DICE THRONE: ICEMAN VERSUS SPIDER-MAN

While they may have been amazing friends at one point in time, Iceman and Spider-Man don't hold back when it comes to the brutal battles of the DICE THRONE gladiatorial arena. The OP Games has made matches between some of your favorite Marvel superheroes possible in their Dice Throne character packs. Iceman is available in Marvel X-Men Dice Throne Box 1 which also includes Psylocke, Storm and Wolverine. Spider-Man is included in the Marvel 4-Hero Box that also includes Loki, Thor and the Scarlet Witch. Fight Avengers versus X-Men or compete against any of the heroes in the standard edition of Roxley Games' Dice Throne tabletop game which range from a samurai warrior to Santa Claus.

A mutant who can create snow balls out of thin air may not seem intimidating to opponents at first glance, but don't take Ice Man for granted. He can be a dangerous foe! Bobby Drake likes to keep it cool as he glides through combat freezing opponents in their tracks. Don't let his chill demeanor fool you as he can freeze you in your track with his dice attacks. Plus, his Defense Roll often can both dull the damage of opponents' attacks as well as give a punch back that can sting.

Iceman has a complexity level of 4 out of 6 scale. Skillfully handling his status effects of Dice Cube, Ice Shard, and Glide can make Bobby Drake a formidable adversary against any Dice Throne character. Inflicting a Dice Cube negative status effect on an opponent forces that player to use the lowest value die from their first Roll Attempt during an Offensive Roll Phase handicapping an attack against him. On the other hand, utilizing his Ice Shard positive status effect can boost Drake's abilities, increase damage in his attacks or lets him glide while on the offense.

If Iceman's Offensive Roll Phase results in an attack that has a Glide Path, triggering Ice Man's glide status effect allows this character to get a second attack after the other player's Defensive Roll Phase. Arrows displayed on the player dashboard show which Offensive Ability is activated by Iceman's Glide Path.

Dice Throne's Spider-Man is the Millennial adaption of the character, Miles Morales. After being bit by a radioactive spider, Miles decided to follow in the footsteps of his hero, the original Spider-Man (aka Peter Parker). He has similar powers plus the ability to turn invisible. Miles patrols the streets of Brooklyn while still trying to graduate high school.

Spider-Man has a complexity level of 2 out of 6 scale. He has a pretty simplistic set of offensive abilities but can still pack a punch. He has TWO Defensive Dice rolls whenever attacked. The first is a 3 die roll that provides a counterpunch to his opponent. The second roll lets him roll 2 die to try and block damage when he is attacked. Additionally, he has three status effects that when used strategically can give his adversaries a real headache. Spider-Man is all about constantly dodging and web slinging around an opponent wearing them down while trying to get a knock out. 

Spider-Man's Combo is a positive status effect that provides him with an additional Offensive Roll Phase after an opponent's Defensive Roll Phase. He keeps rolling with the punches! His Webbed negative status effect is inflicted during one turn and in the next turn any damage caused by Spider-Man becomes undefendable. Miles also has a unique status effect that when triggered allows him to become invisible. When Spider-Man is invisible if his opponent launches an undefendable attack, Miles can then utilize his Spider-Sense defensive ability to try and prevent damage. 

So the die was cast for these two friends to combat one another in the Grandmaster's Dice Throne competition. Iceman threw the highest number in a toss of the dice to see who would go first. Let the battle commence!

Iceman spins four of a kind in ice symbols to hit Spidey with Frostbite causing 6 points of damage. Spider-Man's defensive dice roll provides a counterpunch that hits Iceman with 1 point of damage. Miles can also do a second spin to use his Spider-Sense to avoid damage but doesn't get a successful roll of the dice to allow him to avoid any damage from Iceman's frostbite. Score: Iceman (49) Spider-Man (44)

Spider-Man's Offensive Roll Phase activates his C-C-C-COMBO which deals out 5 points of damage to Iceman and gains Miles a Combo special effect token. Iceman's Rime allows him to deflect 2 pts of damage from Spidey's attack and hits back giving Miles 3 points of damage. Score: Iceman (46) Spider-Man (41)

Spider-Man uses the combo token he just earned to hit Iceman again. He rolls a four die punch worth 5 pts of damage. Iceman's defensive roll hits Miles back causing 3 pts of damage. Score: Iceman (41) Spider-Man (39)

Iceman lands another four die Frost Bite attack on Spidey worth 6 points of damage. Miles can't deflect any damage from the attack but is able to counterpunch for 1 point of damage against Iceman (40) Spider-Man (33)

Spidey pulls a card from his hand that heals 3 points of damage. Then he scores a punch worth 4 pts of damage. But Iceman's defensive dice roll allows him to block all the damage. Score Iceman (40) Spider-Man (36)

Iceman's Offensive Roll Phase activates a THAWSOME attack which inflicts a Dice Cube on Spider-Man and 6 pts of damage. Spidey isn't able to block any damage but lands a counterpunch worth 1 pt of damage. Score: Iceman (39) Spider-Man (30)

Miles plays a BOOYAH! card from his hand which gives him a Combo token. Because of the Dice Cube negative status effect on him, Spider-Man has to use the lowest dice rolled this turn for his attack and can't reroll them. Players are allowed to reroll up to three times to determine which offensive ability they want to use, but this move by Iceman limits the dice that Spidey can reroll. Miles' dice roll activates Spider-Reflexes attack which causes 4 points of damage and gives Miles another combo attack. Iceman hits back causing 3 pts of damage on Spider-Man. Score: Iceman (35) Spider-Man (27)

Spider-Man's combo token lets him continue his attack with another round of die rolling for him. Miles inflicts 5 more points of damage on Drake; but Iceman hits back subtracting 4 more from Spidey's hit points. Score: Iceman (30) Spider-Man (23)

Spider-Man has yet another combo token to play and he keeps pressing the attack. He subtracts another 5 pts of damage from Iceman but once again the X-Man hits back causing 2 pts of damage as well on Spider-Man. Score: Iceman (25) Spider-Man (21)

Iceman has a THAWSOME attack on Spidey worth 6 pts of damage. Miles is able to block 1 pt of damage and counterpunch back subtracting 2 pts from Drake. Score: Iceman (23) Spider-Man (16)

Spider-Man lands a Super Reflexes attack. Iceman is able to block 2 pts of damage and cause 2 pts of his own against Spidey. Score: Iceman (20) Spider-Man (14)

Wow! Iceman's defensive roll not only absorbs all the damage from Spider-Man's attack this turn but also inflicts 1 pt of damage on the Web Slinger. That hurts! Iceman (20) Spider-Man (13)

Spider-Man uses a combo token and gets another attack! He lands a punch that should be worth 5 pts of damage; but Drake is able to block 4 pts of damage and hit back with 1 pt against Miles. Iceman's defensive rolls have been killing Spidey throughout this game! Score: Iceman (19) Spider-Man (12)

Drake hits Miles with a 7 pt Frostbite attack. Spidey can't block any damage! He does hit back with a counterpunch but it is starting to look like too little too late. Score: Iceman (18) Spider-Man (5)

Iceman goes for the death blow! He plays a Glide token! It activates EVERYBODY CHILL worth 6 pts of damage. The Web Slinger's defense rolls hit back with 3 pts of damage but can't block damage from the Iceman's attack. Miles is knocked out! Bobby Drake wins! Score: Iceman (15) Spider-Man (0)

Spider-Man took a beating! Have to say I didn't see that coming! Iceman moves on in the Dice Throne Tournament. Next up Deadpool versus Wolverine!

This post has affiliate links, which means this blog could earn advertising money if you buy something. This doesn't cost you anything extra, ageekdaddy.com just has to give you the heads up for legal reasons. Click away!

SPIDER MAN INTO THE SPIDERVERSE LIVE CONCERT

An all-new national tour is coming Detroit’s Fisher Theatre on September 24 which will bring fans a whole new way to experience the box office hit Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The Academy Award-winning film from Sony Pictures Animation will be accompanied by a live orchestra, band and turntables with a scratch DJ playing music from the score and soundtrack. 

Tickets for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert at the Fisher Theatre will go on sale at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 14 online at BroadwayInDetroit.com and in-person at the Fisher Theatre Box Office. For more information about the show, visit spiderverseinconcert.com

The film’s music score was composed by Academy Award nominee, multiple Golden Globe-nominee and Emmy-winning composer Daniel Pemberton, known for his work on movies such as The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Oceans 8, Enola Holmes, The Bad Guys and Steve Jobs. The hip-hop infused film score contains original music showcasing elements of heroism, resilience and is complemented by song contributions from industry greats Post Malone, Lil Wayne, Jaden Smith and Nicki Minaj. 

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is one of my favorite scores I’ve ever written,” Pemberton remarked to ageekdaddy.com. “Utilizing a full orchestra, crazy electronics and unbelievable turntable scratching techniques amongst a million other things is so technically complex, I never thought we’d ever be able to actually reproduce it in a live setting; but somehow, we have. I am ridiculously excited for fans around the country to see their very first Spider-Verse concert later this year.”

SPIDERMAN DECADE BY DECADE HISTORY BOOK

With Sony's Spider-Man movies crawling onto the Disney+ streaming platform, before swinging into watching this comic book superhero films again decided now would be a good time to delve into learning all about the character's history. The Quarto Group has published an marvelous look into Spidey's past with SPIDER-MAN: A History & Celebration of the Web Slinger, Decade by Decade by Matthew Manning, Robert Greenberger and Peter David. The book is available on amazon.com. 

SPIDER-MAN: A History of the Web Slinger, Decade by Decade provides a comprehensive look back at how the character went from being introduced in the last issue of a failing comic book to becoming a pop culture icon. Since his 1961 debut in the pages of Amazing Fantasy #15 by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Spider-Man has been featured in more than twenty movies and tv shows, numerous video games, millions of pages of comic book stories and countless consumer products including clothing and toys. Even those who aren't familiar with Spider-Man's origin story will instantly recognize this superhero. 

How did we get to a point where this wall-crawling, web-slinging hero became a global sensation? SPIDER-MAN: A History of the Web Slinger, Decade by Decade from The Quarto Group. The book is filled with expert commentary from people involved with the creative process of crafting Spider-Man's adventures thus far and artwork from the web of stories they have spun. 

SPIDER-MAN: A History of the Web Slinger, Decade by Decade is full of amazing and spectacular imagery from comics, movies, and items from Marvel's archives. Exploring the behind-the-scenes details included in this book with have fans' Spidey Sense tingling with excitement. 

Enjoy six decades worth of Spider-Man trivia, including:

• A timeline of Spider-Man's various adaptions in comics, movies, toys and more; 
• "Remember When?" moments such as the time Marvel introduced the Spider-Mobile; 
• The most interesting and shocking plot points in Web Slinger's comic book history;
• An overview of the creators who have crafted Spider-Man's brand over the years.

After you've caught up on Spider-Man's history, see if it provides new insights into your enjoyment of his movies that being shown on Disney Plus. Sony actually owns the movie rights to Spider-Man which Marvel licensed to them in the years before the comic book publisher had its own movie studio and way before it became a part of the Disney corporation. The first Spider-Man™ films by Sam Raimi “Spider-Man™,” “Spider-Man™ 2,” “Spider-Man™ 3,” and “The Amazing Spider-Man™” are now available to subscribers of Disney+. “Spider-Man™: Homecoming” and “Venom” will join the service on May 12, 2023.

Spider-Man™ (2002)

 Average teenager Peter Parker (Toby Maguire) is transformed into an extraordinary superhero after he is accidentally bitten by a radioactive spider. When his beloved uncle is savagely murdered during a robbery, young Peter vows to use his powers to avenge his death. Deeming himself "Spider-Man," he sets about ridding the streets of crime, bringing him into conflict with malevolent super-villain "Green Goblin." 

Spider-Man™ 2 (2004) 

In “Spider-Man 2™,” Tobey Maguire returns as the mild-mannered Peter Parker, who is juggling the delicate balance of his dual life as college student and a superhuman crime fighter. Peter's life becomes even more complicated when he confronts a new nemesis, the brilliant Otto Octavius who has been reincarnated as the maniacal and multi-tentacled "Doc Ock." When Doc Ock kidnaps MJ, Spider-Man must swing back into action as the adventure reaches new heights of unprecedented excitement. 

Spider-Man™ 3 (2007) 

Peter Parker finally has the girl of his dreams, Mary Jane Watson, and New York City is in the throes of Spider-mania! But when a strange alien symbiote turns Spider-Man's suit black, his darkest demons come to light changing Spider-Man inside as well as out. Spider-Man is in for the fight of his life against a lethal mix of villains - the deadly Sandman, Venom, and the New Goblin - as well as the enemy within himself. 

The Amazing Spider-Man™ (2012) 

A teenage Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) grapples with both high school and amazing super-human crises as his alter-ego Spider-Man. 

Spider-Man™: Homecoming (2017) 

A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero. Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May, under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark. Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine, but when the Vulture emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened. 

Venom (2018) 

Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) is a broken man after he loses everything including his job and fiancée. Just when his life is at its lowest, he becomes host to an alien symbiote which results in extraordinary superpowers - transforming him into Venom. Will these powers be enough for this new lethal protector to defeat great evil forces, especially against the far stronger and more weaponized symbiote rival, Riot?

This post has affiliate links, which means this blog could earn advertising money if you buy something. This doesn't cost you anything extra, ageekdaddy.com just has to give you the heads up for legal reasons. Click away!

SPIDERMAN TEAMS UP WITH TOYS FOR TOTS

Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man teamed up this year with Toys for Tots, a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve that distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas.  Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) in conjunction with the 4K, Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD release of Spider-Man: Homecoming provided one of the actual suits worn by actor Tom Holland while shooting the movie to be auctioned off by ScreenBid.com on behalf of Toys for Tots.  The winning bid raised more than $37,000 dollars for the charity!

Spider-Man swung into a Toys for Tots distribution center in Pasadena, California to present a check from the online auction.  He also brought along with him some Spider-Man: Homecoming dvds and toys to contribute towards the Toys for Tots effort courtesy of SPHE.  While there he joined in with other volunteers gift wrapping presents that will be going out to needy kids.  Way to go Spidey!

The appearance also provided an opportunity for Spider-Man to meet one of his own personal heroes ... Santa Claus.  Spidey and Santa spent some time chatting about each others super powers.  One can make reindeer fly in the sky plus teleport himself into people's homes while the other can crawl up walls and shoot webs.  Who do you think has the more impressive abilities?  Doesn't matter they are both impressive guys!

Would you like to join Spider-Man and Santa Claus in supporting the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation?  Visit toysfortots.org for information about making a financial contribution, donating new, unopened toys or volunteering your time.

Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Captain America: Civil War sets a new benchmark for comic book inspired films

If you didn't make it out to the movie theater to see CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR during its opening weekend make sure to see it while you can can on the big screen because it is definitely worth the price of admission.  The brother duo of Anthony and Joe Russo teamed up to co-direct this newest addition to Disney's Marvel super hero inspired film universe which does a stellar job of making the movie's audience feel as if they've actually been immersed into the pages of a comic book as they watch it.  This film is full of epic scenes which are amazing to see on the silver screen and demonstrates that while most motion pictures are easily available within a few months of their theatrical release to watch on dvd or via digital download going to the movies can still be a great experience that can't always be replicated on a television or mobile device screen.

This movie has it all ... a dynamic script that provides a serious dramatic tone to the film, action scenes that are sure to entertain you, special effects that provide a wow factor, plus humorous moments and one liners that cause the whole theater to erupt with laughter.  Captain America: Civil War does a nice job of making its cast of larger than life super hero characters relatable to viewers with its plot themes of loss, fear and revenge and great visual elements that absorb you into their story.  With such a large cast of prominent Marvel super heroes featured in this film, it was a nice spin on things that a lesser known character such as Ant-Man becomes the biggest hero of them all. I really enjoyed the Ant-Man solo movie and am looking forward to its sequel even more after seeing the great role  Scott Lang played in Civil War.  While Captain America and Iron Man are without a doubt the two main characters of the film, the directors really did a nice job of finding screen time and a role in the plot for everyone.

Two new heroes, Spider-Man and Black Panther, are added to the film franchise in Captain America:  Civil War and they really are provided impressive introductions that do their comic book characters justice in how they are portrayed and exceeded the expectations I had going into the movie.  I am looking forward to seeing the upcoming Black Panther solo movie after seeing Chadwick Boseman's performance as T'Challa the ruler of Wakanda in Civil War, while prior to seeing Captain America it wasn't of that much particular interest to me.  Tom Holland does a nice job of portraying the wise-cracking, teen age side of Spider-Man from the comic books that hasn't been highlighted as much in previous film versions of the character while his Aunt May goes in another direction not being a grey haired elderly lady in this new take on Peter Parker's adventures.

While the first two Avengers movies were great when it came to action scenes, special effects, and comedic scenes, Captain America: Civil War creates a new benchmark for the quality of a comic book inspired movie by incorporating a nice script with a plot that adds a sense of drama to the movie while also including all the elements that have made the Avengers movies incredibly enjoyable to watch.  Yes there are some plot flaws and other aspects of the film that make it far from perfect but this is an action movie not a documentary and it fulfills its mission of transporting its audience away from the reality of their own lives and entertaining them within one filled with super heroes that awe and amaze.  The tension between Captain America and Iron Man's feud leaves you on the edge of your seat while Ant-Man and Spider-Man provide comic relief that breaks the tension of the serious elements of the movie's plot.  The CGI effects continue to be very well done with one particular scene standing out in which a 20-year old Robert Downey Jr. appears on screen alongside his modern day self.  Watching theses special effects it really appears as if Iron Man is flying through the sky or Vision is walking through someone which is a big part of what makes watching these takes on Marvel's comic books so fun. Heading to see this movie, I had reservations about whether this movie could continue the momentum of the last two Avengers movies and was pleasantly surprised to leave the theater considering this my favorite film in the Marvel cinematic universe yet.

Captain America: Civil War follows the aftermath of the incidents in Avengers: Age of Ultron where the European nation of Sokovia was devastated with death and destruction by the conflict that occurred in that film.  Combined with the civilian death toll from incidents involving the Avengers in the original Avengers movie and in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the world has become afraid of this team of super powered individuals led by Steve Rogers (Captain America).  The countries of the world come together to sign a treaty called the Sokovia Accords which would have the United Nations oversee and direct the team.  The new status quo fractures the Avengers resulting in two camps, one led by Captain America and his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference and the other following Tony Stark's decision to support government oversight and accountability.

This movie absolutely did not "stank" and you'll want to keep an eye out for comic book publishing icon Stan Lee's appearance in this film which is one of his best movie cameos yet.  Also stick around after the movie ends for a special post-credit teaser for the upcoming Spider-Man movie.  Captain America: Civil War gets A Geek Daddy nod of approval because I frankly thoroughly enjoyed the movie theater viewing experience and am looking forward to adding it to my home video library when it arrives on blu-ray and dvd later this year.  This is one of those movies though you really should make an effort to see on the big screen to enjoy the expansive battle scenes as you won't regret going to the theater to see it.

For more information about the movie, visit Marvel.com/CaptainAmerica

A Geek Daddy was invited to a free screening of this movie by Walt Disney Studios.  Opinions expressed in this review are honest and my own.

Spider Man joins in on the action during new Captain America movie trailer

If you are a comic book fan than there is a lot to be geeked about when it comes to the blockbuster super hero movies being released this spring.  Batman versus Superman, X-Men: Apocalypse and Captain America: Civil War are bringing a lot of comic book characters to the silver screen including one of my all time favorite super heroes, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.  Disney just released a new trailer for Civil War and while Captain America may have his name on the movie title could it be that Spider Man steals the show?



From the trailers and stills released about Captain America: Civil War no matter how big or small the web-crawler's role may be it is guaranteed the film it is going to be filled with an incredible number of super heroes ranging from Ant Man to Iron Man engaging in some epic battle sequences.

Captain America: Civil War hits theaters across the United States on May 6, 2016.  It pits Captain America, Falcon, Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, and Ant Man versus Iron Man, War Machine, Black Widow, Vision, Black Panther...and Spider Man.  These two teams are battling over the fate of Steve Roger's boyhood best friend and military sidekick Bucky Barnes, who was transformed into the villainous assassin Winter Soldier after being thought lost for dead during a World War II combat mission with Captain America, regarding his involvement in the incidents of  Captain America: The Winter Soldier plus they are in conflict about whether "enhanced individuals" like the Avengers should be registered and controlled by the United States government.

So are you rooting for Team Captain America or Team Iron Man in this super hero civil war?  I'm torn because I support Cap's principles but Tony Stark has recruited a team made up of characters that I'm so much more hyped about seeing in the movie.  So it is a toss up for me.  The one thing I do know for sure is that I'm excited to see Spider Man join in on the action!

For more information about the movie, visit  marvel.com/captainamerica

Photos courtesy of Walt Disney Studios

AVENGERS SAVING THE DAY - FREE DIGITAL COMIC BOOK TEACHES KIDS TO SAVE FOR THEIR FUTURE

While your kids may be anxiously awaiting the arrival of MARVEL's Avengers: Age of Ultron at movie theaters on May 1, 2015 now may be a good time to wrap up April which is Financial Literacy Month with the team of super heroes providing some help on assisting them in being money smart.  VISA's financial education program, Practical Money Skills for Life, has a FREE digital comic book featuring some of MARVEL's most popular characters that can be downloaded to help parents and teachers begin a conversation with children about being money smart and financially literate.  AVENGERS: SAVING THE DAY features Ant Man, Black Widow, Hulk, Iron Man and Thor teaming up with Spider-Man to save a bank from being robbed by The Mole Man and his evil army while also providing tips to help Spidey from overdrafting his bank account as he considers what to buy his Aunt May for her birthday.  This comic book features some nice artwork and action scenes that intertwine an entertaining super hero story with educational tips and information.

AVENGERS: SAVING THE DAY is a 16 page comic book that introduces children to concepts of budgeting, savings, and banking terms.  Spider-Man's youthfulness (remember he is only a teen / young adult in most of his portrayals) and wise cracking personality create the transitions for the comic book's author, James Asmus, to provide educational insights while keeping the publication fun and interesting for its readers.  Andrea Di Vito also contributes with providing a decent job on the artwork for AVENGERS: SAVING THE DAY that I am sure most kids will appreciate and enjoy.
This comic book was originally published in 2012 to coincide with the movie release of THE AVENGERS, but is just as fitting and relevant of a tie-in now with its sequel.

The comic book is available in eight languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese, French, Russian, and Bahasa Indonesian) and includes a budget worksheet and financial literacy terms checklist.  CLICK HERE to download AVENGERS: SAVING THE DAY.

"A wise man once said that with great power there must come great responsibility and that certainly applies to managing your finances.

In an uncertain world, understanding how to save

and properly budget your hard-earned money is one of the keys to personal success.

The Avengers are not only the world's greatest heroes, but they also know a thing or three about financial health. After all, Iron Man hasn't managed his vast wealth of Stark Enterprises by accident, and as Spider-Man learns, you don't have to be a millionaire to be a saving hero." 

-Marvel Editor Bill Rosemann

There is also an alternate version of the comic book available on the Practical Money Skills For Life website printed in Spanish and English that is essentially the same story but replaces Spider-Man with a super hero named Nova.  A teachers guide with a lesson plan can be downloaded from the website too.

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY: A GOOD DAY TO BE A KID & A KID AT HEART

My son & I had a nice father and son bonding morning on Saturday May 4 as we threw on our Spider Man t-shirts and took a trip to the local comic book store for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY.  Free Comic Book Day is a special event that takes place each year on the first Saturday in the month of May when comic book retailers give out issues to anyone who comes into their shops absolutely for FREE.  This year there were 52 Free Comic Book Day issues to choose from with titles ranging from Superman to Sesame Street that would appeal to everyone from preschool children like my son and daughter to a 40 year old geeky dad like me. 

A big part of the fun of the day was interacting with a wide range of people in line waiting for a chance to grab a bunch of free comic books.  If you enjoy people watching this was the place to be!  There was a very nice lady who stood in line next to us that told us the whole history of the X-Men characters while I tried not to stare out the HUGE butterfly tattoo inked across her cleavage that was very visible due to her very low cut blouse; a group of bikers clad in riding leather that looked like they could have been from the cast of the History Channel’s VIKINGS who of all things were discussing what they liked and didn’t like about that show; guys dressed up as storm troopers from the local 501^st Garrison who everyone wanted to get a picture with; a group of kids wearing their karate uniforms and practicing their moves on the sidewalk after just getting out of their class from the studio that was next door to the comic store; and we can’t forget the friendly little girl in the Wonder Woman costume who came up to my little boy to tell him she loved his Spidey shirt and struck up a conversation with him about which tv show was better on the Disney Channel: Doc McStuffins or Sophia the First. We were having a blast just hanging out in line talking about super heroes and villains with people who were die hard comic book fans as well as parents who had never read a comic but brought their kids up to enjoy the promotion.  My wife and daughter really missed out when they decided to go shopping rather than join us guys on our excursion.

The fun continued as we gawked at all the comics we had to choose from when we reached the front of the line.  The comic store we were at allowed each person to take 10 issues…which is pretty generous as I’ve heard some retailers limit people to selecting 2 or 3 comics…and we had to go through to pick and choose from all the ones available.  We grabbed Disney Fairies and StrawberryShortcake for my daughter.  My son chose Batman& the Teen Titans, Sonic the Hedgehog, The Smurfs, and Teenage Mutant NinjaTurtles.  I picked up for myself TheWalking Dead, Star Wars, Buck Rogers, Prince Valiant, and The Tick.  We also picked up Mouse Guard, the SteamEngines of OZ, and World of Archie Digest for the whole family to enjoy together.

After grabbing a treasure trove of comics we stopped to get some Superman ice cream on the way home.  Than we enjoyed a few hours of just sitting back relaxing and enjoying our haul of goodies.  Free Comic Book Day has two goals, first to reward loyal customers with a fun event that will encourage their continued business and second, to entice new readers to enjoy reading comic books and get them to buy the publishers’ products in the future.  They accomplished their goal when it came to our family!  My kids can’t read yet, but they’ve been going through the artwork in their books over and over again and have been asking me to read the stories to them.  I have a feeling they are going to be future customers!  I am a regular consumer of Star Wars and The Walking Dead comics so they built up some additional brand loyalty with this customer who is going to keep buying these publications by providing me a nice Darth Vader story to read and an exclusive Tyreese comic for my collection this year.  Plus, I was very impressed with the preview of the new comic Steam Engines of OZ which had great artwork and a nicely written dramatic and suspenseful story, so Archana Comics most likely picked up a new customer through their FREE COMIC BOOK DAY issue.  Steam Engines of OZ is set 100 years after Dorothy’s visit in the Wizard of Oz where the Tin Man rules the Emerald City and the “Wicked” Witch of the North is trying to save the land from his dictatorship with the story portrayed in the steam punk genre.   My interest was peeked after reading the first issue of this new series.

If you haven’t enjoyed FREE COMIC BOOK DAY, I highly encourage you to check it out next year.  For more information, visit www.freecomicbookday.com