Free Comic Book Day Later
Here’s Jonathan Case taking a break from free sketches to hold Baby Dorothy, the smilingest cheekmonster ever, and me probably drawing a Captain America head. That was at the Hollywood Things From Another World, which stayed busy the whole time I was there for Free Comic Book Day.
I’m just hoping somewhere, one of those comics that the publishers created and TFAW handed out gets under some kid’s skin and makes a new reader of our medium. Most people asking for the free sketches were very gracious, but when you set up a situation where free things are being given (which is the only way you’re going to get this many people through the door, no argument with that) you do get a lot of people who just keep asking for more, like it’s the law that you have to keep drawing for them. This is what I’m hearing from a number of different artists doing signings around the country.
Honestly, I prefer to do free drawings for kids, just like I do at any show. I’m happy to also do a quick sketch for adults, but if you then ask for more… I will at least give you the look. You’re already getting free comics. The participating shops have a lot on their hands, but they might consider making it clear to new people what they can ask for. The TFAW folks did a good job with that, and they had the threat of putting the PDX YAR pirates on anyone, but not every store has pirates at their disposal.
That’s just a slight finger wag, far outweighed by the sight of happy parents bringing in curious children who were happy to find a new cool thing. If you have a minute, I’d like to hear about your FCBD experiences this year.
Posted May 6th, 2012 in Random!
Comments:5
Comments
Comment from Ayo
Time: May 6, 2012, 8:09 am
No matter what, I always feel a pang of shame and regret about Free Comic Book Day because I am not a new reader. I feel like I’m taking stuff that is supposed to be for another person. Like a wealthy person taking a penny from the take-a-penny-leave-a-penny tray.
That said, 2012′s FCBD was a little nicer than some of the previous years.
Comment from Brandon
Time: May 6, 2012, 9:44 am
There were a ton of people at Dr. Volt’s here in Salt Lake City, which is obviously good to see. I have to agree with Mr. Parker when I say that I hope, more than anything, that some of these people I saw were new to the medium and found what magic holding and reading a comicbook can have.
I think it’s absolutely tremendous that The Avengers movie performed as amazing as it did this weekend. My only hope now is that some of these people who went to the movie for the purpose of “enjoying a good movie”, who normally may not have otherwise, took (or will take) advantage of their local comic shop on FCBD to see where the inspiration really comes from.
Comment from Costa K
Time: May 6, 2012, 9:47 am
I spent FCBD working this and last year, but the year before was excellent, I lived in NYC and went to my favorite shop, Forbidden Planet. Because I’m old and like sleep, all the free books were gone by the time I got there but EVERYTHING was on sale, and got a ton of stuff I’d been wanting to pick up like the giant “Bone” collection and some Charles Burns stuff. The staff were very exhausted and stoked on how many people had been in, mostly new faces who’d heard about the event.
One of my favorite things to do is spend money on FCBD, both to take advantage of great sales, but also to show support for the store.
Comment from David Oakes
Time: May 6, 2012, 3:53 pm
With three comics, you get free baby!
Comment from Craig
Time: May 6, 2012, 7:36 am
I think the free sketches should be for kids. Artists that choose to sketch for adults should expect at the very least a token payment that the artist sets.