After living in Fredericton for two months, I haven’t been out too often. Despite the amount of free time I’ve had, my desire to face the bracing winds and drastically changing weather was essentially non-existent. However, on a milder day like today, I found my way downtown to Strange Adventures, the comic book store on York street.
There, I spoke with Jason Arnold, the manager about the upcoming events. The first, occurring now until March 2nd, they are holding an auction of statues, rare comic books, and hand-drawn covers by local artists both professional and amateur. Arranged by Marvel and DC, they send blank slips to the stores for artists to come in, draw, and auction off their pieces. The best part? 100% of the proceeds are going to the Chalmers Regional Hospital Foundation for the Children’s Ward. Jason said that that not only would people own a piece of completely original artwork, but hoped they would feel “warm and fuzzy” that the proceeds were going to a good cause.
I’m always impressed when stores do things like these, especially considering the fact that it was created by Marvel and DC themselves. With so many charities using the money to pay employees and pay for events, very little money winds up going to the charity itself. Jason’s excitement about the event was adamant, which gave for a great atmosphere in the store.
March 2nd, as well, is the third “Ladies Night” that they have hosted so far this year. Jason said that the first two even had lines down the street, and is hoping their third will have the same turnout. It’s from 6-8pm; there will be prizes, snacks, and free cupcakes. The goal of Ladies Night is to help open up women to the idea of comic books, and, Jason hopes, to sway any cautions that the stores are anything like their “narrow-minded” representation on shows like The Big Bang Theory. Only female employees will be staffed, and only female shoppers will be in the store during those hours.
It could be something interesting to check out — for the artwork, warm fuzzies, or simply for the free cupcakes.
Great piece Katrina!