2016 Free Comic Book Day Titles Checklist

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It's going to be a great Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con this May 7!

If you're looking for a list of this year's titles, we put together this checklist (download it today) for you. Remember, everyone can take one of each title that he or she wants to read, while supplies last.

Savings Club Members, we sent out your FCBD advanced selection list today. Please check your email for it. Make sure to turn it in by the last Friday of the month. On FCBD, we're opening the doors an hour early (8am) just for you. Then at 9am we'll let in additional visitors. Make sure to use the VIP line.

If you're not a Member and want to sign up, ask about signing up in the shop (you only need to subscribe to one title), HOWEVER, you won't qualify for FCBD Benefits until next year. In the meantime, print this checklist and figure out which titles you want the most (for cover images of this year's titles, visit FreeComicBookDay.com).

NEW IN 2016: In past year's we've invited the community to celebrate the joy of reading comic books all month long. We call Free Comic Book Month (FCBM). THIS YEAR, WE HAVE AN IMPORTANT CHANGE: FCBM will only be for Savings Club Members who are already signed up. Members will be able to show up any Saturday or every Saturday in May to get more free comic books. We'll have more details coming soon.




20,000 free comic books at Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con

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Empire’s Comics Vault will host a mini-comic book convention for the internationally celebrated Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) on Saturday, May 7, 2016 from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. (add this event to your FB calendar) at 1120 Fulton Ave., Suite K, in Sacramento.

The mini-convention is a celebration of the joy of reading comic books and of Sacramento’s talented community of artists, writers, food truck purveyors, wrestlers, and other groups. The event is dedicated to sharing a love of Sacramento’s diverse interests and of reading comic books.

“Sacramento is filled with talented individuals who create their own comics, write novels and short stories, paint, sculpt, craft and so much more,” said Ben Schwartz, Empire’s Comics Vault’s owner. “We live in a town that is overflowing with creativity. If you have not delved into it, this is the day.” 

This year’s participants and activities include Matt Hawkins, acclaimed comic book writer of Think Tank, Symmetry, Aphrodite IX, and more for Top Cow Productions, cosplayers from the West Coast Avengers and Vader’s 501st Legion, a live, in-rink, wrestling demonstration by Supreme Pro Wrestling, face painting, balloon makers, TEDxSacramento speaker and founder of HeroicGirls.com John Marcotte, Drewski’s Gourmet Food Truck, Wandering Boba, shaved ice, Sac City Rollers on skates, promoting roller derby, collage artist Jill Stafford, Mario Estioko who just his first comic panel book, Incompatibles, to name a few.

Empire’s Comics Vault has celebrated Free Comic Book Day since the shop's first year of operation in 2003 and, including this year, will have given away more than 100,000 free comic books to customers and other fans in the greater Northern California region. In 2008, Empire’s Comics Vault began inviting local artists, writers, podcasters, and community groups to participate in the event, transforming it into a mini-convention.

The full list of exhibitors, community groups and food providers for the Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con may be viewed at EmpiresComics.com. Admission is free. Attendees may take one of each free comic book title that they are interested in reading. There will be 50 different Free Comic Book Day titles available this year, in addition to scores of other select free titles, and a total of more then 20,000 free comic books.

More Information
For more information about the event, visit www.EmpiresComics.com.
Photos: Free Comic Book Day 2015, 2014

Reality Comics at FCBD Mini-Con

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Ben interviews the gents, Augustine and Trevor, behind Reality Comics. After the interview, special guest Nicole stops in for a chat. 

 At last Saturday's Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con, Reality Comics interviewed the attendees, including guests, exhibitors, and cosplayers. When that video becomes available, we'll post it here at EmpiresComics.com and on our social media channels.


They also provide some of the best comic book related video news and commentary anywhere on the internet. 

 Reality Comics is your one-stop online community for all things comics. Check them out, support their IndieGoGo campaign, and enjoy the interview.

Chris Wisnia at FCBD 2015

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Note: Get the full lineup of FCBD Mini-Con 2015 guests here. Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con is TODAY, Saturday, May 2, 2015. Doors open at 9 a.m.


Chris Wisnia has been creating, writing, drawing and publishing comic books for ten years.

His works include, "Doris Danger Giant Monster Adventures" and "Monstrosis" (SLG Publishing), Sam Keith's "Ojo" (Oni Press), Tabloia Weekly Magazine (Salt Peter Press), "The Lump," and the online masked vigilante encyclopedia, "The Spider Twins Companion."

Chris recently collaborated with his wife, author Elizabeth Wisnia, and fellow illustrator Jeff Bambas, on "S is for Spanko: A Frightening and Realistic Giant Monster Alphabet Book."

Meet Chris at Mini-Con
We couldn't be happier than to have this multi-faceted talent with us. Come on down, meet Chris and check out his monster creativity on May 2.




Julie Okahara at FCBD Mini-Con 2015

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Note: Get the full lineup of FCBD Mini-Con 2015 guests here. FCBD Mini-Con starts at 9 am this Saturday, May 2

 Talented artist and past Empire's Art Gallery exhibitor Julie Okahara will join us for Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con.

 Julie started drawing at a young age and now brings to life some of the most imaginative mixed-media paintings you'll ever experience. Using strong colors and emotional themes, Julie's works will inspire you.

 Be sure to read our gallery interview with Julie. Also take a moment to view this new video interview as Ben and Julie talk about the creative process and some of the themes in her work.

HeroicGirls.com and John Marcotte at FCBD Mini-Con 2015

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Note: Get the full lineup of FCBD Mini-Con 2015 guests here. FCBD Mini-Con starts at 9 am this Saturday, May 2.

John Marcotte is the founder of HeroicGirls.com and a writer for the HuffingtonPost.com. He also recently spoke at TEDxSacramento on the topic, "Girls can be their own superheroes".


John started HeroicGirls.com with the explicit purpose of "empowering girls by advocating for strong role models in alternative media — particularly comics."

In keeping with that goal, HeroicGirls.com recently ran a successful hashtag campaign, #WheresNatasha, to shed light on Disney's and Marvel's neglect of the Black Widow in the majority of their merchandising.

Speaking about HeroicGirls.com, John adds, "We want to get more girls and women involved in the creation and consumption of comic books as a tool to increase assertiveness and self-esteem, and to help them to dream big."

At Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con, John will be doing this by polling local girls and women about their love of comics. He's also starting a book club. Talk to John to learn more.

Big SALE for Free Comic Book Day 2015

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Our most fun sale of the year each and every year. Because there are wrestlers wrestling, roller derby athletes skating, cosplayers cosplaying, food trucks food-trucking, West Coast Avengers avenging, Storm Troopers storming, and so much more. Here are the details:

  • 25% off  graphic novels and toys
  • 25% off already reduced items
Super Cheap Back Issues
$1-5 cover price titles for .50c
$5.01-$10 = $1
$10.01-$15 = $2
$15.01+ = 75% off

Note: Get the full lineup of FCBD Mini-Con 2015 guests here. FCBD Mini-Con starts at 9 am this Saturday, May 2. 


Chris Cinder at FCBD Mini-Con 2015

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Note: Get the full lineup of FCBD Mini-Con 2015 guests here. FCBD Mini-Con starts at 9 am this Saturday, May 2. Check out Chris Cinder' table for awesome Cinder Bots.

Sacramento artist Chris Cinder will exhibit at our 2015 Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con. You've seen Chris' playful and imaginative art in Empire's Art Gallery, now you'll have the chance to meet this talented artist.

Chris Cinder and Ben Schwartz

Chris is widely know for his famous Cinder Bots (pictured above). His paintings feature sci-fi themes, rich colors, and a storyline that runs through numerous pictures. Talk to Chris to learn more about his upcoming projects, and enjoy this interview:

Jason Dube of Scattered Comics joins FCBD Mini-Con 2015

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Note: Get the full lineup of FCBD Mini-Con 2015 guests here. FCBD Mini-Con starts at 9 am this Saturday, May 2. Check out Scattered Comics' table for an FCBD exclusive release.

Artist and publisher Jason Dube founded his own comic book company, Scattered Comics, 22 years ago.

Since then, he's published an array of titles, including, "Scattered," "Panda Days," "Caffeine Poisoned," "Waiting for Something to Happen," and "Shadow Hunters."

He recently began publishing monthly webcomics for a variety of titles and released his titles for download on iTunes and Drive-Thru Comics.

In addition to his own creations, Jason has worked as an artist, colorist, typesetter and layout artist for multiple independent companies, including, Neko Press, Blue Water Productions, and Last Doorway Productions.

Jason recently opened Scattered Comics Studios, a one stop-shop comic book studio for clients. There he oversees the work of the studio's artists and directs an internship program for young artists to gain experience and exposure within the industry.

Meet Jason at FCBD Mini-Con 2015
We are extremely excited to have this experienced and knowledgable talent with us. Check out Scattered Comics and pick the brain of the man behind the studio on May 2.


Lady Rose of May at FCBD Mini-Con 2015

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Note: Get the full lineup of FCBD Mini-Con 2015 guests here. This Saturday, May 2 is Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con. Doors open at 9 am. See you there.

Cosplayer McKayla Rose Butym is an athlete, professional costumer, aspiring author and a volunteer with the West Coast Avengers and The Avengers Initiative, charitable organizations that contribute to various Child Life, hospital and community events throughout the year.

McKayla has been costuming since 2001. She recently completed her first novel, which she describes as high fantasy and steampunk-friendly. McKayla was also a competitive boxer for two years, active with the roller derby, and boasts that she has, indeed, knocked people out -- so watch it!

At Free Comic Book Day, the West Coast Avengers will be raising money for Shriner's Children's Hospital by selling raffle tickets for an amazing prize package!

Meet McKayla at Empire's Comics Vault's FCBD Mini-Con
We're pleased as punch that McKayla will bring her diverse and intriguing talents to FCBD Mini-Con on May 2.


West Coast Avengers Initiative joins FCBD Mini-Con 2015

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Note: Get the full lineup of FCBD Mini-Con 2015 guests here. Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con is this Saturday, May 2. Doors open at 9 am. We're giving away 20,000 free comic books. At the Mini-Con, West Coast Avengers will be selling raffle tickets for an amazing prize package. All proceeds will benefit Shriner's Children's Hospital of Northern California.

 The West Coast Avengers, a non-profit costuming group, provides a "collective identity" for Marvel Universe fans to create, own, and wear their favorite film, comic, and television hero costumes. 


With a focus on fun and creativity, the group encourages members to "capture the magic" of Marvel by portraying accurate representations of various characters through individual costumes. While allowing for some "creative modifications," the group holds itself and its members to child-appropriate and family-friendly portrayals. 

The West Coast Avengers puts its costuming and creative talents to work in the community through various fundraisers, charity work and volunteerism. Last year at FCBD, "California's mightiest heroes," raised money for Shriners Hospital for Children. We're thrilled to announce that they'll be on hand this year to do the same!


Meet West Coast Avengers Initiative at FCBD Mini-Con
Come out on May 2 to meet and take pictures with your favorite West Coast Avenger and help raise money for a worthy cause.