I can barely believe it – Free Comic Book Day is upon us, again, on May 7! And while the love for superheroes and other amazing comic genres continue to grow in Singapore, Free Comic Book Day is a must-celebrate for many of us, whether you’re an old-school fan with an attic full of longboxes, or a first-timer dipping your toes into this vast pond. As is our tradition every year, here’s our guide (including a battle plan and a map) to surviving the 15th Free Comic Book Day with maximum comics – and don’t forget to bring some non-comic-reading friends along too. Spread the love!
Here are the participating outlets, in order of opening time.
9AM: KINOKUNIYA SINGAPORE (ALL STORES)
#04-20/20B/20C Ngee Ann City, Takashimaya Shopping Centre (Main store)
On Saturday, you really want to be at the main store in Ngee Ann City first. While Kinokuniya said that early-birds “get all the good stuff” when they “come as early as 9am”, we understand that that’s when they start giving out queue tickets for entry later when doors open at 10am (so that you can go have breakfast somewhere first while ensuring you get your allotment of comics).
Still, you want to be there way, way ahead of time – queues start hours before doors open, so I do suggest taking the first bus/train/taxi/Uber down. Kino staff will be handing out free food and drinks for those in the queue, and those who managed to get ticket can also get a discounted breakfast set meal from Paul.
As is tradition, all Kinokuniya members will get a complimentary Free Comic Book Day gift pack when they present their membership card, while stocks last, and there will be a 20% sale for members (also on Sunday).
Those who spend at least S$80 at the store (including any comic book) also qualify for a lucky dip, and Kino’s celebrations have always been very fun – with events such as:
- 1pm: Meet Shaun Kang, the Singaporean writer of graphic novel Flesh & Steel
- 2.30pm: Meet the amazing Andie Tong, who recently illustrated Disney’s The Zodiac Legacy, created by Stan Lee and Stuart Moore
- 4.30pm: Star Wars Day hangover? The 501st will be there, together with an assortment of Jedi, Sith, and others, for photos
The other Kinokuniya stores will also have gift packs for members, while stocks last.
10AM-1PM: ABSOLUTE COMICS
Plaza Singapura, #B1-17
Absolute will be holding their giveaway from 10am to 1pm, and each customer is entitled to 3 comics, without needing to purchase anything. That’s not all – all visitors will get a 10% discount on trade paperbacks, hardcovers, comics, T-shirts and statues, while members (those with reservations) will get 15% off.
UPDATE: There will also be a 50% sale on all Marvel single issues and variants during that time!
As they say: “Spread the love of comics to those non-believers cuz Free Comic Book Day is our day.” Indeed!
11AM-3PM: GNB COMICS
The four-hour extravaganzy at GnB Comics is for both members and non-members alike, but here’s the deal – members “in good standing and with subscription orders and with tickets” will get access to a special exclusive sale. (If you don’t have tickets by now I don’t think you’ll be in time to get them.) There will be freebies for those in line – largely Star Wars themed – so even if you’re not a member you’re bound to get something to bring home.
And one thing to remember: This will be GnB’s last Free Comic Book Day at its current Rochor Centre location. Definitely worth a visit.
4PM-8PM THE CATHAY
Most likely a collaboration with the cool guys from Atom Comics, The Cathay will hold Free Comic Book Day at the ground floor, and each person will be given one set of comics each. But first! It looks like you have to S$5 or more at any shop in The Cathay and present the receipt at the redemption booth to get an event sticker, as well as comics, vouchers, express gelish manicure, caricature and others.
THE ATTACK PLAN
For Maximum Comics (TM), one needs an attack plan. And looking at the start times, here’s what we think:
- Kinokuniya Main Store
- GnB Comics
- Absolute Comics
- The Cathay
Now, it’s probably the impossible task to do all that (despite it being less locations than last year). But if you’re fast, you can get out of Kino quick enough to head down to Bugis (via the MRT) to Rochor Centre, grab what you need from GnB and then get to Absolute before 1pm. Then it’s time for lunch, maybe even watch Captain America: Civil War, then a nice stroll down to The Cathay at 4pm. Easy peasy, lemon grabby!
Love a challenge? Follow our walking route:
Absolute Comics will also be giving a 50% sale on all MARVEL single issues and variants from 10am to 1pm!!!!!