‘Celebration of comics’: Hundreds pack downtown London for Free Comic Book Day

It was a celebration of comic books and superheroes as hundreds of people attended Free Comic Book Day in London on Saturday.

The line stretched and snaked down Dundas Street as people waited more than an hour for their shot at free comics.

Among them, Keith Gare was wearing a Superman suit.

“It’s just fun to dress up and show off your love for the fandom or the specific character,” said Gare, who was picking up a few comics, including one of the 1980’s television show ‘The Greatest American Hero.’

Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) is an annual promotion designed to attract new readers to comic bookstores. Since 2002, it has taken place annually on the first Saturday in May.

“It’s totally a celebration of comics and his family friendly,” said Brahm Wiseman, owner of Heroes Comics on Dundas Street. “It brings people downtown and it’s something to do and fill the street.”

Wiseman gives away approximately 10,000 comics each year and collects donations to the London Food Bank to add bonus comics.

“You’ll get five [comics] just for showing up,” said Wiseman. “We also do donations for the London Food Drive and also for one of our employees whose apartment burned down last month.”

Dundas Place was closed off for blocks as a punk rock flea market was added to this year’s festivities.

Live music, 80 vendors, skateboarding and games were among the highlights of market event.

Back in front of Heroes, Gare had no problem waiting in the massive line.

“It’s the energy, the fun and the free comics,” he said. “It’s just a chance to get out and hang out with other nerds. I’ve got friends from Oshawa that are coming down just because London does it up right.”