Free Comic Book Day

There is nothing that piques the interest of someone than hearing one little word. Free. For the past few years comic book companies and comic shops around North America (indeed, the world) have used this day to reach the masses. A great marketing tool, indeed. For myself, it was a day to pick up a few trades that I wanted to fill out my own collection. I don't really buy magazine format comics anymore. I like trades, coffee table books, and the like. Because I like to sit down with a good book and read it, not having to worry about retaining it's pristine condition as I remove it from a comic bag while wearing white gloves (let's be honest, some comic collectors ARE that anal).

But, this weekend has been a great geek weekend for me. I managed to find a few books I wanted and got some free stuff to boot. Such as the really cool Iron Man heroclik. Pearce picked up the Green Lantern Power Ring. Sadly, it did not come with a power battery. On top of that, I expanded my own Green Arrow collection and Hawkmna collection, and introduced myself to a series that Pat, over at Eighth Street Comics, has raved about, and Pearce told me about as being a much more intelligent James Bond. I've read the first couple of chapters so far, and it's very deep indeed. Titled Queen & Country, it's written by Greg Rucka, and has a large number of books in the series so far. Volume 4 is out, so I have my reading cut out for me.

For more information on this year's Free Comic Book Day, just check out the web site.

Until I give up my comics...

Keep 'em flyin'!

The Man Show

It was a tradeshow dedicated to everything men. Campers, RV's, ATV's, SUV's, food, beer, recreation, and yes, even a fashion show. Okay, some might say "Fashion show. That has nothin' ta do with men!" No, but it could be argued that it wasn't so much the clothes, but what was wearing the clothing. All in all, a very entertaining afternoon at the Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon.

Nothing like getting free samples of beer, partaking in mini donuts, beer sausage, cheese from the Bulk Cheese Warehouse in Saskatoon. There was the draw for the Man Shed, a tool shed that had a bathroom, chairs, flatscreen tv, small deck with a putting green, and a microwave. A $45,000 dream shed up for grabs in a draw. The portable, drivable bar stool. The surprise look when we found out a fully loaded Integra costs only $52,000 (I woulda totally guessed $100,000).

And yes, there was the fashion show. Did I mention the fashion show? Have I mentioned that in the past five minutes that there was a fashion show? Did I?

Dakota Dunes had a both there promoting the golf course, world class I might add. The film, Season of Dreams, a film all about football in rural Saskatchewan and how it links back to the Saskatchewan Roughriders was on display and available to purchase the 2 disc DVD. I also met up with a few old friends while I was there, getting a chance to catch up with what they were doing.

Props to Al Douma, owner of Michelangelo Marble and Granite Company. He allowed myself and Pearce to check out the fashion show right from his booth. He was conveniently located right beside said stage. And all of this was right after Pearce and I partook in Free Comic Book Day at Eighth Street Comics and Amazing Stories. All of that in another blog post.

One last thing was the Saturn SUV I saw while entering the tradeshow. Couldn't believe that Saturn produced an SUV called the Outlook.

Until next time...

Keep 'em flyin'!