When it first started in 2002, Free Comic Book Day was specifically tied in to the release day of the original SPIDER-MAN film. For the next few years, the fledgling promotion wasn’t considered strong enough to fly on its own, and in 2003 moved from the first weekend in May to the July 4th weekend to tie in with the release of, believe it or not Ang Lee’s HULK. Moving the date to a national holiday wasn’t a success, and by that point retailers and publishers realized that a comic book was as good as a ice cream cone, in its own way, and decided FCBD could stand on its own, without having to ride on the coattails of a film.
But in 2007, the original duo has reunited, Simon and Garfunkel-like! FCBD will take place on May 5, the day after Spider-Man 3 opens. The boys are back in town!
Free Comic Book Day is set to be celebrated around the world on May 5, 2007. Traditionally held the first Saturday in May, the event will both celebrate and raise awareness of this unique art form by giving visitors to approximately 2,000 participating comic book specialty stores a free comic book with no purchase required! Free Comic Book Day 2007 will coincide with opening weekend of Sony’s North American release of the highly anticipated comic-based movie, Spider-Man 3, starring Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst.
âIn todayâs society, itâs our pop culture that continues to draw people together,â? said Free Comic Book Day spokesperson Elissa Lynch. âFree Comic Book Day celebrates one of the major foundations of pop culture and energizes a new generation of comic book readers.”
Dozens of comic book publishers will contribute a wide variety of free titles for 2007âs event, with something for every age, reading level, and taste. Many families and friends use the day as a way to explore the world of comic books in a fun-filled setting. Free Comic Book Day generates a significant amount of interest from local communities, as evidenced by the fact that 75% of comic shops report that they gained new customers as a result of the 2006 Free Comic Book Day promotion.
Free Comic Book Day was originated by comic shop retailer Joe Field, and is supported by Diamond Comic Distributors, comic shops, and leading publishers such as Dark Horse Comics, DC Comics, Image Comics and Marvel Comics as a way to celebrate the medium, unite the community, thank current readers and, most importantly, invite new readers to visit their local comics shops and explore the variety of stories available in comic form.
For updates and more information about Free Comic Book Day, including details on how to participate, check out www.freecomicbookday.com.
