The crowning jewel of our calendar is almost here. On Saturday May 3rd it's FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2014 and we thought we'd give you a few more details on the plans for the day to help make it as fun and enjoyable day out as possible while giving you an idea of what to expect.
OPENING HOURS:
In FCBD’s gone by we try to make a focus on the kids and introducing younger readers into the world of comics. However we’ve found that the hectic nature of the day wasn't always perfectly suited to younger fans and for some can be overwhelming. So to help with this we’ll be continuing our:
FAMILY ONLY FIRST HOUR: 9AM-10AM
The idea is families with kids under 12, will get the chance to get in early while the store is still somewhat more relaxed. Hopefully this we will make younger fans more comfortable, while parents can also grab some free books for themselves without needing to wait in line for ages. This also gives us the chance to get out from behind the counter and take a few more photos with folks if they are after them!
REGULAR TRADING HOURS: 10AM-5PM
After the Family Only First Hour, the store will be open for regular trading to the general public 10am-5pm.
At this time we will have representatives downstairs to let a limited amount of people into the store at once as a way to control the crowds so it makes for an easier browsing experience. This might create a bit more of a line outside the store but we feel that with Artists Alley outside this year and more efficient in store service of both the free comics and regular purchases. We hope you won’t be waiting too long.
FREE COMIC BOOK STOCK AND STORE LAYOUT:
Again in an attempt to make the day run a little smoother we thought we’d continue with the all ages and mature reads table at the front of the store, while hosting the KIDS ONLY SELECTION at a second table positioned at the back of the store (next to the glass cabinets).
The idea here is to make it as easy as possible for people that might be coming in especially with kids and aren’t wanting to wait around in line for too long.
The KIDS ONLY SELECTION will have the following on titles on offer:
The All Star Kids Only Showbag (limit of one per family with kids under 12) which contains these 20 TITLES! Also as a special bonus, this year the Kid Only Showbags will contain a FREE comic poster!
Since we only have a limited number of the showbags, it will only be available to families that come in on the day with kids under 12 with a limit of one showbag per family. Both kids and adults can choose a couple of titles from the second list of Kids Picks as well.
The all ages and mature selection will have these titles to choose from:
2000 AD SPECIAL
The selection is awesome! Also as an added bonus this year thanks to the generous folks at Marvel, the first 100 people that pick up the GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY comic will also get a FREE mini Guardians Of The Galaxy movie poster!!!
NUMBER OF BOOKS YOU CAN PICK:
Stock levels permitting, we hope to give
everyone at least the choice of 6 to 7 titles. We strongly recommend that you have an idea of what titles you want to pick up on the day. Click the links, see what you like and write a list. Doing this we can help cut down your time in line and give you more time to look around the store and get a sketch from one of the artists we will be hosting on the day.
ALL STAR FREE COMIC BOOK DAY ARTIST ALLEY:
Speaking of, this year the All Star Free Comic Book Day Artist Alley will for the first time be outside the store, you can find out more information on who will be with us HERE. The artists this year will be at 1000 Pound Bend Cafe located at 361 Little Lonsdale Street from 10am to 5pm. In the spirit of the day, please try and collect only one or two sketches per attendee, especially during the busy periods. If you have any questions on the day we will have a number of store representatives at 1000 Pound Bend Cafe to answer any questions you have.
STORE REPRESENTATIVES:
Store representatives will be recognisable on the day as anyone sporting one of these lanyards and they will be able to help you with any questions you may have.
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Anyone wishing to enter the costume competition will first need to head to the Artist Alley at 1000 Pound Bend Cafe located at 361 Little Lonsdale Street then seek out our photographer and get your photo taken. Please find further details of the contest HERE.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the store, please be aware that there will likely be some lining up outside at certain points of the day either while waiting to get into the store or waiting for a sketch. Please keep in mind that this is Melbourne and cover is limited so we recommend unbrellas just in case, we'll keep our fingers crossed for sunshine. If there are any customers who have special needs, please contact the store before hand and we will do our best to accommodate you as best we can.
Most important of all, HAVE AN AWESOME FREE COMIC BOOK DAY!!!
THE ASC CREW
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