Free Comic Book Day 2013

Box office Hit: People lining up for Free Comic Book Day

What's with the long line?!?! Is it a Starlet? Is there a shooting? No! It's Free Comic Book Day!  

It was a LONG, LONG line indeed that snaked all the way back the Fully Booked branch at Bonifacio High Street, making its way even up to the Honda Service Center and Clawdaddy's. Umbrellas, water bottles and warm sodas were a common sight to fight off the summer heat. Early photos that made it's way to Social Media showed eager Comic Book fans in line as early as 5:00 AM! 

You might be wondering, What the heck is Free Comic Book Day and why are all these people lining up in the heat and are literally risking dehydration and suffering from heat stroke?! 

Fully Booked 's Free Comic Book Day 2013 promotional Poster 

Free Comic Book Day (which shall henceforth be known as FCBD, for easy typing purposes) is an annual celebration that is observed internationally. It is a promotional effort every first Saturday of May, spear headed by the North American Comic Book Industry to help encourage readers to comic book stores. The event is the brain child of Joe Field of Flying Colors Comics, the first Free Comic Book Day was celebrated in 2002. 

Local Book Store giant, Fully Booked in partnership with Comic Odyssey celebrates Comic Books by giving away a comic book - per person absolutely for free! (No Need to buy anything!) but wait there's more! They also have a 20% discount on graphic novels but 50% off on amazing books. 

The Fully Booked branch in Bonifacio High Street is the only branch giving away 3 comics - other branches  only give 1 and I think that was a major reason why it was so jam packed! 

There are actually special editions of comics which are printed specifically for FCBD. The Fully Booked branch at the Fort gave out two of these special editions and a random third.  

Our friend Pogs with his Free Comics. 

Aside from celebrating International Comic Books, FCBD is also another way to celebrate our own local comics (wohooo!) The Philippine Daily Inquirer had a comic strip section in line with celebrating FCBD for Free Comic Book Day Philippines which featured local comic book artists and writers such as Manix Abrera, Kaljo Baldisimo, Robert Magnuson, Tepai Pascual, Paolo Fabrejas (my very own Uncle- brother of my Dad) David Hontiveros, Ian Sta. Maria, Paolo Chikiamco, Koi Carreon, Borg Sinaban, Cristina Rose Chua, Mico Dimagiba, Jules Gregorio, Paul Quiroga, Paolo Fabregas, Bow Guerrero, Vinnie Pacleb, Xerx and Ace Enriquez printed for Saturday, May 4, 2013. I literally cursed when I read this- a little too late- was not able to get a copy! S#^&! Any extra copies out there?

There was even an in store signing from local comic book artists in the store.  

Philippine Daily Inquirer's Special Free Comic Book Day Comic Spread - anyone have an extra copy?    

Speaking of supporting our local Comic Book scene- do check out one of the features that we did - Kolsenter Komiks! 

Author Eugene Madayag has just released his first book of Comic Strips that focus on the challenges and humor of Call Center life. To find out more visit his Facebook Page here!  

Second Printing of Kolsenter Komiks from Kolsenter Komiks- Facebook Page. 

Actual Strip from Kolsenter Komiks. Check out more in the Facebook Page! 

Baby brother Brad reading his free comics while I call Isay on the phone as she mysteriously disappeared to the second floor to buy a comic book! 

Our Booty! - After lining up for two hours in the heat and risking dehydration and heat stroke. Baby sister Isay (middle) is the real comic book geek. Check out her smile because of her Uncanny X-Force issue :) Baby brother Brad tagging along- hoping to get him to get to know comics too and share the love for it - just like our Dad! 

I actually saw a lot of Parents, supporting their children and wives supporting their husbands as they stayed in line despite of the heat. They brought umbrellas, bottles of water and Krispy Kreme donuts just to make sure their children and/or husband wouldn't collapse from dehydration or heat stroke. I just loved this support system that families and friends shared in the long lines which I think is a  very good indication that the Comic Book industry still has a good foothold in today's generation. What with the popularity of super heroes going from the Comic Book pages to the movie screens right? 

This was actually our first FCBD that I shared with my baby brother, baby sister, the husband and our friend. I think next year we'll be one of those in line as early as 5:00 AM. 

The art of Comic Books is definitely not dead and FCBD is definitely a good opportunity to keep this art alive in future generations to come.