Despite the stigma, comics aren't just for kids anymore - they're for soldiers. A Comic Shop, who held their first donation drive in July, is now holding another drive on Nov. 5 and offering even more to those who participate than the last time.
During the first drive, writer Chuck Dixon appeared for a free signing as box after box piled up, equaling over 2000 pounds of comics. The comics - at least most of them - were sent to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The problem arose when they ran out of money to send the boxes.
"We still have 80 boxes we can't afford to ship over right now," said Jason Blanchard, co-owner of the shop and a former military man.
Blanchard said it costs about $13 dollars to ship each box. That's over a thousand dollars that the comic shop doesn't have.
So A Comic Shop is asking for monetary donations to send the boxes overseas. Today's event will feature two veterans of the comic world: Billy Tucci, writer of Sgt. Rock and Shi, and Mike Perkins, artist of Stephen King's The Stand and Death of Captain America. The event is free, so those who don't wish to donate can still get their comics signed without charge.
"A Comic Shop is determined to fight the war on boredom," Blanchard said. "If you say you support the troops then help us send them constant entertainment."
Manager Mike Pandel agrees. "Give 'em some sci-fi novels. Give 'em some comic books."
The event will start at 3 p.m., but anyone can make donations to the cause before the event and afterward - comics included. The shop is located at 114 S. Semoran Boulevard, Winter Park.
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