Free Comic Book Day in Toronto
Last year I wrote about the history of Free Comic Book Day so this year I’ll just chat about how the first Saturday of May is not only Marvel Movie weekend (Age of Ultron, anyone?) but a chance to introduce people to comics, or to check out new types of comics than your usual. Many of Toronto’s comic retailers are part of this North American initiative. They buy from a selection of over 50 comics created especially for Free Comic Book Day –the Beguiling even created their own comic! — and give them away.
A teen rated comic with shorts from Canadians Kate Beaton, Cory Doctorow, and Mariko Tamaki.
Not every retailer will have every comic, and each retailer creates their own rules for the give away. Please consider, that since they are in a giving mood, purchasing a few regular titles while you’re there. Or check out figurines, clothes, artwork which are among the cornucopia of comic-y goodness they offer!
Some of the FCBD comic offerings include comics for kids, like the Teen Titan’s Go/ Scooby-Doo comic. Comics for fans of TV shows like Doctor Who. Comics with nostalgia like The Tick. For arcade game fans, Street Fighter or for fans of science fiction with Tales of Honor inspired by David Weber’s space opera series.
Don’t just grab and go – many stores are hosting various events. Several stores will have artists/creators in attendance to do signings, sketches, or talk about the wacky world of comics. But wait, there’s more! The Comic Pile is having the Klingon Justice League and other Cosplayers drop by. Paradise Comics will also have an artisan who makes amazing things from comics and several creators. The Silver Snail has commissioned a special Francis Manapul poster for the day, and many stores, like Labyrinth and the Silver Snail, will be having special sales to celebrate.
Some key places to check out
The Beguiling, 601 Markham St. (Traditional Comics) 11- 5
The Comic Pile 146 Baldwin Ave (just west of Spadina) with many Cos-playing guests
Cyber City Comix 1025A Steeles Avenue West 10-7pm
Dr. Comics 44 Kensington Avenue 11-6
Hairy Tarantula 354 Yonge Street (between Dundas and Gerrard) 11-9
Hairy Tarantula NORTH 6979 Yonge Street (at Steeles) 12-7
One Million Comix 531 Yonge Street (just south of Wellesley)
Labyrinth 368 Bloor Street West (west of Spadina) (10am-8 pm) includes special sales
Little Island Comics, 742 Bathurst St. (Kids Comics) 11-5
Page & Panel: The TCAF Shop, 789 Yonge St.11-5 (TCAF Exhibitors)
Paradise Comics 3278 Yonge Street (4 blocks north of Lawrence) 11-5pm
with creators A. Shay Hahn, Shane Kirshenblatt, Rob Vellone, and Nik Zezos.
Silver Snail 329 Yonge Street (1 block north of Dundas) 8-7 (signings with Jason Loo and Kalman Andrasofszky noon-5) and great sale of 30% of the entire store!
