Free Comic Book Day: Downtown Grand Rapids gets into cosplay

There is something special about a city with a downtown comic store.  On the occasion of the wildly popular Free Comic Book Day, the Grand Rapids Vault of Midnight has big plans this year for fans of all ages.

If you have never attended a Free Comic Book Day event, this is the year not to miss. 

Vault of Midnight, along with numerous local comic shops throughout the world, will offer free comic books to those who dare to venture out to experience the joys of this special day. 

And if you think these are your grandparents’ comics, think again, as the scene has really blossomed over the years to include something for every reader.

In addition to the annual event, once again Vault presents a sidewalk festival from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. with booths from Court of Nerds, Madcap Coffee, the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Girls Rock Grand Rapids, and The Bandit Zine.

The Sidewalk Festival also will feature local artists’ self-published works from Cody Flowers & Sean Cope, The Neighborhood Watch, Dylan: Ewok Raiders Studios, Scott Wygmans, Kim Nguyen, AdamXVass, and students from the GR Creative Youth Center.

One last benefit is a chance to engage in or simply observe the wildly, creative cosplay contest as folks attending don their favorite outfits in tribute to their favorite comic stars. It is really thrilling to see so much creativity on display as kids of all ages (even young adults and kids at heart) flood the Monroe Center Mall. 

For all the details on the day and cosplay contests as well as any breaking news, be sure to follow their Facebook event page.