Buy Indie Comics Day 2023

   Last Saturday was Buy Indie Comics Day and I have to be transparent with all  of you who rock with us, this year we received the least amount of support from the indie and comic book community since we began BICD; and it stung. I do feel I have to give thanks to the people who did give me support and helped make the few events that happened this year possible. Full transparency, as of right now I think Buy Indie Comics Day has ran it's course; at least in the way we've been doing it thus far. It's puzzling to me, and if I'm being honest quite frustrating; that the same community we've been trying to help for so long has basically turned their backs on us. Let me be clear, I don't say this to garner your pity; I'm just trying to explain how I feel in regards to the indie comics community as a whole... from the creators to the media personalities to the so called fans.

   I wonder where all the support, or lack thereof; from the supposed legions of fans and comic book shops that claim to read and advocate for indie comics so loudly went. I also wonder where were all those podcasts that claim to read and love indie comics so much yet never even gave Buy Indie Comics Day a shout out, an interview or a spotlight; total radio silence.  It's also mind bending to me how comic shops that claim to be huge supporters of indie comics told me "they don't need one day to promote Indie comics because they sell indie comics all year long" or like one comic shop told me: "maybe we should take every indie comic off the shelves and just put them up the day of the event only". It's even crazier to me that there were indie creators that visit and support said comic shops, when I told them what the comics shop said they reply with "oh they must've been just joking" or "they were probably trying to be funny"; all the while ignoring the fact that they blew me off and had nothing planned for that day.

   Another thing that blows my mind is how comic book "fans", indie comics fans especially; will pay $20-$60 to go to a comics show and completely ignore a show they can get in for FREE and actually spend their money on merch and comics. This is actually one of the main reasons I've decided to make some changes on how I'll go about doing Buy Indie Comics Day moving forward, because if you try to do something for free people obviously don't give it the time of day; but I guess if you charge them an entrance fee they'll flock by the thousands. Point taken! I apologize if I sound bitter, it's just frustrating to put so much effort into trying to help other creators to then have them spit in my face. I get it, nobody asked me to make this event, nobody asked me for help; but it's in my nature to help others and who better than fellow comic book creators. 

   As far as I know there were only three States that celebrated the day in some way, shape or form: California, South Carolina and my home State of Virginia. I've attached some photos of said events below, maybe other creators and comic shop owners will be motivated to do something next year... if Buy Indie Comics Day is even a thing next year. Maybe I'll forget about this disillusion I feel at the moment, maybe the bad taste in mouth will dissipate and maybe my unadulterated love and joy for the event and the community returns this time around next year, but as of today; I don't see it happening.  Let me know what your thoughts are on Buy Indie Comics Day as whole. Have you participated in a BICD event? Have you heard of BICD? Should we continue organizing BICD events? We'd love to read your thoughts so please leave us a comment. 

-MC 

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