Halloween ComicFest 2016-Get Your Free Comic Books!!!
- Sep 20, 2016
- 4 min read
Halloween ComicFest is a specified day when participating comic books shops all around the world provide comic books free to anyone who visits participating stores!
Halloween ComicFest features free comic books with Halloween themes. In addition to giving away comics, participating shops may offer large discounts, special offers, costume contests, raffles, creator signings, and more!
For last years Halloween ComicFest, I did my own mombie—oops, I mean zombie makeup (picture below). I think I did a pretty good job!
This family-friendly annual event evolved from Free Comic Book Day. The first annual Halloween ComicFest created by Diamond Comic Distributors, took place in 2012. Halloween ComicFest this year is on Saturday, October 29th.
The purpose of Halloween ComicFest is to help keep this unique American form of art alive. A wonderful opportunity to introduce the world of comic books to young readers, gain new readers, get past comic book readers reading again, encourages readers to buy titles they're not familiar with, to help promote comic books industry, and support local comic book shops.
Comic books are a great way to captivate young children to read with pages filled with action-packed images and fascinating story lines. Most comic book readers learned to read comics from comic received for free!
Being a HUGE comic book and Halloween nerd, attending several Halloween ComicFests has been the best of both worlds!
Are They Really Free Though?
You bet! No purchase is necessary to receive your free comic books, however, making a purchase at a participating store helps keep these specialty stores from becoming extinct (plus the stuffs really cool!)
Are All Comic Books Up For Grabs?
Nope! These are special comic books (Gold & Silver) offered just for this special occasion. Every year the line of specific books offered changes. This year, there are 19 full-sized comic books and 13 mini-comics offered.
Examples of full-sized comic books:
Here's a list of this years free comic books, click here.
How Many Comic Books Can I Get For Free?
The quantity of comic books you receive depends on a few factors.
How many comic books a particular shop has to begin with.
How many people end up attending Halloween ComicFest at a particular shop.
How many people arrived at the particular shop prior to you. Your best chance of receiving free comic books, and the exact comics you want depends on beating the crowd. I would highly recommend doing research to find out when your local shop opens and get there early (there most likely will already be a line forming).
Some comic shops have policies limiting the number of free comics you are allowed, however; you are guaranteed to receive at least one comic book if you visit a participating shop on the date and time depending on the shops quantity.
How Can I Find Participating Shops?
You can find participating shops by visiting the Halloween ComicFest website and using their shop locator service to locate shops in your area.
Halloween ComicFest suggests viewing the local shops you plan on visiting ahead of time via their Halloween ComicFest Shop Locator for detailed information for each shop.
If you're not able to find information regarding you local shop, grab the number from the shop locator and call the shop directly to ask them what their Halloween ComicFest policies are and store hours.
It's beneficial to sign up to Halloween ComicFest's newsletter for updates, comic previews, creator interviews, and you'll also be automatically registered to win specials giveaways just for being a Halloween ComicFest subscriber!
New To Comic Books?
Check out these free sources to get a better understanding before your first Halloween ComicFest experience!
Fun Ways to Celebrate Halloween ComicFest Your Kids
If you have young readers and would like to find age-appropriate comic books here are some kid-friendly publishers devoted to young audiences.
Marvel Kids-A kid-friendly environment with age-appropriate games, full episodes, comics to read, printable activities (coloring pages, character guides, and a ton of other stuff!), kids can learn about the different superhero's and villians. New content and features are added regularly.
Create a poster using the backgrounds and characters provided and then print or share your work of art!
Archie Comics Publications-Sign up for the Archie Email List and get a promo code for a free copy of Archie #641 – Archie Meets Glee Part 1!! Click here to sign up!
Dark Horse Comics-publishes comics for kids featuring licensed properties such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones.
Gemstone-publishes classic Disney comics, featuring beloved characters such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.
Top Shelf -kids publisher
First Second-kids graphic novel publisher
TOON-publishes books are designed to help children who are just beginning to read. Their site has activities for kids, free children's e-books, a cartoon maker, and tips for mom and dad.
VizKids-kid publisher
Udon Manga for Kids-kids publisher
Worthwhile Books-kids publisher
Amelia Rules-Interactive games and activities
Make Beliefs Comix-create your comics
Good Comics for Kids-resources and reviews
DC Kids-games, videos, comics, and downloads
Comics in Education-the history and the strengths of using comics in education. Also included are various links to educational resources in print and on the web.
Halloween ComicFest is also holding The Greatest Halloween Costume Contest Ever! which allows fans to submit pictures of them dressed up as their favorite comic book characters! Details have not been release yet, so check back soon!
In all, Halloween ComicFest is a great way to have some family fun without spending a dime! This comic book nerd holiday is an absolute BLAST to experience!
Do you plan on participating in Halloween ComicFest 2016? What free comic book(s) do you hope to get? Don't be shy, leave a comment below!
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