Special Guests at Flying Colors for Free Comic Book Day!

What: 20th Annual Free Comic Book Day!
When: Saturday August 14, 11AM-7PM
Where: Flying Colors Comics (of course!)

We're thrilled to welcome our Special Guests to Flying Colors for Free Comic Book Day on Saturday August 14!

Our special guests have long and varied careers in art, design, comics and animation... and all three are featured in the FCBD special edition comic "10 Tons of Fun" from 10 Ton Press!
 

Brandon McKinney's art can be seen in RED DAWN, featured in the FCBD 2021 special edition from 10 Ton Press.

In Brandon's 30+ year career, he has worked as a storyboard artist for television animation (Harley Quinn among many others), as a comic book artist (Journeyman, Godzilla, Jackie Chan, Elfquest) and children’s book illustrator. Brandon's resume includes work for Warner Bros., Hasbro Animation, Marvel Animation, Darby Pop Comics, Warp Graphics, Dark Horse Comics, Electronic Arts and Lucasfilm, and a lot more!

 

Mel Smith is the mastermind behind the popular Rock and Roll Biography series from Acme Ink, plus other series including Dead Ahead, 7 Lives of Dr. Phibes, Death Race: Lords of the Road, Heavy Metal, Vincent Price Presents--- and the new series Becoming Frankenstein, featured in the 10 Ton Press FCBD 2021 special edition.

 

John Hageman is an artist and publisher for 10 Ton Press. He hails from the verdant and majestic hills of the East Bay, wandering California and spreading mirth through comic books. John is currently drawing the adventures of classic KTVU Fox 2 characters from the crazy mind of Pat McCormick--- Bay Area favorites Charley & Humphrey!

Get a taste of Charley & Humphrey in "10 Tons of Fun" the FCBD special edition comic.

These guests will be signing at Flying Colors on Free Comic Book Day, Saturday August 14 from 11AM until 2PM.

 

 

Please wear your mask!

Please note:

Masks are required for shopping inside Flying Colors Comics.

While we'd love the COVID era to be forever in the past, wearing masks inside is the strongest recommendation from California's public health officer.

We'll continue to do what we need to for the health and safety of our FlyCo Faithful and our FlyCo Retailing Brigade.

Thanks for understanding.

A little Flying Colors history (and logo design)

In the beginning
(actually before the beginning!)...

Did you know the original concept for Flying Colors was going to be called Heroes Corner? It's true.

Way back in the mid '80s when ideas were being formulated for the Field family comic book business, the first idea was to do a combination comic book shop and old time '50s soda fountain.

Once we took a look at the actual costs of doing that grand plan, we summarily ditched it. At the time, it likely would have added another $100K to our opening and operating costs. And just think of trying to keep comics in nice shape with all that sticky ice cream around!

I can hear someone asking "Is this comic mint?"

"No, but it has a little chocolate on it..."

Long story short, here are a couple of the earliest (and rejected) logo ideas for Flying Colors Comics, the Superstore of Comics & More! These logos are amateurish to say the least, but there's a lot of energy that went into every bit of the business that became Flying Colors.

So why did we name the shop Flying Colors? The term "passing the test in flying colors" means to do everything top-notch and with distinction. There's a nautical history behind the phrase and it comes from a time when ships would return from battle with their "colors" (another word for flags) flying to show victory was achieved.

As a comics reference, "flying colors" is a subtle way to refer to the colorful costumes worn by super-heroes with the power to fly... hence, "Flying Colors."

We try to do everything the best way we can with the hopes of winning your loyalty and business as Flying Colors Faithful... and you can still get your ice cream next door at Baskin Robbins!

We thank you for continuing to be supportive of what we do here to bring a world class comics shop to Concord, to Contra Costa County... and to the Cosmos!

Masks Required at Flying Colors

Following the recommendation of Bay Area health officials---

Masks are once again REQUIRED for entry to Flying Colors Comics.

It's not a big ask...
Wear Your Mask!

Thank you!

Wednesday June 30... The Masks Come Off at Flying Colors!

Wednesday June 30 the masks come OFF at Flying Colors!

* If you feel more comfortable and cautious wearing a mask, keep on wearing your mask!

* If you only want to be around others who are masked, we are setting aside Thursday as “Mask Day” at Flying Colors, just to give everyone options.

* If you feel sick or feverish or you are exhibiting allergy symptoms that may make you seem unhealthy, please be courteous and STAY HOME!

Flying Colors Curbside Comic Service is still available.

Watch the video HERE!

A Cool Deal for Shopping Local!

In a bold move to Keep Local Dollars Local, our City of Concord is offering a new round of SHOP CONCORD giftcards. 

When you buy SHOP CONCORD giftcards, it's a great way to save $$ at Flying Colors Comics... and many other favorite local shops & restaurants.

Buy a $50 giftcard and get a $25 bonus giftcard!
(Hint: That's like buying a 30% discount at Flying Colors!Yowza!)

This special offer is limited, so get your SHOP CONCORD giftcards now!

Hit this link to get your giftcards 

NOW!

https://app.yiftee.com/gift-card/concord

FlyCoJoe's Birthday Musings

It's my birthday. Woo-hoo to the 65th power! 

As kids we're all asked that question "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

And like most kids, my answer to that question changed somewhat often.

At my youngest, I wanted to be a baseball player. But as much as I loved to play, that wasn't in the cards.

When I was six, about the age in the photo here taken for my first grade photo at Santa Maria School, I wanted to be an astronaut. I think every kid wanted that during the era when John Glenn made his flight on Friendship. Look at the photo again... I even had John Glenn's haircut!

For a short time, I wanted to be a doctor. I think that had to do with all the medical shows on TV and how the lead characters were smart and caring.

From the time I was 12, I wanted to go into radio or TV. I still have dreams about being a TV game show host.

I did wind up going into radio on the sales/marketing side, but I really wanted to be on the talent side. Didn't help that my voice didn't really mature until way too late.

And as much as I have always really enjoyed comics, I never thought about being a comic book retailer!

I didn't even think about being a husband or a dad until Libby and I fell in love... and those two roles are much more vocations than mere jobs.
 

The thing is, life just doesn't travel on a straight line from dreams to reality. 

 

Life experiences move us on curves through time from who we were to who we are.

Each of those ideas about my future seem to reflect something of who I am.

* The baseball player represents tradition, as my dad passed his love of the game on to me and my brother. 

 

*The astronaut is my adventurous and daring side (the most daring thing I've done is started a business when everyone told me there was no future in it).

*The doctor represents my care for others and maybe the need inside me to be something of a leader.

*The radio/TV/ game show host combination is my humorous side. I've always loved to entertain myself and others, making them laugh... making them feel happier.

All those qualities of the dreams I had of what I might do as an adult are parts of who I am as a husband and father, entrepreneur and friend.

Sure, it's my birthday, but I want to wish everyone reading this heaping doses of happiness. 

 

Now let's all hope there are a lot more healthy birthdays to celebrate! 

 

Peace!
--- FlyCoJoe

Comics & COVID: One Year Later

"It has been the hardest year 
of work in my 35 years in this 
business. But it has also been 
the year with more blessings 
than any other..." 

I contributed to a Comics Beat report about life in the retail trenches of the comics' biz one year after the COVID imposed industry shutdown. 

 

Several other sharp comics retailers are also featured.

Please read the full report HERE!

Colorful even in the Rain...

Rain or Shine, Flying Colors is OPEN daily from 11AM-6PM.
We invite you to visit us soon!

Cogent Comics Image for Today, Yet it is 50 Years Old

 Jack Kirby had it right 50 years ago because he saw the atrocities 75 years ago.