Local comics shops prepare for Free Comic Book Day
Updated: Jun 3, 2020
By Ryan Miller, Studio M
On May 5 local comic book shops and bookstores will open their doors for Free Comic Book Day, an annual event open to comic readers, both old and new.
Below are a few Murfreesboro shops planning FCBD festivities:
Z’s Comic Lair (3863 Franklin Road) What to expect: Co-owner Patrick Zambrano, who opened the store about a year and a half ago with his brother, Nick Zambrano, says he expects a large crowd in the shop. What they’re excited for: “Avengers #1” (which previews a new series) “Power Rangers,” books by independent publishers About the shop: “My brother and I have always shared a passion for comics and toys,” Zambrano says. “We are truly a small, family-run business. … We specialize in current comics, Funko POPs, Key comics and have a large selection of back-stock comics.” FCBD hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Linebaugh Library (105 W Vine St.) What to expect: Over at the Linebaugh Library, the staff expects somewhere between 350 to 400 people. “We give away free prizes, check out graphic novels and show whatever superhero movies I can get ahold of. Other branches participate too,” says Garrett Crowell, Linebaugh Library supervisory associate and volunteer coordinator. What they’re excited for: Cromwell says he’s most excited for “Avengers,” Brian K. Vaughan’s “Barrier,” “Doctor Who,” “Berlin,” “Tank Girl,” and “The Amazing Spider-Man,” which ties into both Infinity War and the “Infinity Watch” crossover. About the library: “FCBD allows us to partner with Diamond Comic Store as a co-sponsor, increases numbers and money as more people get through doors, improves community relations and increases literacy foot traffic, ” Crowell said. FCBD hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Outer Limits Boro (1244 NW Broad St.) What to expect: Store owner Chuck Cagle expects somewhere between 350 to 400 people. What they’re excited for: “We’re excited for both Marvel and DC,” Cagle says. “Some independents look pretty nice.” About the shop: “FCBD is always the biggest day of the year. It gets our name out to the community,” Cagle says. He adds, “We’ve opened 20 years ago, and I’ve had it for the last 12 years. We specialize in vintage and current comics, toys and games.” Hours: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Grand Adventures Comics (1103 NW Broad St.) What to expect: “We’re expecting 500-600 people on FCBD. (The event) helps with community involvement, people knowing it’s here (and brings) a huge influx of people at the store,” says Grand Aventures sales associate Patrick Cruz. About the shop: Grand Adventures has been open for 13 years and specialize in comics and games. FCBD hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Books-A-Million (inside Stones River Mall, 1720 Old Fort Pkwy) What to expect: “We are hoping to bring anywhere from between 20 to 50 people in addition to our regular customers,” says Books-A-Million spokesperson Diane Johnson. “We can use this giveaway event as an opportunity to guide new readers into the right titles, writers, artists and publishers that appeal to them specifically.” What they’re excited for: “Overwatch/Black Hammer,” “Invader Zim” and “Legend of Korra” About the bookstore: Though Books-A-Million focuses on books, the store also sells things like electronics, board games, toys, records and DVDs. FCBD hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
For more information on Free Comic Book Day — including a guide to participating stores around the country — head to freecomicbookday.com.
Ryan Miller is a sophomore at Middle Tennessee State University, majoring in journalism and minoring in business law.