Have you heard the new phrase, "Cash Mob"? It's like when a bunch of people organize a "Flash Mob", but instead of irritating onlookers with their lameness, they delight an independent retailer by visiting his or her store on mass and spending at least $20 per person.
Free Comic Book Day at Lee's Comics 2012 was like a Cash Mob! This was, by far, our busiest Free Comic Book Day yet. We haven't seen a single day of sales this good for many years! It didn't hurt that the Avengers opened the day before, smashing all previous box office records, and delighting nearly all fans and critics. A bunch of us Bay Area dealers got together and ran full-page color gang ads in the Mercury News and Metro newspaper to promote the event. I also ran an ad in the Daily Post, and did a mass mailing to my customers. There was also a great deal of Free Comic Book Day talk on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media. I think it's safe to say that the general public likes comic book characters. Even when I was at the beach the next day, I saw many people were wearing a shirts adorned with their favorite Super-Heros. These characters seem to be here to stay.
There was a nice big line of people before the event began, and that line kept up for most of the day. As usual, I set up a stand outside to give out the free comics. My friend Mark Arnold assisted me as he has done every year. It was a beautiful, bright, sunny day here, and families were coming in by the carload. I like to give the comics away outside, so that everyone knows that there are no strings attached. You can take your comics and leave if you want. Amazingly, almost everyone went inside and shopped. For much of the day the line for the register wrapped all the way around the store. Everyone had a ball!
Artist Tom Rollinger showed up at noon and started sketching, mostly for tips. People really enjoyed his artwork. He was mobbed the whole time. This is his 2nd year here at Free Comic Book Day. He will be back again. We'll be making this an annual tradition.
Even though we upped out orders on comics, we totally ran out by 5:00 pm. This was unfortunate, but out advertising did advise that people come early for best selection. We substituted by letting late comers pick comics from the bargain bins. Next year, we will up our orders even more, but make sure to come early! Thank you to everyone who attended! I had a great time being entertained by everyone. Comic book fans are the greatest! Now for some photos from the event:
The line starts forming.
Assisted by the intrepid Mark Arnold.
The store is mobbed.
People loved the Lee's Comics Frisbees!
We were giving away 100 per store.
They were the first item to go.
Hundreds of people of all ages had a ball choosing their free comics.
Animation artist Tom Rollinger delighted the crowds.
