When one thinks back on this era in time, there are many things that will stand out in the culture. And while there are many shinning examples in our world of advances within the arts, the comic book world has been on fire with exciting and innovative new ways of telling stories that serve much more than just the young teen boy market I experienced in my childhood.
In short, comics have come a long way and now center on so many others that they truly are serving everyone. This is something worth celebration and so each May,
Free Comic Book Day is hosted around the world with area comic shops displaying a dizzying array of special offers and festive activities.
And while many here will celebrate this event, one local one shop,
Vault of Midnight, rises to the occasion to create the ultimate Free Comic Book Day experience as fans of this illustrated literature line the Monroe Mall in downtown Grand Rapids in the hopes to score some amazing deals including specially issued, free comic books. (Yes, they have a healthy selection of free comics for those who show up…and while supplies last.)
Once a year, Vault of Midnight joins the world in celebrating local comic shops by simply offering free comic books to the masses. It is way for authors to break down old stereotypical barriers as well as showcase the advances in art, storytelling, and even gender roles.
As always, there are lots of other freebies including a special swag bag for the first 50 guests.
Vault also hosts a special cosplay contest and turns the mall into an impromptu celebration of community as area groups and makers showcase their works and offerings to nearly thousand who will pass through Vault’s doors this Saturday.
I cannot recommend this event enough, so clear space in your day to experience this remarkable community-building event around an old art form experiencing a tremendous growth period in our society.