FCBD video report
Kyle Roberts visits Second Chance Books & Comics in Warr Acres on Free Comic Book Day.
Live-blogging Free Comic Book Day
For the second year in a row, I’ll attempt live-blogging the comic-book holiday, Free Comic Book Day, from Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman, OK.
(Full disclosure note: I am one of the owners of Speeding Bullet.)
NewsOK Comics Podcast co-host Kyle Roberts will be shooting a Free
Comic Book Day video at Second Chance Books in Warr Acres. Second Chance Books is a sponsor of Nerdage and of the NewsOK Comics Podcast, and I look forward to seeing what kind of a fun video Kyle brings back.
If you haven’t seen Kyle’s video from the Warren Theatre prior to the X-Men Origins: Wolverine midnight screening, you should check that out!
If you need to find the closest participating comic-book store to you, you can visit www.freecomicbookday.com.
10 a.m.: The doors open and the line surges in! There’s a crowd ready and waiting for Free Comic Book Day. Lots of kids, some adults as well.
10:15 a.m. - There are so many people surged around the Free Comics table that it’s difficult to get to them. That hasn’t happened much. Some stores will move a line through, but there’s always been enough space in Ricochet Cafe before to handle surges. It’s a little crowded. There are 3 tables – all ages, teens, and adults, and the kids table is being surged around like the Wiggles are standing there.
10:30 a.m: The Geoff Johns-written “Blackest Night” 0 has been exceptionally popular with the comic-book fans through the door so far. I can also tell the all-ages “Wolverine” comic has taken a hit.
10:45 a.m.: There’s been near-constant movement since the doors opened. Good news for sales, the guys at the register seem really busy as well. Free Comic Book Day isn’t free for the retailers, and it’s nice to see people making purchases as well, though it’s certainly not required.
10:46 a.m.: The rains hit Norman. It’ll be interesting to see over the course of the day if the rain slows down people coming in. In the first 45 minutes, definitely not. It’s been more busy than expected, even. But if it really starts pouring down, will people get out? That’s what we’ll have to see. Going to check www.newsok.com/weather to see what might be expected the rest of the day.
11 a.m.: Quite a bit of discussion about Wolverine and people looking 
through the Wolverine display. Not as much discussion as there was last year about Iron Man, I don’t think, though. Then again, Iron Man was a completely new thing, whereas Wolverine’s been in 3 movies before.
11:15 a.m.: A few more people talking about “Green Lantern.” It’ll be interesting to see how that continues to develop as the “Green Lantern” movie seems to be coming closer to reality. Comic-book fans have known about Geoff Johns’ run on “Green Lantern” for a while — maybe “Blackest Night” and movie hype will get additional attention for the property.
11:30 a.m.: According to the guys on staff, the reprint of the first 
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles issue has been a popular choice. I think this is one of my favorites of the free issues this year as well, and I hope it leads to a comprehensive reprint of the original Eastman-Laird Turtles.
11:45 a.m.: Response to the “Wolverine” film is mixed among the fans filtering in for FCBD. Most of them are excited about “Star Trek,” which has comic-book tie-ins from IDW but nothing specifically for Free Comic Book Day. Probably the fact that Colin Warde, who worked in Los Angeles on the Star Trek auctions, is appearing here this afternoon, is adding to the Star Trek buzz at this location.
Noon: While there has been rain here and there in the first two hours, so 
far it doesn’t look like the rain is keeping anybody away. Still hasn’t been much of a letup of people since the doors opened at 10 a.m.
12:15 p.m.: I know a lot of Nerdage readers are also Sterling Gates fans — he’s signing today with Geoff Johns at Atomic Comics in Arizona. Atomic knows how to put on an event, so those guys should have quite a turnout.
1 p.m.: There hasn’t been much of an opportunity to catch a breath, here, but it’s been great to see so many people coming through and having fun.
1:15 p.m.: Unscientifically, I’m saying “Blackest Night” 0 is the hit of the day so far, but will try to get more scientific data on that. (Day-after update: Top 3 book giveaways for the day were 1. Blackest Night, 2. Avengers, 3. Wolverine.)
1:45 p.m.: A tip for those who may be looking for “Wolverine” material for their younger kids – “Wolverine: First Class” is an excellent choice.
2:15 p.m.: Word comes from MTV Splash Page that “Wolverine” did $35 million over Friday, and could have a $90 million opening weekend. In FCBD news, bodies through the door here have already surpassed last year, I’m told.
2:30 p.m.: “Star Trek” props expert Colin Warde is in the house. He’s got some neat logos and accessories on hand, as well as lots of photos of “Star Trek” items.
3 p.m.: Still quite a crowd, between people shopping, people getting free comics, and people talking “Star Trek.” Lots of people think next week’s “Star Trek” movie is going to be a big hit.
3:15 p.m.: As far as indies go, it’s worth it to check out Oni Press’ 
“Resurrection.” You can get the FCBD issue of “Resurrection” and then add the trade paperback collection for just $6.
3:30 p.m.: Mostly kids still coming in for free comics. Colin is entertaining a crowd with tales of “Star Trek.”
4 p.m.: Probably the slowest it’s been so far today for free comics-specific people. Still a good “Trek” crowd though, learning lots of inside baseball on what certain props were made of, how they were created, etc.
4:15 p.m.: Hearing good things from other retailers about FCBD nationwide; people giving away more comics than they ever had before, more people in the door, etc. The thing to do over the next few weeks is figure out why it worked! The new Geoff Johns comic? The Wolverine movie? Press coverage? Something else?
4:30 p.m.: BAM is in the house, checking out some free comics. She’s consistently one of NewsOK’s most popular bloggers, and she shared some “Star Trek” info with me, as well. Next week we’ll likely shift into full-on “Star Trek” mode here at Nerdage, bringing you some interviews, background and behind the scenes stuff.
5 p.m.: Colin is wrapping up his “Star Trek” demonstration, so I’m going to wrap up live-blogging and go get some food shortly. Speeding Bullet will remain open, giving away Free Comic Book Day comics until 7; other area stores will be open for a while longer as well, so you still have some time to make your own FCBD trek. It’s been exciting to get to talk to so many comic-book fans in person today. I’ll try to share some reports from across the nation in the coming days as well. Happy Free Comic Book Day, everybody!
- Matt Price
Wolverine, Green Lantern highlight Free Comic Book Day
WORD BALLOONS
As “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” is released, local comic book stores will give away a “Wolverine” comic book as part of the eighth annual Free Comic Book Day.
Thousands of comic book stores worldwide will give free comic books to patrons Saturday as part of the annual celebration.
Free Comic Book Day was the idea of California comic book retailer Joe Field, and it is implemented through comic book distributor Diamond Comics.
Diamond Comics estimates more than 2 million comic books will be given away worldwide.
DC Comics will kick off its largest 2009 event, “Blackest Night,” with a free “zero” issue on Free Comic Book Day. The issue includes a lead story that leads directly into “Blackest Night” No. 1.
“The first half is by me and Ivan Reis,” Johns said at the recent ComicsPRO annual meeting in Memphis. “It’s a 12-page story that’s a lead-in to the DC Universe through Hal Jordan (Green Lantern) and Barry Allen (Flash).” The second half of the issue is by artist Doug Mahnke and Johns, and is a guide to the different organizations that will play into the “Blackest Night” storyline.
Other comics will feature Disney/Pixar’s Cars, the Avengers, Star Wars, Transformers, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Giveaway books may vary by location and are available while supplies last.
In addition to the participating comic book stores, Metro Library Systems will participate in Free Comic Book Day.
For more information, go online to www.freecomicbookday.com.
By Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman
Local stores participating in Free Comic Book Day
Metro-area stores participating in Free Comic Book Day include the following:
All-Star Comics, 6900 N May; 842-7800.
Atomic Comics, 6006 S Western; 632-2848.
Atomik Pop, 918 W Main, Norman; 329-9695.
Atomik Pop II, 7884 S Western; 635-0848.
Bibliotech, 123 E Main, Shawnee; 275-9494.
New World Comics, 6219 N Meridian; 721-7634.
New World Games and Comics, 4435 SE 29; 677-2559.
Second Chance Books & Comics, 3909 N MacArthur, Warr Acres; 603-7151.
Speeding Bullet Comics, 614 N Porter, Norman; 360-6866.
Ultimate Heroes, 1316 N Kelly, Edmond, 715-0001.
Wizard’s Games, 749 Jenkins, Norman; 292-4263.
Comics Q&A: Free Comic Book Day
Comics Q&A: What is Free Comic Book Day? Kyle Roberts and Matt Price answer questions about Free Comic Book Day, which is Saturday, May 2.
Free Comic Book Day at Second Chance
Kyle Roberts reports from Second Chance Books & Comics in Warr Acres on Free Comic Book Day! Check it out.
Free Comic Book Day: live blogging
9:30 a.m. — I’m going to live-blog Free Comic Book Day from Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman. (Full disclosure note: I am one of the owners of Speeding Bullet.) The store opens at 10 a.m., and hundreds of comics are arrayed in the ‘Ricochet Cafe’ portion of Speeding Bullet just awaiting incoming patrons. I talked to Vaneta Rogers of Newsarama about Free Comic Book Day yesterday from a retail perspective. She’s got a great article up with quotes from Free Comic Book Day founder Joe Field and ComicsPRO staffer Amanda Fisher, along with myself and some other retailers. It’s a good lowdown on how the day works.
At Speeding Bullet, the staff has done several creative ideas in the past to stimulate FCBD attendance, but this year the store is mostly hoping Iron Man hype brings in people. HeroClix judge Jake Langham will be giving demonstrations of the game starting at 11 a.m., and will be giving away the special “Iron Man” HeroClix figure at that time.
There are two different “Iron Man” books being given away — the Marvel Adventures one featuring Hulk, Iron Man and Spidey, and then a sampler with Iron Man and the Hulk. If you’re wondering what to pick up for FCBD, there’s a good writeup of several of the titles at Bookgasm.
9:45 a.m. — Other years, I’ve been more up on what the entire retail community is up to for Free Comic Book Day, but this year, I’m a little less connected. I was physically out of town doing the “Iron Man” junket, so I didn’t visit and call as many stores pre-FCBD as I usually would. My podcast co-host and videographer all-star Kyle Roberts was hoping to stop by Second Chance Books and Comics and shoot some video. I hope he does, because I’d like to see what others are doing for the event.
10 a.m. — About a dozen people right at 10 a.m. coming in for Free Comic Book Day. Also talked a bit to Tommy of the Bat-Blog, who came by. I’m planning to talk to him some more in the coming weeks with “Dark Knight” approaching.
10:30 a.m. — Jake decided to come by and get started on HeroClix demos early, which is good, because he’s already had a half-dozen people interested. Traffic in the first hour seems pretty heavy. Lots of kids, as well.
11 a.m. — Continuing what feels like a pretty heavy pace of traffic. Just eyeballing the racks of free comics, it looks like the Marvel giveaways — the two Iron Mans and the X-Men — are taking the biggest hit so far, but no one’s had time to do a count, yet. The staff tells me about 50 people in the door for the first hour. Jake has been in constant demo mode since he sat down at the table.
11:05 a.m. — A young reader’s mom says her son wasn’t about to let her forget Free Comic Book Day.
“Comics are important to my life,” he says.
11:30 a.m. — For about two minutes, it looked like there might be a lull, but another batch of people made their way in about 10 after 11. People are taking their time and looking around.
“We look forward to this day every year!” says a happy woman leaving with a handful of comic books.
Noon — Second hour was more laid back than the first, overall, but there’s still been a steady stream of people. It’s a mix of regular comic customers, kids, and those curious about the medium. More than 75 people in so far, I’m told.
12:20 p.m. — Midday has meant kids! Kids love Free Comic Book Day. The excitement from them is invigorating — helps you remember what you liked about comics as a kid. They’re excited to see stories with their favorite heroes (Spider-Man remains a favorite, from the scuttlebutt here) and they’re excited their parents are bringing them to the comic book store. If nothing else, Free Comic Book Day is “worth it” as an outreach to this next generation of readers.
1 p.m. — More than 100 people in before 1 p.m. Maybe 40% kids? Not scientific polling, but certainly many many younger readers. Several people talking about “Iron Man” — they either went last night, or many were planning on going after picking up free comics today.
1:15 p.m. — Three people in a row looking for “Iron Man” comics and back issues. So at least anecdotally, the movie is spurring some interest in the comics. Meanwhile, Jake’s HeroClix demos have ranged from the youngest of kids to people seeking their Ph.D. in HeroClix — and he’s handled them all great.
2 p.m. — There’s kind of a camaraderie of Free Comic Book Day among comic-book fans. I think people appreciate that their favorite medium gets a special spotlight on this weekend every year, and they like feeling a part of it. The morning was more “new people” oriented; so far the afternoon is a little heavier on regular comic-book readers.
2:30 p.m. — “Transformers Animated” is nearing a “sellout.” Is it a sellout if it’s free? A “giveout”? Otherwise, it looks like there’s still plenty of all the all-ages “Gold Sponsor” selections. A few of the Silver Selections and leftovers from previous years look to have all gone out the door. It’s the halfway point of Speeding Bullet’s Free Comic Book Day, and the people count is more than 150, I’m told. I’ve also gotten word that the U.S. House of Representatives honored Free Comic Book Day this year, as a creative approach to promoting literacy and a celebration of a unique American art form. Way to go, House of Representatives!
2:45 p.m. — Mike Carey and Greg Land provide a new story for this year’s Free Comic Book Day X-Men story, about a young mutant named Pixie and strange disappearances happening in her town. Not a bad read, and it seems to hint at some future developments in the X-Men. I went ahead and read it now, as about 75% of them have gone out the door. With more than four hours left in the day, it’s been a popular choice.
3:15 p.m. — “Iron Man” box office tracking puts it at $33 million, according to BoxOfficeGuru.com via Newsarama; $38.5 million when you count Thursday. This makes it the second best one-day debut for a non-sequel — behind 2002’s ”Spider-Man.”
4 p.m. — More people looking for “Iron Man” stuff. The 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. hour was the busiest hour since the first hour of the day. More than 200 people through the door, so far. Jake soldiers along with his HeroClix demonstrations. The staff, for the most part, shifted out at mid-day, so Jake and I have been hanging on here at Speeding Bullet the longest.
4:30 p.m. — The “Marvel Adventures” starring Iron Man, Spider-Man and the Hulk — the most-ordered book, I believe, for today’s giveaway — is 70% gone at this point. Since we’re about 70% done with the day, it seems like the ordering is probably pretty close to spot-on for that title, anyway. “DC Universe Zero” is moving at a rapid clip, and I would wager it’s the biggest mover among single items being sold today — then again, at 50 cents, it is very nearly free!
5 p.m. — Two hours to go in Free Comic Book Day 2008! Overall, it looks like the day will exceed projections, with a turnout similar to 2003-2006 numbers, though slightly smaller (probably) than 2007 and 2002 turnouts. Still, there’s two hours left in the day, so that could change. Lots of excitement from fans over the day in general; certainly, the success of “Iron Man” this weekend has been a hot topic of conversation, and several fans have been discussing the classic David Michelinie-Bob Layton run on the book.
5:45 p.m. — It seems as if Jake has taught half the town of Norman how to play HeroClix by now. He’s not sure of the totals of people that he’s run through a demo, but he hasn’t stopped very often over the past seven-plus hours. I’m on my second energy drink of the day, myself, but still having a good time seeing all the comics fans and potential comic-book fans. Saying things like “J. Michael Straczynski” after being at the store talking to people for more than eight hours is becoming a challenge, but people seem willing to forgive my inability to enunciate at this point.
5:50 p.m. — And, there are no more FCBD “X-Men” editions to be had at Speeding Bullet. (Though if you’re seriously jonesing for some free X-Men, some “X-Men/Runaways” from last year’s FCBD remain.)
6:15 p.m. — Brandy “BAM” McDonnell makes an appearance, fresh from seeing “Iron Man” at the Warren Theater in Moore. Her verdict? Positive.
6:30 p.m. — Jake wraps up HeroClix, after an eight-hour shift of HeroClix demonstrations. Jake judges and demonstrates the game at conventions, as well, and he’s definitely good at it.
6:45 p.m. — Last minute surge of people getting in before the buzzer to get their free comic books.
7 p.m. — About to wrap it up — still some stragglers picking up free books. It was an amazing, exhausting day. Of course, I’m just now looking at CBR’s coverage of the Image Comics founders signing in Arizona — that also looks pretty amazing and exhausting. After seven years of Free Comic Book Day, I still think it’s a great idea that makes people happy. Thanks again to Joe Field, the retailer in Concord, Calif., who came up with the idea!
Free Comic Book Day is May 3
By Matthew Price
WORD BALLOONS
As movie viewers throughout the country are introduced to Iron Man, readers can visit local comic book stores Saturday to explore Iron Man’s medium of origin — comic books.
“Marvel Adventures,” starring Iron Man, the Hulk and Spider-Man is one of Marvel Comics’ “Free Comic Book Day” releases for 2008.
Thousands of comic book stores worldwide will give free comic books to patrons Saturday as part of the seventh annual Free Comic Book Day. Free Comic Book Day was the idea of California comic book retailer Joe Field, and it is implemented through comic book distributor Diamond Comics. Diamond Comics estimates more than 2 million comic books will be given away worldwide.
Other giveaway books include:
All-Star Superman No. 1 — Free Comic Book Day edition: Superman must rescue a group of astronauts on the surface of the sun, where he’s exposed to massive amounts of solar radiation.
Broken Trinity Preview — Free Comic Book Day 2008 edition: Featuring the adventures of Top Cow Productions’ characters Witchblade and The Darkness.
Shonen Jump magazine sampler: Manga previews of three series — “Naruto,” “Bleach” and “Slam Dunk.”
Transformers Animated Free Comic Book Day 2008 edition: Adapting the first episode of the new “Transformers” cartoon.
X-Men: Free Comic Book Day 2008 Edition: A young mutant calls in the X-Men to save her town from a mysterious evil.
Other Free Comic Book Day books include Steve Rude’s “The Moth,” “Atomic Robo,” “Maintenance,” “Love and Capes,” “Disney’s Gyro Gearloose,” “Tiny Titans,” “Owly” and more.
Giveaway books may vary by location and are available while supplies last. In addition to the participating local comic book stores, Pioneer Library System and the Toy & Action Figure Museum, 111 S Chickasaw in Pauls Valley, will participate in Free Comic Book Day. For more information, go online to www.freecomicbookday.com.
Locations
Metro-area participating stores include:
All-Star Comics, 6900 N May; 842-7800.
Atomic Comics, 6006 S Western; 632-2848.
Atomik Pop, 918 W Main, Norman; 329-9695.
Atomik Pop II, 7884 S Western; 635-0848.
Bibliotech, 123 E Main, Shawnee; 275-9494.
Dragonfyre Comics, 1501 N Meridian; 946-5549.
Movies, Music and Heroes, 623C N Broadway, Moore; 912-4700.
New World Comics, 6219 N Meridian; 721-7634.
New World Games and Comics, 4435 SE 29; 677-2559.
Second Chance Books & Comics, 3909 N MacArthur, Warr Acres; 603-7151.
Speeding Bullet Comics, 614 N Porter, Norman; 360-6866.
Ultimate Heroes, 1316 N Kelly, Edmond, 715-0001.
Vintage Stock, 7201 SE 29, Suite 208, Midwest City; 732-1140.
Wizard’s Games, 749 Jenkins, Norman; 292-4263.
Source: www.freecomicbookday.com.
Comics podcast: Free Comic Book Day, Iron Man, “DC Universe Zero”
Kyle Roberts and I discuss the big reveal in this week’s “DC Universe Zero,” as well as what’s coming up this Saturday at Free Comic Book Day in comic-book stores nationwide and locally. We also talk about the buzz around “Iron Man.” All this in this week’s comic-book podcast!
DeMatteis at Meltdown for FCBD
For my Los Angeles-based readers, here’s a cool announcement: J.M. DeMatteis (”Spider-Man: Kraven’s Last Hunt,” “Justice League International”) will appear at Meltdown Comics, 7522 Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles, on Free Comic Book Day.
The event celebrates the new BOOM! Studios release of “The Stardust Kid” TPB during Free Comic Book Day this Saturday, May 3rd from noon to 2pm.
– Matt Price
