Sarge’s Comics Etc. (New London, CT)

Malinda Brown & Robert Miller report:

FCBD this year, despite all attempts by Mother Nature to thwart it, was a wonderful success. Not being able to use the sidewalk for tables made it a bit crowded, but didn't deter the fun at all. The wind machine out doors was set too high as well, but it cooled the folks in costumes who ventured out for air.
Any of the random foot traffic we would have lost because of the rain was made up by our Hulk™ out on the street. He roared, he bumrushed cars at the stoplight, he climbed on to busses… ( well, figuratively!) All in the name of free comics!

Our favorite customer of the day was a two year old boy who tried to take one of the Stormtroopers home, thinking he was just a very large action figure!

The comics and shirts arrived in a timely manner. The shirts this year were also much better. The fabric was less itchy, and the fit was superb. 

The titles available this year were awesome. From Owly for our younger customers, to the independent titles for the people looking for something new, everything was great. The only thing I’d change would be to have a rating of some sort on the cover to warn people of the content. A simple “G” and “Not G” or “M” would suffice. Moms need to know if little Susie or Johnny is going to open the comic and find cusswords or nudity. The blame falls on us, because we didn’t warn them. Less complaints means more satisfied customers and happier employees.

The talent we had this year was overwhelming. Artist/Writer Kieth Champagene (Armor X, JSA) was signing for fans;  Ben Morse, From Wizard Magazine was on hand and gave out some of the Wizard Top 100 Comics books;  Artists David Quintana and Shawnti Therrien Drew sketches for fans; and Illustrarator Randall Ensley came to show his wares. Ox Baker the Wrestler shouted and carried on as well.

Sailor V, Beldandy, and other Cosplayers greeted our customers, while we had our favorite Furries in costumes rounding out the madness and mayhem that IS a Sarge’s FCBD tradition!

Special thanks to the New England Garrison of the 501st Storm troopers and friends. They once again MADE the event so special for everyone.

We also coupled the event with our annual FCBD sale,  which made a lot of folks quite happy and helped clean out some stock.

Who needs movies to piggyback FCBD on? Not us! As an esteemed colleague once uttered: “Best Day Ever!”

PS, A big thanks to Bongo for participating this year!

Pictures from Sarge’s Comics FCBD 2005: http://www.pbase.com/harpozep/fcbd2005