot Spotlight 2002, Dragon Knights #2 from Tokyopop Manga, and Manga EX: Evo-Experimental Arena #3 from Antarctic AP. I'm not disapointed because JL was what I wanted, but I've never heard of these other titles or their publishers. Only JL and Keenspot had the "Free Comic Book Day" logo, and Manga EX had a seven dollar pricetag!!! Judging by the comic book store, who have always been good to me, I'm guessing that they would have given the other titles but had run out. The next time I see my sister I will ask her about it. I just got home from work, and I haven't read any of my free comics yet.

EDIT: Okay, I've spoken with her now and she said they were doing it on a three teir system.

Teir one: Choose between Spider-Man, Star Wars, Justice League, and The Matrix. They were out of The Matrix.

Teir two: Choose between four printed web-comics. They were out of two of them.

Teir three: The employee chooses your third book for you. The person new she was my sister and gave her an extra.

I should clarify that when I said my sister doesn't like comics, I meant mainstream super-hero fair. She is into underground stuff, like Beanworld, and Hectic Planet. She's also into erotica from companies like Eros.

[BLACKHEART]

Kid Flash for a couple of reasons actually. Just look at what happened to Dark Spider as an example. Anytime you put the word "free" out there you are going to attract all kinds of people. You are going to attract those people who don't even read comic books just because it's "free." The peaceful comic store will be invaded by people saying "give me give me."

Then knowing my comic book guy you would have to buy a comic to get 1 free comic. I know how he operates. Nevermind all the books I buy from his store. Nevermind the fact I've been buying books from him for at least 10 years. Don't make me make myself look old. :( I know I had to start around age 7. I'm sure I can look towards an old issue of Batman or TEC to see when I started. And this guy is going to make me buy a comic book to get a free comic book? I don't think so.

My big reason would be the fact there wasn't a free comic book that I wanted.

[Condiment King]

:D :D :D Free Comic Book Day was the greatest! I went to the only comic shop in the same zip code as me, Comic Relief. I know the owner and he is always good to me. I went with my brother. I go there thinking, okay, which book will I choose? I look around for some back issues of Batman: Gotham Adventures and Green Lantern while my brother (who is 10+ years older than me) was looking for old G.I. Joe comics. He couldn't find many but he bought what he saw. He went up to the clerk and paid. The clerk asked, "Are you collecting these?". My brother says yes and immediately the clerk pulls out a huge stack of gi joes that are clearly worth more than he priced them at, 1.00 each. My brother got about 20 G.I. Joes. I came up with my Batmans and asked about Free Comic Book Day. He pointed to 4 stacks of comics on the counter, Justice League Adventures, Ultimate Spider-Man, Star Wars, and Batman: The 10 cent Adventure and said I could have as many as I wanted. I picked up one of each!!!! This was soooo cool! I stayed up to the wee hours of the night reading all the comics I had. Ultimate Spider-Man was awesome. JLA #1 I didn't read because I already had it. Star Wars, I haven't read yet and Batman: The 10 cent Adventure was okay.

[Ms. Kitty]

I think Marvel cut out stuff from their spiderman comic. You guys noticed this too? :confused:

[WingZombie38]

I went to THREE comic shops and all of them had already "sold out". They had given away every last one of those free comics. :(

I was SO upset. I even called up one of my past teachers (we hang out almost daily) and asked if she could go to the comic shop by her place that she once took me to. She was kind enough to take time out of her paper grading (she was more than happy [ :D ] too ) and go.

She then reported too me that they too had given away all there stock (and by noon) and that it was only one comic to a costumer. She said they weren't giving out the ones I told her they would. She did remember they were giving away (when they had) Justice League Adventures #5 and not #1. She thought I gave her the wrong information, I told her they weren't doing it correctly. Teachers..... :p

I thought it was wierd that they ran out by noon and were giving one to a costumer. They could have ordered a small supply but, it's in Parkslope by D'town Brooklyn - they vould have TONS of people in for free comics and too BUY comics. :confused: Oh, well.

I hope this becomes an annual thing and things will be better next year.

[William C. Maune]

[indent]I went to my usual comic shop midday and they had 4 boxes full of various free comics. While they said they had seen some new faces, business had been slow and therefore they had upped the number you could take from 1 to 4 books. They were trying to keep it focused on kids. I guess after all while it is fun for those who already get comics, the main idea of the promotion is to get new customers. I picked up Ultimate Spiderman, Justice League Adventures, Star Wars, and The Matrix. Afterwards I stopped by another store in town. He said they did not get in on Free Comic Book Day, but they ended up receiving some of the free comics anyway. He pulled some out from behind the counter and I ended up with another Matrix and something else I have not had a chance to read yet.

[The Green Hornet]

they werent participating but he got comics anyway?

i think not

my comic book guy (whos a friend of mine) told me that those comics werent free-- they still had to order them

[Utopian1]

Here's what I got on Free Comic Day:

Ultimate Spider-Man #1 Justice League Adventures #1 Star Wars: Tales - A Jedi's Weapon Captain America (vol.3) #1 Spider-Man: Lifeline JLA #47 Stray Bullets #2 Love & Rockets #45

[Meow]

Originally posted by Utopian1
Here's what I got on Free Comic Day:

Ultimate Spider-Man #1 Justice League Adventures #1 Star Wars: Tales - A Jedi's Weapon Captain America (vol.3) #1 Spider-Man: Lifeline JLA #47 Stray Bullets #2 Love & Rockets #45 Hmmm.. we were only allowed to take 5 comics.

That's not fair.

[William C. Maune]

"they werent participating but he got comics anyway?

i think not

my comic book guy (whos a friend of mine) told me that those comics werent free-- they still had to order them"

[indent]That is just what he told me. It could be possible that not every publisher charged for the books.

[Good Ol' Batmanuel!]

What areas are these events being held in? Just the U.S. or elsewhere? I bet if I went to any local store that sells comics, they'd say to me "what are you talking about?!"

[James Harvey]

Actually, FCBD took place all over the world. Reportedly 20 countries pitched in on this effort to make it a huge event. All the comic stores in my local area celebrated it and had great contests and prizes.

[JTurner954]

Question: What happens now to all the comics that say "free" on it??

[sulimo]

Originally posted by Jim Harvey
Actually, FCBD took place all over the world. Reportedly 20 countries pitched in on this effort to make it a huge event. All the comic stores in my local area celebrated it and had great contests and prizes.

Yeah. My local store down here in Australia participated, but I didnt realise till after the event. Still, the manager did have a copy of the SW comic that he gave me :)

And cool it was. Is DHC doing other comics set in that timeframe?

[James Harvey]

The free comics not sold? Well, I bet most retailers will keep them out and display them.

I bet we'll see FCBD 2 when HULK hits in June of 2003. I'd like to see this be an annual event.

[sulimo]

Originally posted by Jim Harvey
The free comics not sold? Well, I bet most retailers will keep them out and display them.

Naah. He was sold out, but kept a SW one for me knowing I'm quite a SW fan :)