 Free Comic Book Day 2019
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Celebrate Free Comic-Book Day 2019 - Food,
Folks and Fun at Golden Apple Comics! Written by: Abel S. Pinedo
On a brisk Saturday in May, I made my annual sojourn to Golden Apple Comics for one of my favorite days of the year, Free Comic Book Day. For those not in the know, this is the day that comic book stores everywhere give away free comic books courtesy of the publishers. Many shops host in-store signings with comic writers, artists and others. It's also a great way to introduce younger readers to new titles.
I arrived at Golden Apple about thirty minutes before the 10am opening and got in line. Employees handed out a list of the free comic books that were located throughout the shop. As an added bonus, Golden Apple's two neighbors, Standing's Butchery and Coffee for Sasquatch were involved in the festivities as well. I have to start by giving Standing's Butchery some mad props. They were selling $6 double cheeseburgers and you could also get a free comic book of Bob's Burgers. That burger was easily one of the best burgers I've eaten in years. I now have even more incentive to visit Golden Apple on a more regular basis. Coffee for Sasquatch was where you could pick up a free comic book of Star Wars Adventures as well as some gourmet coffee to go along with the awesome hamburgers. Free Italian Ice samples were provided courtesy of The Ice Guy and cold bottles of water were courtesy of Comic Con Revolution.
By 10am, my stomach was full and happy and it was time for some free comic books. After gathering my first few comics, I picked up my free issue of Blastosaurus Annual #1 signed by Richard Fairgray and Paul Eiding. This great new title has been a runaway hit.
Finally when I reached the back of the crowded shop I got the chance to meet Gerry Duggan, who signed a special free issue of Avengers. What an honor!
Golden Apple was having a great sale throughout the shop as well. There was a huge 50% off sidewalk sale and 25% off all comic books and graphic novels in the shop. To commemorate the day, I picked up a 40th anniversary Golden Apple Comics t-shirt.
At 1pm, the next wave of special guest signings took place. First was Omar Mora signing preview copies of The Unearthians. He was an exceptionally nice guy. We talked about San Diego Comic Con and how he was hoping to get in as the debut issue comes out the week before the Con. I hope the best for him as he was very passionate about Unearthians. I also got my DC Year of the Villain signed by Marc Andreyko. I surprised him by asking him to sign my Trick 'r Treat 2009 Convention Exclusive mini comic. He paused for a moment before signing it and said, “Wow, I don't even have a copy of this!”
As the day wore on, the crowd remained steady both inside the store and around tables set up outside. I found some graphic novels I'd been looking for and with the sale price, I definitely made out pretty good. There were a lot of good back issues too but I'd hit my limit already so by 3pm, it was time to bid adieu. I said my farewells to my friends and with arms weighed down with comic book goodies, I trudged my way out. Another successful Free Comic Book Day is in the history books. Thanks to Golden Apple Comics for a great day. It goes without saying that I'll be back next year!
About the Author: Abel S. Pinedo has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. He's also an annual visitor to such conventions as WonderCon, San Diego Comic Con, Wizard World and More. When he's not touring the convention circuit he can usually be found at his keyboard telling the World about his adventures. |
