“It feels like I’m in some sort of video game or superhero movie – this is insane!”
“I’ve been waiting a whole year for this day to arrive…”
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!”
These are just some of the responses of people geeking out on Saturday the 4th of May as they joined in the celebration of Free Comic Book Day hosted at Readers Den Comic Shop in Stadium on Main (Claremont, Cape Town).
FCBD is an international event held on the first Saturday in May every year since its inception in 2002. As the name implies, it’s a day when participating comic book stores across the world give away a free comic book from a special collection to every person that enters their store.
But what’s the big deal about comic books anyway? The administrators of FCBD had this to say:
Comic books are an original American art form, created in the early days of the twentieth century. They are fun to read, featuring a wide range of diverse story lines that capture the imagination of the readers. That’s worth celebrating in our book – we’re proud to be a part of this wonderful medium.
FCBD is thus a way of enriching and encouraging this experience, as well as giving those who haven’t read a comic a chance to join in on the fun.
Theordore Africa (from 768 Photography) and I was at the event at Readers Den to snap some photos and join in on the day filled with everything pop culture related from comics, anime, movies, gaming and loads of cosplay!
Here’s a breakdown of what went down.
FREE COMICS
This year’s list of free comics included over 50 titles such as Star Wars, Superman, Batman, The Walking Dead, Mass Effect, Judge Dredd and even Dragon Ball!
EXHIBITION AREA
This was a space where local comic artists, illustrators, writers and cosplay conceptual stores displayed their works for the public to view and purchase. There were also a few interactive displays on site which included Gundam model demonstrations, as well as trading card and video game tournaments.
SALE! SALE! SALE!
All stock in the main store and a separate sale store were marked up to 80% less!
PERFORMANCES
Some artists performed a range of exciting and ethralling dance routines in an arena on stage, inspired by various pop culture.
LUCKY DRAW COMPETITION
Besides all the discounted items, the store also held a luck draw competition. For every R100 spent on the day, you’d get a lucky number which then automatically entered you into the draw where you could win prizes worth over R10 000!
COSPLAY COMPETITION
There was also a cosplay competition in which anyone dressed in costume (characters from comics, movies, anime and gaming) could enter for free. A panel of judges looked over about 70 entries, of which 14 made it into the semi finals before the top 3 cosplayers were then announced.
COSPLAY WINNERS
1st – Queen Amidala
2nd – Spawn
3rd – Space Wolf Marine
Check out the Readers Den Facebook page for loads more photos!
Readers Den Comic Shop
Website: www.readersden.co.za
Facebook: Readers Den Comic Shop
