Original Free Comic Book Day host announces Concord store closure
(KRON) – Every year on May 4, Flying Color Comics & Other Cool Stuff in Concord celebrates Free Comic Book Day – a day where, you guessed it, free comics are given out to the public.
Flying Color Comics doesn’t just celebrate Free Comic Book Day; the store’s owner, Joe Field, also founded the first-ever event in 2002.
“I got the inspiration for Free Comic Book Day by seeing the line next door at a Baskin-Robbins Free Scoop Night event. I thought, ‘What’s the only thing cooler than ice cream? That’s the fun found in comics for all readers!”
A couple of weeks after his Baskin-Robbins epiphany (and September 11th, 2001), the comic book lover met with Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, and Image Comics publishers to discuss the idea of Free Comic Book Day.
By the end of that meeting, Field said all the publishers looked at each other and said, “We have to do this.”
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Field’s vision was a success. On the event’s first day, Flying Color Comics had hundreds lining up for a free comic book.
Today, Field said over 60 countries with 2,000 comic shops participate in FCBD worldwide. He estimates that over five to six million copies are given away every year.
“In years past, we’ve had visitors not just from Contra Costa County, the Bay Area and Northern California, but from different parts of the world, too, from Europe, Scandinavia, South America, Asia and Australia,” Field said.
FCBD might have turned into an international phenomenon, but Flying Comic Colors will host its final FCBD this year on May 4.
“We know our time here in Oak Grove is soon drawing to a close. I want to make sure to get the word out to everyone that if you’ve ever wanted to be a part of Free Comic Book Day at the place where it all began, May 4, 2024, is your final chance to do that,” Field said.
After more than 35 years at Oak Grove Plaza, the future of Flying Colors remains a mystery. Field said he is trying to find a new home for Flying Colors, but he still isn’t exactly sure where.
“Our goal is to keep slinging comics to Concord, Contra Costa and the Cosmos, but honestly, much of this is out of our control.” Field said.
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Whatever Flying Color Comics’ fate might be, the store’s founder says the best way to show support is by checking in.
“For now, we ask everyone to stay in touch with Flying Colors by regularly visiting the shop and via social media to get the latest info…because when you look around, it really seems that ‘Mom and Pop’ shops that sell merchandise are more of a rarity every day,” Field said.
The final Flying Color Comics FCBD on May 4 will feature thousands of free comic books, the traditional annual FCBD cake, and special guest Bobby Rubio, an accomplished animation artist who has worked for Pixar, Disney, Nickelodeon, and Paramount.
Founded in 2002 by Joe Field, FCBD is a way to “excite new readers, to call back former readers, and to thank current fans.”
Flying Color Comics & Other Cool Stuff is located at 2980 Treat Blvd in Concord.
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