THEY say the best things in life are free, and that’s certainly true for a Reading retailer giving away Dog Man, Spider-Man, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle comics early next month.
Crunch Comics, based in the Harris Arcade, is joining other comic book stores across the globe for the annual Free Comic Book Day.
The event, on Coronation Saturday, May 6, will see stores offer new readers their chance to take two specially produced comic books from a selection of more than 25 different titles. They include exclusive comics devoted to Star Trek, The Avengers, Animal Crossing, Red Sonja, and Conan The Barbarian.
For some people who have only watched the Marvel and DC movies, this is a chance to discover the comics that inspired the films. For others, it will be a first opportunity to discover the unique form of storytelling.
The event was planned before the date of King Charles III’s coronation was known and, because it’s a worldwide day, it is still going ahead. The store will open an hour earlier – 9am – to cope with demand.
In some ways, it’s a bit like Record Store Day, and stocks of the free titles are on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations.
There will also be some special offers available including a chance to buy some back issues for just £1 per issue.
The store has been selling comics, graphic novels, manga, T-shirts and collectibles since January 2017. In the same year, Crunch Comics was voted Reading’s Favourite Shop in September as part of the Reading Retails Awards.
Brian Wong, Crunch Comics owner, was looking forward to this year’s Free Comic Book Day, and is anticipating demand will outstrip supply.
“This will be our seventh year participating in Free Comic Book Day,” he explained. “Last year, over 150 people visited us on FCBD and we’re excited to welcome even more comic fans to the store this May.
“We’ll have over 25 different FCBD 2023 special edition comic titles available to choose from: from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Spider-Man, from Animal Crossing to Dog Man – so there’s sure to be something for all the family.
“So, whether you’re already a regular comic reader or perhaps you haven’t read comics for a while but are interested in getting back into reading comics – or even if you’ve never tried reading comics before – there’s sure to be a Free Comic Book Day special edition comic for you.”
He added: “To celebrate FCBD, we’ll have a huge sale on our regular bagged and boarded back issue comics – all of these will be £1 each. Plus, we’ll also have a sale on selected figures and collectibles. And of course, customers can browse our usual range of fantastic comics, manga and graphic novels.”
And he’s looking forward to welcoming new readers: “On Free Comic Book Day, FCBD 2023 special edition comics are absolutely FREE and it’s a brilliant opportunity to try something new.”
For more details, log on to: www.crunchcomics.com or search Facebook for Crunch Comics.
