How to get MAXIMUM COMICS on Free Comic Book Day 2015

The most Singaporean of all comic celebrations is back: It’s Free Comic Book Day 2015, where fans and the curious gather around town to pick up a few free comics and spread the comic love. Most of the usual suspects around Singapore are ready to get in with the festivities, which take place less than 24 hours away, and one store is surprisingly joining FCBD for the first time! HereBeGeeks is here to help try and optimise your route for MAXIMUM COMICS – so that you can spread the comic love with all those around you.

Whether you’re comics crazy or just dipping your toes in, it can be pretty overwhelming – so read on to see what we think is the best way to tackle FCBD, Singaporean style. First up, you’ll head to …

KINOKUNIYA – (All stores open at 10am, except Bugis and Liang Court at 10.30am. Event lasts while stocks last)

• 391 Orchard Road, #04-20/20B/20C Ngee Ann City, Takashimaya Shopping Centre
• 177 River Valley Road, #03-50 Liang Court
• 200 Victoria Street, #03-09 Bugis Junction
• 50 Jurong Gateway Road, #04-23 Jem (Jurong East)

If you’re into Free Comic Book Day, you know where everybody will head to first, and it’s no secret: Kinokuniya has been the kick-off point for many an awesome FCBD in Singapore, and even though their new store is smaller, things are expected to be the same. In fact, we know that some have planned to head down as early as 7.30 am, but I’ll bet there’ll be people trying to get there earlier. The store will also be implementing a queue system, and staff will be out from 9am to 945am to hand out queue numbers.

This year, all four branches will be taking part in the giveaway – but you have to be a Kinokuniya member first. (If you’re anything like me , it shouldn’t be a problem, as this is the day to renew your membership too.) Waving your membership card will allow you to collect a grab bag of comics – so if there’s a title you really want to get, either come with a huge group of friends or keep your fingers crossed throughout.

Members also get another bonus – it’s 20 per cent off storewide on FCBD, but non-members shouldn’t fear, as there’s a 10 per cent discount for you guys. These discounts start May 1 and last till May 4. You also get to purchase FCBD merchandise such as Amanda Conner 2015 commemorative t-shirts, Marvel HeroClix, MIRAI SUENAGA X BOOKS KINOKUNIYA special merchandise, and more. There’s also limited quantities of an FCBD reusable, eco-friendly shopping tote featuring artwork from Amanda Conner for Kinokuniya members who make a minimum purchase of S$200, including any comic title of any language, while stocks last.

Free comics won’t be the only draw, of course – at 3pm to 4pm, Stormtroopers and more Singapore’s 501st Legion will make their way down from Star Wars Day celebrations at Suntec City to see if they can find any Rebel scum in Kinokuniya. And from 5pm to 6pm, it’s LightSaber time with FightSaber’s own performance. But if you hate crowds or one a higher chance of scoring a bag, it should be good to try the other stores, especially the one in Jurong.

Next up, head to …

G&B COMICS – (Event from 11am to 4pm)

• Blk 1 Rochor Center #02-500

One of the oldest comic book stores in Singapore, G&B is coming out swinging Mjolnir this year with 2 (TWO!) FCBD parties. It’s a good change – the store has always been extremely crowded during FCBD, and while G&B has previously allowed members to enter the “fast pass” queue, this year members will get to enter the store for an exclusive party. But the rest of the public will still get their hands on comics, of course – G&B says that “selected comics” will be available (last year, the public could pick up 5 comics). Meanwhile, ticket holders can grab up to 20 comics each, with no duplicates.

For those who have received their tickets to the private party:

• The first 150 will get a Star Wars tote bag
• 100 comic-based lanyards are up for grabs together with
• 150 Subway samplers
• And all ticket holders will get a “REALLY AWESOME” Top-secret goodie bags and
• A special Avengers pin

For the general public:

• The first 150 will get a Star Wars tote bag
• 150 Subway samplers are up for grabs
• The first 100 who show they have the G&B app on their phones will get an Avengers poster

That’s not all, those at the store will be able to buy comics at US$1 = S$1 prices (take that, high US Dollar!) and members will get an additional 10 per cent off (US$0.90 = S$1!!!). G&B is also giving away 300 Star Wars posters for, well, first come first serve.

IMPORTANT: This will also be the last FCBD ever at G&B’s Rochor Centre store, as the building is slated for demolition by December 2015. Do visit the store, it’s such an amazing place.

Next, saunter down to …

ABSOLUTE COMICS – (Event from 10am to 1pm)

• Plaza Singapura #B1-17, 68 Orchard Road

Colour me surprised! This is their first time organising Free Comic Book Day proper, and all those dropping by can get three FCBD comics of their choice, with no purchase necessary. There’s also a 10 per cent sale for lots of various comics and merchandise, and Absolute Comics members can get an additional 5 per cent off.

Make a run for it and head to …

ATOM COMICS – (Event from 11am to 11pm)

• 2 Handy Road, #03-02, The Cathay, Singapore

Atom Comics is giving out one free comic to non-members and three to members as part of FCBD – but that’s not all:

• 20 per cent off TPBs
• 20 per cent off FunkoPop figures
• Discounts for Star Wars toys
• S$2 for two comics
• Exclusive FCBD art pieces
• Free candy given out by cosplayers
• Sketches by Jerry Hinds

Else, run down to …

INVASION! TOYS AND COLLECTIBLES – (Event starts at 12pm, while stocks last)

• 109 North Bridge Road #05-36, Funan DigitaLife Mall

Invasion! have “literally doubled” the number of comics they’ve ordered compared to last year, so hopefully you’ll find what you need here. Non-members can pick up five comics, members can pick up seven. If you’re in costume, you can pick up seven … but if you want to pick up 10 ten FCBD comics, all you need to do is impress the guys at Invasion! somehow. Somehow. I’m not sure if begging on your knees counts, but tell me if it works!

Invasion! will also be running a toy bazaar on the entire 5th floor of Funan, and other merchandise will be on sale. Oh, and there will be random giveaways, so if you have some time to spare, just … hang around?

AND NOW, THE MAP

Of course, with all the events going, you’re going to need a map to plan your route. Here it is!

It’s a little bit more convoluted to hit all stops this year, but what you should do is:

1. Start at Kino, queue early. Bus 7 or 175 down to
2. G&B Comics, party up, and Downtown Line > Circle Line MRT to
3. Absolute Comics, because it ends at 1pm. Then walk to
4. Atom Comics, because it’s just down the road. Then take the MRT from Dhoby Ghaut to City Hall
5. And end your day at Invasion!

But really, plan your route the best you can! Just enjoy yourself, and bring a friend. 🙂

Oh, and drink lots of water. And don’t trust weird strangers!