FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2017

Last Saturday was pretty eventful, not only was it Free Comic Book Day, but 'Guardians of the Galaxy, vol. 2' (please don't kill me!!) hit theaters nationwide. And I must confess that I have not YET, seen GOTG, I did attend Free Comic Book Day. 

Normally, for those of you who have attended this event, it is a perfect way to not just go and participate in special events (at participating shops, not all shops do this) but also support our local comic shops by giving them a boost. So it is a win-win situation.

Photo taken by: Maria Rivas

Last year, we were still in CA, so we went to our favorite local shop, but this year was different since we find ourselves in the East Coast side and to be honest, specially were we are, we haven't really found a local comic shop to call "home." Don't get me wrong, the shops we have visited have been great, but as many of you know, not all shops are the same. Either they have an incredible selection, but the atmosphere is horrible, OR the atmosphere is awesome, but they really have a limited selection. 

At first we had thought of going to a shop that was local, but since my husband and I had been watching 'Comicbook Men' on AMC, well we decided to take an hour long trip to the place where the show is taped at, yes, we went to "Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash."

Photo taken by: Maria Rivas

A day before we called ahead and made sure that they would be open on FCBD and pretty early next morning, we headed out to Red Bank, NJ (we are in PA, so, it wasn't too much of a distance). 

Let me speed you up, we arrived, and basically where the shop is located, is what I'm assuming, the main strip of downtown Red Bank, and there are so many restaurants, Starbucks, and overall local shops.  

Now, we were aware (and to be honest, secretly hoping, that one of the Comicbook Men, would be there) and we actually struck gold, because as soon as you walk in the shop, who did we see?! Mike Zapcic, in the flesh.

Photo by: Maria Rivas

Ok, so, as soon as you walk in, OBVIOUSLY it's Kevin's store, so, it IS heavily influenced by many of his props from his actual movies, and what not. There is a long middle table at the center, where there's boxes filled with comics, there's a wall on your left, also with issues, an categorized pretty darn well. 

Something that drives me crazy, I'm looking at you Barnes & Noble!! It's how issues, and graphic novels are categorized, because Barnes, you really need to up your game on that. 

Next, to the wall section there are shelves with different collectibles, from actual companies, like Funko, and others to private acquired sellers. Further in the back, there is a showcase from the movie Clerks 2 and even further back, a small wall with more comics and the actual prop of Buddy Christ from 'Dogma.' 

 As we are browsing, I picked up a Wonder Woman graphic novel, and look at the price, since we figured that since it is The Secret Stash, they would hike up a bit more their items, but we were genuinely surprised to find out that the prices for their issues, graphic novels and collectibles were pretty fair. Even the signed items, which you would think many shops would hike up their prices, due to either their rarity or their signatures, we felt that their prices were pretty comparable. One thing that is a bit of a downside, is that the walls they have dedicated to issues and graphic novels is SMALL, I feel that what they DO have, is well stocked. There is also limited space, so that also maybe a contributing factor. 

Photo taken by: Maria Rivas

Atmosphere wise, it felt welcoming, not only by Mike but by also the other employee who was there. Both were absolutely helpful and friendly, specially Mike who not only tried to talk to every one there, but actually went above and beyond, with another customer who was there, face timing her significant other, as she was walking around and showing him the store and Mike interacting with both of them. 

They did have a small stand (not a big one) of FCBD issues, and although, the store itself wasn't doing anything else, I think for those of us who are fans, being in there IS quite enough. 

We can definitely kick this off our bucket list. Overall we had a good experience, and it is definitely something that we will remember doing. And hopefully, it won't be our last time. So, if you guys are ever in N.J. go check out the store, because it is definitely worth the trip.

**Special Thanks to Mike Zapcic and The Secret Stash store for allowing me to take pictures & overall being an awesome guy!! Sorry for the awkward fangirling moment, couldn't help myself, lol.**

Photo taken by: Maria Rivas

And yes, I will be watching GOTG soon!

**DISCLAIMER**

All trademark, copyrighted material, logos, names, brands, partners and affiliates are properties of Kevin Smith & Jason Mewes, ComIcbook Men, AMC, View Askew, etc.

This post is used with Copyright Act of 1976, 17, U.S.C., § 107. All commentaries made in this post (that are not copyrighted) are my own. This blog is intended for entertainment purposes