Free Comic Book Day 2023 Recap

The degree of worrying may have been unnecessary...

Well, I stressed about Free Comic Book Day - but there was no need to do so (at least to that extent). We have an amazing team, boosted it with phenomenal volunteers and top-tier guests and the rest took care of itself.

Some quick thoughts and notes:

We were out of free books by the fourth hour. When that happened, we augmented with extra FCBD books from previous years. We were out of those by 4 PM. With two hours remaining in the day, folks were still coming in the door and no free books were to be found. For next year, either get more books or really lean into the “sell out” possibility in advertising.

Speaking of advertising, it worked. We spent more on social media advertising than we had in a long time. It paid off with lots of new faces. Our press release barrage yielded almost no coverage from traditional media, which is not usually the case.

Despite the threat of rain, the opening line was down and around the block. Good for the ol’ self esteem.

The outside courtyard was a great location for the signers. Lots of room to move and provide space for those that needed it.

Follow up with the cosplayers and other guests. Often. Even if you don’t think they’re coming, follow up just to be sure. :)

Photographers and videographers are worth the money. Even if you have experienced, creative staff, fresh eyes really make a difference. They notice things that you’re all immune to at this point.

Make sure that you’re in some of the photos, too. It’s nice to remember that you smiled a couple of times during the day.

After taking out the money spent on advertising, “free” comics and gifts for our guests, it was the equivalent of a very good weekend. And after the sleepless nights, I’ll count that as a win.

Stay tuned for the staff’s June catalog thoughts and my 2023 Eisner ballot, coming up next.