Chicago Participates in Free Comic Book Day
By Betsy Mikel in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 30, 2010 2:40PM
Normally held across North America, a few international stores are beginning to participate as well. The event exists to celebrate independent comic book and specialty shops, which have to opt in to participate. So various locations supplement the free sponsor-issued comics with their own events and sales.
After the jump, check out a list of some of the Chicago-area stores that are participating tomorrow and some of the cool activities and events they'll have. Don't see your comic book shop of choice listed? You can check the participating store locator at the event's website to see if they're also taking part in tomorrow's fun.
Brainstorm Movies, Comics and Gaming, 1648 W. North Avenue, opens at 11 a.m.: Brainstorm is handing out FCBD issues while supplies last. They are also having a store-wide sale on all sorts of merchandise and local comic artists will be making appearances throughout the day.
Challengers Comics, 1845 N. Western Ave., opens at 11 a.m.: Challengers Comics is welcoming DC artist Mike Norton, who has art in the FCBD book DC Kids Mega-Sampler and uber Star Wars fan Katie Cook, who will be doing sketches. Wednesday Heroes, the comic book rock band, will be playing starting at 3 p.m.
Chicago Comic Vault, 1530 W. Montrose, starts at 11 a.m.: Chicago Comic Vault is running a packed schedule for FCBD that includes gift bags to the first 50 customers, an hourly raffle, 25 percent off merchandise, lots of local talent, Iron Man 2 tickets giveaway, and a movie night.
G-Mart Comics, 2641 N Kedzie Ave, starts at 12 p.m.: In addition to the free comics, G-Mart will have reduced prices and will be hosting a slew of artists who will be sketching and selling their work.
Quimby’s Bookstore, 1854 W. North Ave., opens at 11 a.m.: Trubble Club, a group of local comic book artists that meets each week to draw jam-comics together are also contributing a free comic, which according to the Quimby’s blog "apes PSA comics from the 70's and 80's." Other Free comics include the Short Pants Observer from Chicago-based small-press publisher, Short Pants Press, and the Xeric Grant winning graphic novel Black Mane by Michael LaRiccia. Refreshments will be provided by Metropolitan Brewing.
Vigilante Press, 1931 W. Chicago Ave., opens at 12 p.m.: Vigilante Press will be handing out comics and showcasing some local artist talent. This is also their first backyard movie night of the year; the theme is barbarians.
Chicago Comics, 3244 N. Clark St., starts at 11 a.m.: Chicago Comics will be handing out comics. And snacks. Cool.