Free Comic Book Day returns for 20th year

Aug. 10, 2021 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS – After a year’s hiatus, Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) is back on Aug. 14.

Area comic books shops will be giving away free special edition comic books designed for a wide range of ages, as well as present special events.

Normally conducted on the first Saturday in May, the event was rescheduled to Aug. 14. This is its 20th year.

Xtian W. Z. Reader of Comics N’More in Easthampton, explained about the significance of the event for Reminder Publishing, “FCBD is important to us as a way to share our passion for comics. As a collector and living in area most of my life I loved going to shops like Modern Myths and Comics N’More when it was run by my predecessor, Andy Curto and then going to celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride in Northampton. The first Saturday in May was always the first big weekend of summer in my mind! If comics are for everyone then we can let people know that by putting comics in places where people can get them.     “We partner with local libraries so they can host pop-up Free Comic events to build a diverse and wide-ranging comics community in Western Mass. In the same spirit of community and solidarity we use the annual giveaway as an opportunity to do a food and supplies benefit drive for the Easthampton Community Center.     

“This year we are setting up most of our event outside in our parking lot behind building with folding tables and tents to step up to the current challenges we're all facing in 2021. Due to our many customers under the age of 12 as well as our sense of self-preservation we will be requiring and supplying masks to go inside the store. All free offerings will be available outside two per customer with additional comics available per donation to our food and supply drive.”

The events at Comics N’More start at 11 a.m.

He added, “We are thrilled to partner with three different town Free Comic Book Day with all the Springfield Libraries, Easthampton's Emily Williston Memorial Library and for the first time we are pleased to present Williamsburg's Meekins Library! Check with the libraries for more details about their day of offerings.”

“This year there are some 50 different titles to choose from! This is Comics N’More’s seventh Free Comic Book Day and Food Drive in Easthampton and we are so grateful for the love and generous support we get from our patrons,” he concluded.

In Springfield, Free Comic Book Day will be celebrated throughout the city at branch libraries from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In Williamsburg, the Meekins Library will host the event from 10 a.m. to 2, Williamsburg’s Meekins Library. The Emily Williston Memorial Library will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day.

Other locations that will be offering the free comics include:
• Most Excellent Comics, 483 Enfield St. (US Route 5), Enfield, CT, will be hosting artists who have worked for both Marvel and DC, The store opens at 10 a.m.
• Bob’s Hobbies and Collectibles, 695 Dickinson St. Springfield, will be offering the comics starting at 10 a.m.
• Matt’s Sportscards & Comics, 348 Hazard Ave., Enfield, CT, will be hosting a food drive along with its FCBD events. Opens at 10 a.m.
• Holymoleys Comics and Collectibles, 90 King St., Unit 3 Northampton will be open at 11 for its FCBD event.

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