This Saturday, May 6 marks the 15th anniversary of Free Comic Book Day. Or, as we at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery like to call it, Comic Book Day. We’ll offer complimentary copies of Fantagraphics Books’ World’s Greatest Cartoonists collection featuring new work by Noah Van Sciver, Simon Hanselmann, Jason, Ed Piskor, Liz Suburbia, Matt Furie, Anya Davidson, Dash Shaw, Richard Sala, Emil Ferris and more!
We couldn’t help but notice over the years that calling this Free Comic Book Day seems to discourage patrons from purchasing any products. This situation has been accentuated coming on the heels of successful celebrations like Record Store Day and Independent Bookstore Day, where customers are encouraged to support these endangered establishments by shopping. We also believe comix have intrinsic value – affordable and accessible, but not free. We understand this promotion is a well-intentioned effort to attract new readers, but we think the artists, publishers, and shop owners should be fairly compensated for their efforts. Wherever you are this Saturday, please take some time to financially support your local comix shop. Buy a few books.
Fantagraphics Bookstore is open this Saturday, and every day, from 11:30 to 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM. We’re located at 1201 S. Vale Street, only minutes south of downtown Seattle in the heart of the historic Georgetown art community. Phone 206-557-4910. Hope to see you all soon.