Free Comic Book Day: What’s the point, again?

With this year's Free Comic Book Day now past, we consider if it still serves those it intended to and ask "what's the point again?"

Not free comics. But comics, nonetheless.

Every May, the comic industry hosts Free Comic Book Day, an opportunity for major publishers to offer free mini-issues of their new or upcoming titles. DC and Marvel typically provide a mix of recycled material and fresh content aimed at younger readers. Other FCBD issues vary, with the best offerings featuring brand-new stories or at least exclusive cover art. The original goal was to bring new readers into comic book stores, with many shops sweetening the deal by offering their own promotions. Some even hosted signings with local creators, turning the day into a true event. That's the way it started anyway.

However, for those without a participating comic shop nearby, it becomes more of a luxury—accessible only to a select few. Unless you’re willing to pay, of course. Scalpers snatch up the free comics and immediately list them on eBay for $10 or more, plus shipping. The irony of a "free" comic book day should be lost on no one.

As a loyal comic reader with weekly orders, I had hoped to grab a few titles this year, including DC’s All In/Absolute, Marvel’s Ultimate, and Mark Spears’ Monsters. But alas, even my online shop, Midtown Comics, had sold out. I was able to read the DC and Marvel books through Amazon, but finding the others seems unlikely. And what about the titles I don’t even know exist? Some may have included previews of new books I would’ve picked up—if only I’d had the chance to read the FCBD issues. Is it really worth $10 per book just to find out? That’s an easy “no.”

If this day is still bringing in new readers to brick and mortar stores, I'm all for it. But if it's creating yet another way for a select few to profit then I'm not in favor of it. I'd be much more in favor if it had an online component so everyone could participate. My experience this year, even more than in the past, left me with a bad taste in my mouth. Comics absolutely don't need to be turning away fans at this stage. Heck, we even put out a free book on the same day in spirit. I would offer a solution that involves more widely available retailer like a Walmart or grocery chains, but alas, I know those are frowned upon, as well.

I don't know what impact the Diamond drama of late will have on the event or its Halloween-themed smaller companion activity. But if it continues in some form, and I hope it does, its with with the promise of being more open to everyone.