One of the biggest and best days of the comic book year is almost here. This Saturday May 4th it's FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2019 and as with anything the more information you have about the day hopefully the better it will be.
So here are the details for the day to help make it as fun and enjoyable time 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.
ALL STAR FCBD CHECKLIST
This year in an attempt to help more people get the free comics they want faster we'll also be handing out a Cover Checklist and a Title Checklist of all this year's books to those waiting in line downstairs. While waiting you will have the chance to look over the covers on the Cover Checklist, then mark off the ones you want on the Title Checklist. This will save a massive amount of time when it comes time to get your picks. It will be literally as easy as handing the Title Checklist over and you'll have your books in moments. The lines are long, yes but this will keep them moving faster, getting you your FCBD picks quicker!
We hope you won’t be waiting in line too long but the only way it will move faster is with your help!
10% DISCOUNT OFF THE PRICE OF TRADES, NEW AND BACK ISSUES*
*Excludes local comics and trades and already discounted items.
For the day we'll be extending your Standing Order Discount to EVERYONE to help make you feel more like part of the All Star Family!
FREE COMIC BOOK STOCK AND STORE LAYOUT:
The all ages and mature reads tables will be located on the first floor, in front of the vintage toy cabinets, while the KIDS SELECTION table will be found on the ground floor, easily accessible for families next to the front counter.
THE ALL STAR KIDS SHOWBAG
The All Star Kids Showbag is limited to one per family with kids under 12.
The Showbag contains the listed above 11 TITLES!
Since we only have a limited number of the showbags, to be fair 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.
Kids under 12 also get to choose a 1 extra title from the list of Kids Picks as well, which are listed below.
The All Star Kids Showbag is limited to one per family with kids under 12.
The Showbag contains the listed above 11 TITLES!
Since we only have a limited number of the showbags, to be fair 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.
Kids under 12 also get to choose a 1 extra title from the list of Kids Picks as well, which are listed below.
The GENERAL READERS SELECTION
NUMBER OF BOOKS YOU CAN PICK:
We hope to give everyone at least the choice of 6 to 7 titles. This will change during the day pending stock levels.
Again we can't recommend highly enough that you have the books you are after picked in your mind before getting to the front of the line. 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
Thanks again to the incredible folks from 333 Collins St, this year's ALL STAR ARTIST ALLEY will be returning to the stunning and opulent surroundings of the 333 Collins St Walkway. Entry to the Walkway can be found on either Collins St of Flinders Lane and has ramp access on both sides for ease of prams and wheelchairs. It is a beautiful space and we couldn't be more honoured to be able to present to you this stellar group of talented folks on the day!
THE ALL STAR ARTIST ALLEY TIMETABLE
10am-12pm 2 hour slot
Andrew Fitzgerald
Andrew Isaac
Asela De Silva
Craig Bruyn
Evan Christopher
Maarten Bouw
Manuel Albert
Mark Jasper
Matthew Dunn
Nath Stones
Scott Triffle
12pm-2pm 2 hour slot
Adele K. Thomas
Alex Clark
Brendan Halyday
Cristian Roux
Daniel Purcell
Darren Zen Close
Darryl Leech
Frank Candiloro
Ive Sorocuk
Matty Taylor
Scott Reid
Stuart Black
Tom Tung
2pm-4pm 2 hour slot
Alex Smith
Claire Murray
Dan Lynch
Erin Hunting
Grange Wallis
Jennifer Wu
Kai Lynk
KT Hollywood
Lily McDonnell
Ziga Sparovec
It goes without saying that this again is one of the most impressive line ups of artists outside a major convention. All of the talented folks appearing on the day are super keen to draw an original sketch for you. We have to take a moment to thank these extremely generous individuals that are giving up their time and skills to help make this one of the most popular aspects of the day.
We can not thank this fine folk nearly enough and we hope you enjoy the day and the art they provide for you!
CHARITY FUND RAISING!
CANCER COUNCIL CHARITY TIP JARS
AND FUND RAISING
AND FUND RAISING
Paying tribute to the amazing and important work the people at the CANCER COUNCIL do, we'll be collecting donations for them in the form of "Tips" at the All Star Artist Alley.
The sketches are still very much for free but if you care to donate to this worthy cause, helping them continue their extremely important research and services by dropping a few gold coins into the CANCER COUNCIL TIP JARS that would be amazing!
The sketches are still very much for free but if you care to donate to this worthy cause, helping them continue their extremely important research and services by dropping a few gold coins into the CANCER COUNCIL TIP JARS that would be amazing!
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.
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY ALL STAR COSTUME CONTEST :
This year photos for the contest will be taken instore, on the ground floor in front of the New Trade Wall towards the back of the store. Just seek out our photographer and get your photo taken. If he isn't available just speak to someone at the ground floor counter.
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 umbrellas 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 ALL STAR CREW