Raving Toy Maniac

2nd Annual Halloween ComicFest Returns October 26 - 27th

Event promotes comic shops as great destinations for Halloween activities, shopping and fun!

(BALTIMORE, MD) - (June 17, 2013) - After the success of last year's inaugural event, Diamond Comic Distributors is pleased to announce the return of the industry-wide collaboration known as Halloween ComicFest.

This year's event will take place at participating comic shops in North America and elsewhere, on the weekend before Halloween, October 26th and 27th. During that time, adults and kids can go into their local comic shop and get free Halloween-themed comics and mini-comics published specifically for Halloween ComicFest, with many retailers planning special displays, activities and costume contests for their stores.

"We look forward to applying what we learned, and the feedback we received, to create an even bigger, more focused event for 2013," said Diamond Director of Marketing Dan Manser. "This year, we'll be sharpening our message to consumers to indicate that participating comic shops will be offering free comics and mini-comics on the weekend before Halloween, along with a wide variety of in-store Halloween-themed activities."

Diamond will also again be conducting "The Greatest Costume Contest Ever" on the http://www.halloweencomicfest.com website, where fans can upload their photos of themselves in costume for a chance to win prizes, including the grand prize of a $500 shopping spree at the comic shop of their choice. Complete contest details will be announced next month.

Designed to celebrate comic shops as happening Halloween destinations and reach new customers, Halloween ComicFest helps retailers and the entire industry springboard into the end of the year holiday selling season. In the August issue of Diamond's PREVIEWS catalog, retailers will find complete details on how to participate, including the specially published comics and mini-comics and promotional items available to order for the event.

Consumers are encouraged to check out http://www.halloweencomicfest.com over the coming months for more information on the event and local retailer activities.

ABOUT HALLOWEEN COMIC FEST - Celebrating its second year, Halloween ComicFest is an annual event where participating comic book specialty shops across North America and beyond celebrate the Halloween season by giving away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their shops. The event is held the weekend before Halloween and is the perfect opportunity to introduce friends and family to the many reasons why comic shops are a great destination for Halloween themed comic books, products and merchandise. From zombies, vampires, monsters and aliens to costumes and more, comic shops have it all when it comes to Halloween fun!