Free Comic Book Day 2011: The Best Ever!
Free Comic Book Day at Captain Blue Hen Comics in Newark, Delaware was an amazing block party of fun. More than 1600 people picked up at least 7000 free comics. Visitors of all ages came from all over the Delaware and from Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Delaware state and local government recognized the scope of Captain Blue Hen’s Free Comic Book Day. Newark Mayor Vance Funk attended the event. Governor Jack Markell sent a letter of tribute to recognize the shop and the event as a celebration of community and art:
“Governor Markell and Lieutenant Governor Denn recognize Captain Blue Hen Comics for their volunteerism and their community awareness. Free Comic Book Day provides an opportunity for the entire community to enjoy the many aspects of comics as a true American art form, while raising funds for local organizations.”
The shop and our neighbors, the Newark Arts Alliance hosted art seminars and activities like superhero-themed Mother’s Day projects.
CBH used the event to raise funds for the Newark Arts Alliance, a non-profit supporter of local arts. We also collected food donations for the Newark Welfare Committee.
Best of all, the day was full of family, comic book fun with everyone enjoying comics! We invited our own characters and many visitors came dressed in costume. Our guest artists, Neil Vokes, John Gallagher, Jamar Nicholas, Ben Harvey, Rich Faber, and Dan Parent (writer/artist for FCBD offering Pep Comics feat. Betty & Veronica) signed and sketched all day for excited fans.
“We are very proud of Free Comic Book Day. We at Captain Blue Hen have had a lot of fun over the last ten years celebrating comics on this special day,” Joe Murray, Owner, Captain Blue Hen Comics.
Once again,I had an absolute blast working the door,motivating the crowd and smoothing out attendees of various ages. I want to thank everyone affiliated with Captain Blue Hen Comics for making this experience better each year. Here’s to the future of comic fandom. Clearly,shown by the number of attendees at FCBD,this uniquely American folk art will not end though inevitable atrition. A special thanks to my Captain BlueHen family for making MomMom Buskell and me feel valued,appreciated and loved.