Big Bang Toys Comics & Games is bringing superheroes, storytellers, and stacks of free comics to Frederica Street this Saturday for Free Comic Book Day — complete with games, prizes, costume contests, and a $300 collectible grand prize up for grabs.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the store, located at 4786 Frederica Street. The grand prize is a Marvel Milestones Thor Ragnarok Gladiator Thor Statue.
“This is always our busiest day and top sales day,” said Wil Barker, store manager. “We gain new customers and new comic subscribers every year on Free Comic Book Day. The community can enjoy getting free comics that publishers release just for this day. Some of these are stand-alone stories, and others kick off new storylines or new comics.”
The nationwide event is in its 23rd year and has consistently drawn bigger crowds in Owensboro, according to Barker.
“Attendance has grown year after year,” he said. “Each year, we try to offer new family-fun activities and games to get kids engaged.”
This year’s event will also feature three special guests:
- Robert Lamb, a writer and storyboard artist known for work on He-Man, She-Ra, Bravestarr, Fat Albert, and Darkwing Duck.
- Shawn Lamb, a multi-award-winning author and scriptwriter who contributed to Bravestarr and has written several fantasy and historical novels including the Allon and Eldar series.
- Barry Williams, a storyteller and freelance colorist whose work includes Chuck Dixon’s Iron Ghost, Atomik Mike, and Red Dwarf: Prelude. He is also co-creator of the comic My Name is Proxy and a professor of English and communication.
The schedule includes a coloring contest at 10:30 a.m., superhero “flight school” at 11 a.m., a web challenge with Spider-Man and friends at 11:30 a.m., and a Heroes vs. Villains Super Showdown at noon. Kids and adults costume contests will follow, with a final opportunity to meet the featured guests at 2 p.m.
Barker said the event is a chance not only to connect with comic fans but to introduce families to something they can enjoy together.
“We hope families have a fun time and find new comics or games to enjoy,” he said. “We also hope that former comic readers will reconnect with current comic storylines. Hopefully, parents will enjoy rediscovering comics or games from their past and sharing them with their families.”
Big Bang carries a variety of new and vintage toys, comics, and tabletop games, and Barker said the store prides itself on being a place where fandom is for everyone.
For more information, visit buybigbang.com.
