An employee says that Big B Comics' annual event “gets people interested in comics and allows us to give back in some small way.”
At one point on Saturday, customers were lining up around the store, and the lure of giving away free comic books while supporting a good cause was too good an offer to ignore.
On Saturday, Big B Comics held its annual Free Comic Book Day. On this day, every customer who walked through the door could pick up to four free comics to take home from a table in front of the store. Those who also brought a donation to their local food bank could win two more comics.
The store has moved to its current location (45 Essa Rd). After spending nearly 15 years at his previous store, he said he had been holding this event for many years about two years ago, and was stationed outside the store to greet customers and browse the huge selection of comics set up outside the store. said Brent Chittenden, an employee who was watching.
“It's been going on for quite some time now. It's about two things: getting people interested in comics, and also giving back a little bit and getting kids reading,” Chittenden said. “This also gives us an excuse to have a sale.”
He said comics can appeal to people of all ages, ranging from children's authors like Dub Pilkey with his popular “Dogman” series to the ever-popular superheroes to more mature It covers a wide range of topics.
“Dogman is a prime example of that.[Pilkey]is basically the richest comic book artist in the world. Every time these books come out, he's on the New York Times bestseller list. I do,” Chittenden said. “It's a good entry point into comics. After (those) they want to do more things. The good thing about comics is that they have everything from all-ages to adult stuff to more adult-oriented stuff. You can read a wide range of titles and stories.”
He said the store opened at 10 a.m. Saturday, and at one point that day, both the Big B Comics parking lot and the parking lot next door were completely full.
“It was busy. We don't own the building next door, but our neighbors were very nice and we talked about using the parking lot. Around 11 or 11:30 a.m., both parking lots were closed. “It was full. It was a good turnout,” he said. “We had a lot of newcomers, and a lot of regulars came out to support us.”
The event also served as a venue to collect non-perishable food for the Barrie Foodbank, he added.
“This is a way to bring people in and do something for the community at the same time. For us it's a no-brainer. Food banks need donations. Everyone donates at Christmas, but donations is needed all year round. It's a good way to get food there in the spring,” he said.
Tabitha Petzold has long been an avid comic book reader. She told BarrieToday that although there are many great titles to choose from, her favorite is “Archie,” which she has read since her childhood.
“I still love Archie…and I'm a Walking Dead fan,” she said.
Petzold added that she is a regular at Barry Comic Bookstore in the South End and not only stops by to check out the new books on the shelves, but also tries to attend the event to support the food bank.
“I've loved comics since I was little, and I've always loved drawing. Comics and graphic novels take everything from science to Marvel, and I draw characters and tell stories through the lens of comics. I really think there is a way,” she said.