Do you love free stuff? Do you love comic books? Well then this Saturday is your day.
Free Comic Book Day is that little known, but hugely awesome holiday of sorts that takes place on the first Saturday of each May. Participating comic book shops across the US and around the world give away comic books, you guessed it, for absolutely no charge. Click here to find a participating store near you.
Last week we briefly introduced you to Free Comic Book Day in our post on the benefits of giving away products. But it is Friday and Friday means learning day, right? So let’s delve a bit deeper into the history of this glorious day.
Free Comic Day began in May of 2002, when comic book retailer, Joe Field, decided to spread his love of comics by giving them away for free. The first Free Comic Book Day was linked to the release of the first Spiderman movie. Since then, the day has been set on the first Saturday each May. It has also been adopted and spearheaded by Diamond Comics, the world’s largest comic book distributor.
Field’s original goal for Free Comic Book Day was threefold: To introduce everyone to the joys of comic books, to bring back former comic book readers, and to thank current readers for their support. Well with the millions of visitors since Free Comic Book Day’s onset, it has certainly accomplished these goals. And even more.
Today, publishers participate by giving retailers special Free Comic Book Day versions of one of their comics. These are typically comics that help showcase what the publisher is all about and will help spread the word.
Not only is this a great tool to gear up business for those smaller publishers and retailers, but it is also benefitting the customers—especially the younger ones.
In this video, comic book writer, Jim McCann talks about the benefits of Free Comic Book Day on those young readers. “Comic books are helping kids learn to read and be enthused about reading,” he says.
So as you can see, this comic book giveaway is good for customers and businesses alike. Don’t forget to check it out tomorrow! Happy (almost) Comic Book Day, everyone!
Do you have questions about giving away your products for free? Comment below and we’ll get back to you!
Sources: FreeComicBookDay.com, Youtube.com, ComicBooks.About.com
