With its roots stemming from the first Saturday of every may, Free Comic Book day started on May 4th, 2002. Retailer Joe Field conceptualized the idea for Free Comic Book Day as a way to expose new readers to independent comic book shops.
Within the first six years, over 30 countries gave away 12 million comics as a way to support the industry through the enjoyment of reading, reminding old readers why they love this fandom, and to shed appreciation of the buyers support. What better way then to appreciate 13 years of free comic book day than by visiting an independent business such as Silver Age Comics in Astoria Queens, and showing appreciation for its 24 years in business on this day of May 2nd, 2015.
As I make my way into one of the few old relics we know as a “mom and pop” shop of the comic book industry, an emotional shock jolts my spider-sense to an unknown feeling. That sensation reminds me of a time long ago when comic shops had that under-ground cult following, with a sense of camaraderie that is often forgotten. As families enter the shop to embrace free comic book day, not only does it save money for hard working parents that have to put food on the table, but sentimentally it links the past readers with present day readers in a collective of comic book awareness. The owner Gus who reminds me of Silver Age’s grand opening taking place on February 8th, 1991 and how Free Comic Book day along with loyal regulars establishes itself like the sitcom Cheers “where everybody knows your name.”
Although a small shop linked directly to the subway, the snug and cozy feel of the place embraces me with a sense of comfort only found in its old fashioned setting. Miguel, one of Silver Age’s employee’s describes Free Comic Book Day as a way to remember the passion of collecting comics in the day and age of torrents and downloading. Simultaneously, Gus explains how the tradition of Free Comic Book Day helps the success of comic books stand the test of time, which is proven through the conversations I have with the parents in the store.
I visually notice as the parents select from the Free Comic pile, issues of Dr. Who, Captain Canuck (debuting in 1975), The Tick, and a plethora of other selections are being reminisced and discussed of the glory days where friends would trade and carefully preserve their comics after reading the many adventures being depicted. All in the meantime, their children sit down and flip through the characters of yesteryear giving new rejuvenated life to these archetypes that cease to perish from the comic book lore. After all, isn’t this what Free Comic Book Day is all about? Isn’t it about the community and business setting of the comic book industry bonding over a form of escapism that lives on through countless generations? Often, we forget why we love the things that we do, and Free Comic Book Day represents a link to a realm of wonder and imagination that will forever be preserved no matter what shape the comic book industry manifests itself into. Its that love for the writer, artist, store seller, and fans that share a symbiotic passion through a hub we learn to hold so dear. No matter what culture, or background one comes from, Free Comic Book Day represents a unity of why this industry has endured so much through its charismatic characters. As I stack my “free” list with Attack On Titan, and Secret Wars #0, I support Free Comic Book Day with the Purchase of Savage Dragon #1 and contemplate this tradition being an official holiday. After all, it is bridging people together, and isn’t that the whole point? I suppose a fan can only dream…..
By: ADAM VEGA
