EVENT: Free Comic Book Day 2017!

It's that time of year again...Free Comic Book Day! This worldwide comics initiative takes place on the first Saturday of May each year; with the initial aim of promoting public awareness of comics, it is now more firmly focused on promoting reading and creating a fun event where both parents and children can share their mutual love of the comics medium.

Here's a list of the comic book stores in NZ taking part:

Heroes For Sale 
582 Karangahape Road
Auckland

Arkham City Comics
Royal Oak Mall (upstairs near McDonalds)
Shop 45a/691 Manukau Rd
Royal Oak, Auckland

MK1: Mark One Comics
551 Victoria Street
Hamilton

Graphic
106 Cuba Street
Wellington

Comics Compulsion
58 Main N Rd, Papanui
Christchurch

There's plenty of titles to choose from (for a full list, check our the FCBD website HERE - titles may vary in availability), and each store has it's own in-store specials and events taking place, so this weekend head over to your nearest comic book store to join in the fun!

- AK!

Kickstarting The Dharma Punks graphic novel!

Above: The Dharma Punks #1 by Ant Sang. Copyright Ant Sang 2014.

Last night at an event in Auckland, I announced the launch a Kickstarter campaign to publish the long out of print NZ comics classic, The Dharma Punks by Ant Sang!

Originally published as an 8-issue comic series from 2001-2003, The Dharma Punks follows Chopstick, a punk who is a part of an anarchist plot to blow up ‘Bobo’s’ a multinational fast-food restaurant. Unable to move on after the death of his close friend, and struggling to reconcile his spiritual path with his political actions, Chopstick’s journey is a meditation on life, love, friendship and blowing things up!

When it was released the series gained a cult following, and early issues regularly outsold bestselling comics like Amazing Spider-Man and Uncanny X-Men at local comic stores. Since The Dharma Punks, Ant has gone on to produce the well received graphic novel Shaolin Burning (2011), and was the designer of the hit animated TV series, Bro'Town.

I recently took to Facebook and Twitter to ask readers what New Zealand comic they would like to see back in print, and The Dharma Punks was the clear favourite. Over a decade after it’s release, the original issues have become increasingly scarce and hard to find. So to remedy this situation I've joined forces with Damon Keen - the editor of Faction Comics, and writer Kelly Sheehan to form Earth's End Publishing: with the intent to publish The Dharma Punks complete collection!

Now to make this a reality, we've turned to popular crowd-funding platform Kickstarter to raise the $8500NZ needed to get this 400 page graphic novel back into print! The Dharma Punks Kickstarter campaign HERE will be running through the month of May. For more details check out our video below:

As you heard in the video, there are some great rewards, from signed copies of the graphic novel, to exclusive artwork and prints only available through this campaign.

We'll be updating the project throughout the month, with new support videos from some notable fans of the original comic series and a first look at some the rewards artwork, so keep an eye on the campaign and help us make this very worthy project a reality!

If you would like a preview taste of The Dharma Punks, there will be a special Free Comic Book Day issue available this weekend exclusively through Heroes For Sale on K'rd in Auckland, and Arkham City Comics at Three Kings Mall in Auckland, and MK1 Hamilton!

- AK!

EVENT: From Earth's End Christmas Drinks!

To celebrate the end of yet another successful year of New Zealand Comics, From Earth's End will be hosting Xmas drinks in Auckland at Brooklyn Bar, 332 Queen Street (or 57 Lorne Street, just opposite the Central Library) tomorrow night, Friday the 30th of December from 7pm!

This will be a great chance to talk about some of the fine New Zealand comics and graphic novels that have been released this year and generally catch-up with other Auckland cartoonists to 'talk shop' and discuss the year that was. Everyone is welcome, so if you're a casual visitor to this site now is the perfect opportunity to meet some of Auckland's local cartoonist in person and share a couple of brews to celebrate!

This announcement is a bit last minute as I've been run off my feet working on a special NZ comics project, but to make up for this, and because its the season, I'll be giving away a FREE gift to everyone who attends! A priceless piece of NZ comics history for every person who shows up! (I'd suggest bringing an A4 folder or poster tube to preserve it). You won't be disappointed;)
So if comics and alcohol sound like a winning combination, then this is the Xmas event for you!

Oh, and if you're in the Auckland area: Gotham Comics are holding a Free Comic Book Day this Saturday!
Starting at 10am, they'll be giving away free comics, along with extra comics for a gold coin donation to Onehunga Primary School! Here's the lowdown on what you can expect:
- For walking in-store between 10am-4pm you get 2 FREE comics!

- For wearing a Superhero (or Super Villain) Costume you get 2 more FREE comics!
- For a Gold Coin Donation to Royal Oak Intermediate you get 2 more FREE comics!

-Plus plenty of in-store bargains and specials, ideal for Xmas gifts!

Gotham Comics is located at: 264 The Mall, Onehunga, Auckland. Ph/Fax: +64 9 634 4399

-AK!

Free Comic Book Day 2012!

Above: Free Comic Book Day banner by Michel Mulipola.


Free Comic Book Day returns this Saturday 5th of May at a comic store near you! This worldwide comics initiative takes place on the first Saturday of May each year; with the initial aim of promoting public awareness of comics, it is now more firmly focused on promoting reading and creating a fun event where both parents and children can share their mutual love of the comics medium.

Featured titles this year include: hot on the back of the hit film Avengers: Age Of Ultron, the DC Comics New 52 Special, the Valiant Preview, Grant Morrison's Dinosaurs VS Aliens and many more.

There's also a great range for younger readers: the Moomin Colour Special, Bongo Comics Free-For-All, Barnaby, Superman Family, and a very limited Mouse Guard/Labyrinth hardcover!

Local shops are also making an extra effort to make this an event for the whole community, with bonus prizes for dressing up and lots of other fun activities. Here's a breakdown of what's happening at comic shops across the country:

AUCKLAND:

Gotham Comics: 
264 The Mall, Onehunga, Auckland. Ph/Fax: +64 9 634 4399
Open: 10am - 4pm

- For walking in-store between 10am-4pm you get 2 FREE comics!
- For wearing a Superhero (or Super Villain) Costume you get 2 more FREE comics!
- For a Gold Coin Donation to Royal Oak Intermediate you get 2 more FREE comics!
- Plus Bargain deals in-store!
- Cheap Comics! Cheap Trade Paperbacks! Cheap Cool T-shirts!

Heroes For Sale K Road:

277 Karangahape Rd

Newton, Auckland.

PH: 6493070682

Open: 10am - 5pm

HAMILTON:

MK1: Mark One Comics:
551 Victoria Street, Hamilton. PH: 07 8393728
Open: 9am - 5pm

Reasons why you should visit Mark One on Free Comic Book Day:

Reason #1: We are giving away 4000 comics this year! That’s 2000 more than last year! There really will be something for everyone – and a few surprises to boot!

Reason #2 (although you are going to have to be early to take advantage of this one!): Small press publisher Archaia (known for producing beautiful comics in high quality formats like Mouse Guard, Okko and Rust) are offering the very first hardcover book in Free Comic Book Day history!

Reason #3: DC wraps up one of their best year’s in publishing (and that’s saying something for this 85 year old company) with a major sneak peak at the next wave of DC’s full line relaunch (the new 52!) If you’ve been enjoying the new 52 (and so many out there are – it’s been a great Mk1 sales success!) you will want to check out DC’s main FCBD offering (and yes there are others!)

Reason #4: Marvel are on the cusp of what will be one of their best years (thanks to the new AVENGERS movie) look for lots of Avengers comics and Spider-man offerings!

Reason #5: Star Wars, Superman, Transformers, Smurfs, Simpsons, Spongebob, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Yo Gabba Gabba, Joss Whedon’s Serenity, Walt Disney’s Donald Duck, and lots, lots more. All the best in comics on the best comics day of the year.

Reason #6: Mk1 celebrates 23 years in Hamilton with our now traditional (and only annual store wide sale!)  Hint: the discount matches our age!

CHRISTCHURCH:

Comics Compulsion: 
58 Main North Road, Papanui, Christchurch.
PH: 3797866 or email: comics@xtra.co.nz for details.
Open: 10am-4pm

On the 5 May 2012 we will again be participating in the world wide event, and like last year when we were still working out the back of my house we will fire up the BBQ and make a fun day of it. Hope you can make it along and celebrate with us.

Could be a good day to break out the superhero costumes!

PALMERSTON NORTH:

The Badcave:
86 Broadway Ave, Palmerston North. PH: 06 3566779
Open: 10am-4pm

WELLINGTON:

Graphic: 
106 Cuba Mall PH: 04 3842 691
Open: 10.30am-3.30pm

So head to your nearest comic shop this Saturday and enjoy sharing some great FREE comics!

-AK!

Free Comic Book Day 2011!

Free Comic Book Day is back once again for 2011! This worldwide comics initiative takes place on the first Saturday of May each year; with the initial aim of promoting public awareness of comics, it is now more firmly focused on promoting reading and creating a fun event where both parents and children can share their mutual love of the comics medium. There's a great variety of Free Comic Books on offer this year, from the standard superhero fare of Batman, Thor and Green Lantern, through to The Dark Crystal, Archie, The Simpsons and even 10 Deadliest Sharks(!). For a complete list of the titles, visit the official Free Comic Book Day website HERE.

Above: Baltimore, by Mike Mignola, Christopher Golden and Ben Stenbeck. Copyright Dark Horse Comics 2011.

Above: Art from Baltimore, by Ben Stenbeck. Copyright Dark Horse Comics 2011.

There are two titles I'd like to draw attention to this year, which have been produced by New Zealand cartoonists.

The first is Baltimore from Dark Horse Comics, written by Mike Mignola & Christopher Golden with art by local cartoonist Ben Stenbeck. This supernatural horror comic is fresh from it's Eisner nomination for Best Limited Series last month, so check it out for free this weekend and see what all the fuss is about! (as you can see from Ben's sample art here, this one's more for the older kids;)

Above: Captain America/Thor, written by Roger Langridge with art by Chris Samnee. Copyright Marvel Comics 2011.

The second title is Captain America/Thor, starring this year's big screen heroes from Marvel Comics, written by ex-pat Roger Langridge with art by Chris Samnee. This issue acts an a encore to the much praised all-ages series Thor: The Mighty Avenger from Roger and Chris, which came to an untimely conclusion after just eight issues. With it's winning mix of lighthearted adventures and emotive characterization, this series continues to reach new readers in it's two collected volumes, and just last week it was nominated for an American Library Award for Great Graphic Novels for Teens.

Above: Art from Captain America/Thor, by Chris Samnee. Copyright Marvel Comics 2011.

This Free Comic is a perfect primer for younger readers who need encouragement in reading, featuring a great adventure with two of Marvel's most recognisable characters that is sure to please (and parents will get a kick out of the great art too!).

So here's a rundown of the Comic Stores across New Zealand that are celebrating Free Comic Book Day this Saturday, and additional details on special events to celebrate the day!

AUCKLAND:

Gotham Comics: 264 The Mall, Onehunga, Auckland. Ph/Fax: +64 9 634 4399

Open from: 10am - the comics run out!!!

*2 FREE comics for walking in.
*2 FREE comics for coming in COSTUME!!! (Hero or Villian).
*2 FREE for a GOLD Donation to Onehunga Primary School.

In-store Specials:

25% off ALL Trade Paperbacks/ Graphic Novels in-store* 25% off ALL Comic Set Packs* 25% off ALL T-shirts....* 25% off ALL Back Issues in the BLUE BINS (excludes any material being held aside & items already on SPECIAL).

All NEW Comics on the BLUE & YELLOW shelves... NZ$5.00ea!!!

So come on in and grab some FREE Comics... bring family & friends and get more FREE comics.
Also a good chance to show Friends & Family the World of Gotham :)

HAMILTON:

MK1: Mark One Comics: 551 Victoria Street, Hamilton. PH: 07 8393728

Open: 9am – 5 pm

Free Comic Book Day is the best day to check Mark One out for the first time, and a fantastic way for Mark One to say thanks to all the people that have kept us in business these past 22 years!

Free Comics – plus bonus extras! - what’s the catch? No catch – all you have to do is turn up.. well there is the small matter of deciding which three free comics from the above awesome list (sorry we strictly enforce this limit in order to make sure we offer a good choice throughout the day). Sorry no Preorders are accepted ahead of the big day – but don’t worry we’ve purchased heaps (over 2000 comics this year!) – so long as you turn up in store on the day there will be free comics to grab (and extra freebies and a big sale and a general awesome happy Mk1 buzz – oh and balloons!)

Email shop@mk1.co.nz with the subject FCBD and we will send that email address a Free Comic Book Day reminder email the day before! Text the word FCBD to 0273405967 and we will send a Free Comic Book Day text reminder the day before our big day in May!

CHRISTCHURCH:

Comics Compulsion: Christchurch 12 Penelope Place, Casebrook. PH: 3797866 or email: comics@xtra.co.nz for details.

Comics Compulsion are celebrating at their new temporary location with Free Comics and a BBQ! So if you're in the south, make sure you head on down to show your support for a great comic book store that continues to get the books through to readers in the face of such adversity!

PALMERSTON NORTH:

The Badcave (previously Heroes For Sale Palmerston North): 35 King Street, Palmerston North. PH: 06 3566779

I couldn't find specific event details, but they have celebrated Free Comic Book Day in the past, so perhaps shoot them and email or phone call, and I'm sure they'll let you know what's happening on the day:)

WELLINGTON:

Graphic: 106 Cuba Mall PH: 04 3842 691

Ditto for Graphic, there wasn't any mention at their website, but I'm sure they'll have some plans if you give them a call.

So this Saturday take a trip out to your nearest Comic Store with the family and enjoy some great FREE comics!

-AK!

EVENT: Free Comic Book Day 2010

Free Comic Book Day is back for 2010, and Gotham Comics in Onehunga Auckland, are using this as an opportunity to promote the medium and give back to the local community.

This Saturday - May 1st, participating comic book shops around the world are giving away comic books absolutely FREE to anyone who comes into their stores. As part of a community commitment, Gotham Comics are organizing donations from Free Comic Book Day to go towards funding the Onehunga Primary School Library. Last year's FCBD at Gotham Comics saw over 800 people pass through the store, they gave away over 3,000 comics and raised nearly $500 for the Onehunga Primary School Library.

If you attend FCBD at Gotham Comics you receive:

- 2 FREE Comics for walking in-store

- 2 FREE Comics for wearing a SUPERHERO costume

- 2 FREE Comics for a GOLD coin donation to ONEHUNGA PRIMARY SCHOOL

As entertainment, they also have special in-store guests: IPW Wrestlers, Outpost 42 & Rebel Legion(Star Wars), Pirate City Roller Derby Girls and a Dr Sketchy Drawing session! And if that wasn't enough, there will also be 50% OFF all new comic issues!

Above: 'Free Comic Book Day: Yow!: A John Stanley Library Grab-Bag'. Copyright Drawn & Quarterly 2010.

You can preview this year's selection of Free Comics on offer at the FCBD website. It includes offerings from all the major publishers including: DC Comics, Marvel, IDW, Drawn & Quarterly, Boom Studios and many more. My personal favourite from last year would have to be Drawn & Quarterly's 'John Stanley Library Sampler'. Featuring some of his classic kids comics, it's sure to entertain and charm both young and old alike. There's another issue on offer this year, so make sure you check it out.

Above: 'Free Comic Book Day: Ironman/Thor'. Copyright Marvel Comics 2010.

Archaia's 'Mouse Guard Sampler' is also likely to be a hit with kids of all ages, and with 'Ironman 2' opening this week (and a 'Thor movie on the way), you can expect the 'Ironman/Thor' comic to disappear off the shelf in record time.

Gotham Comics is located at 264 Onehunga Mall, Onehunga Auckland; the event runs from 10am-4pm, so make sure you drop by and support this great cause and pick up some FREE comics!

Above: 'Free Comic Book Day: Mouse Guard'. Copyright David Petersen 2010.

You can also check out Free Comic Book Day nationwide this Saturday at your nearest comics retailer:

Heroes For Sale: 277 Karangahape Road, Auckland.

King of Cards: Shop 115 Queens Arcade, 34 Queen St, Auckland.

Mark One: 551 Victoria Street, Hamilton. Graphic: 106 Cuba Mall, Wellington.

Company of Heroes: 35 King Street, Palmerston North.

Comics Compulsion: 181 Manchester Street, Christchurch.

-AK!

Free Comic Book Day 2009

This is slightly delayed coverage given that Free Comic Book was last weekend on the 2nd, but there was such a great response at Onehunga's Gotham Comics (one of NZ best comic shops) that I felt the results were worth sharing. For those not familiar with the event, Free Comic Book Day was started in 2002 with the aim of growing the audience and general public awareness of the medium.

On Saturday Gotham Comics saw a turnout of around 800 people (nearly double last year's number) and gave away a massive 3000 comics! Store manager Jeremy Bishop was also taking gold coin donations for extra books, raising around $500 for the Onehunga Primary School to help fund it's library. This community connection saw a good increase in turnout for younger readers (which comics desperately needs these days) and parents looking to encourage their kids to read. As Jeremy observed, "it also allows the parents to go back to their childhood as well, so allowing a connection between the parents and kids".

The store also had a clown on hand for entertainment, performing tricks and making balloon animals (which means it's probably safe for clowns to show their painted faces in public again after 'The Dark Knight' gave them a bad rep!).

The free comics themselves were also in fine form this year. DC Comics launched it's 'Blackest Night' event with a zero issue which was in hot demand while Marvel offered an Avengers story by Brian Bendis with Jim Cheung teaming both the 'new' and 'dark' Avengers teams for a smackdown with a frost giant, promising 'terrifying consequences for the Marvel Universe!" (are there any other kind?).

The real treats however would have to be the independent offerings. Personally I was completely charmed by Drawn & Quarterly's Melvin Monster/Nancy comic, previewing stories from their forthcoming John Stanley collections. Reprinted on thick newsprint that perfectly imitates the original presentation it was a joy to behold in all it's dot coloured glory! Top Shelf put out an Owly issue featuring James Kochalka; Fantagraphics provided a Love & Rockets Sampler (featuring a keen Kirby influenced story by Jamie Hernandez) and Mirage Studio's reprinted the first issue of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for it's 25th anniversary (suddenly I feel ancient..).

Local cartoonist Richard Fairgrey also got in on the act with a free colour preview of his Blastosaurus series.

The most popular titles at Gotham Comics according to Jeremy were: Simpsons, Wolverine and the DC Kids Sampler.

So congratulations to Gotham Comics and be sure to mark the date on the calendar for next year and hopefully your local comic shop will experience this kind of success and community involvement.

-AK!

Free comic Book Day at Gotham Comics: featuring a clown (the non-Heath Ledger variety).

Drawn & Quartery's 'John Stanley Library featuring Melvin Monster & Nancy' (covers by Seth).