Comments on: Free Comic Book Day to Happen Twice a Year in 2012

By: Jamie Coville

Jamie Coville — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 05:22:13 +0000

Retailers already earn cash back on FCBD, they are often the best sales day of the year. If they get back more than they put in I’m not sure (likely depends, store by store).

And while I like stores to make money, I’m a little leery of promoting comics as collectables (instead of as reading entertainment) on the same date.

By: David

David — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 03:56:20 +0000

I’d like to see retailers earn some of their cash back by having some special comics available only for sale at FCBD. Some kind of rare variants with meaningful variantness (not just a new cover) that cost a premium.

Fans would come in for that as well as the free stuff.

By: HUMAN BEANS | WORLDWIDE WALBURG

HUMAN BEANS | WORLDWIDE WALBURG — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:49:05 +0000

[...] 2 Free Comic Book Days in 2012? [...]

By: Johanna

Johanna — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:37:16 +0000

Certainly, all ages work is a lot safer for retailers, and maybe it’s easier to convert them when they’re young. :)

By: Thad

Thad — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:47:38 +0000

I’ve had non-comics readers ask me why FCBD is only once a year, so (anecdotally) at least they seem receptive to the idea. It’s got potential, I think.

Good point about comics (and FCBD) not just being for kids, but they’re the great untapped demographic, and I’m okay with a little overcorrection in their direction. Plus, I’ve gotten plenty of great free all-ages Halloween comics over the last few years — there was a Great Pumpkin collection not too long ago, and this year’s got a good Barks Donald Duck book.

That said, obviously there are plenty of horror comics for adults that could capitalize on Halloween. Print selections from the EC or Creepy archives. Simpsons Treehouse of Horror is sort of gray area between kid and adult audience (just like the cartoon).

By: Johanna

Johanna — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:27:44 +0000

Oh, good point, Jamie. Since Halloween is about giving things to kids, it does make the best choice for a new date if you’re going to do a second FCBD. We’ve given out comics to trick-or-treaters for many years, and if there’s a way we can purchase FCBD copies, that would be great.

But I do object to the idea that FCBD should be only for kids, although that’s the way the marketing has been leaning lately.

By: Anatole Wilson

Anatole Wilson — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:04:28 +0000

I buy the Halloween mini-comics from Diamond and give those out at Halloween, but the truth is most of them aren’t very good. This year I’m only giving out “Scary Godmother” and Donald Duck this year.

By: Jamie Coville

Jamie Coville — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 03:35:36 +0000

I think a number of prominent retailers are already doing a comic giveaway for Halloween and were often trying to find a way to get cheap comics to give away. Some even order & ave extras of the cheap/free books just for Halloween.

Peter David has long given away comics instead of Candy for Halloween and I’m sure he’s not the only one.

I think the idea of free comics for Halloween makes sense and might even be better at reaching out to kids than FCBD. You’re less likely to get the people who take anything if it’s free on Halloween night.

It’s also closer to X-mas and if the kid likes what he reads, more of the same might would make a good gift.