Joe Field of Flying Colors in Concord California came up with the concept of Free Comic Book Day--here's what it was like at his store in 2006:

I am both thrilled and humbled by seeing how so many comic book specialty retailers all over the world have embraced FCBD as a the tent-pole of comics' promotions.

FCBD was another huge day here at Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff. 

More than 1100 people came through the store, 200 of which were here for the very first time.  It was a record day for sales, too, even if that's not really what the promotion is about.

Bill Morrison of BONGO Comics was a superb guest!  I know he made us many more fans of Simpsons'-related comics.  (I was also lucky enough to see Bill's advance copy of 'Innocence and Seduction:  The Art of Dan DeCarlo' which Bill wrote for Fantagraphics Books -- and it will be in stores in a few weeks.  This is an amazing volume that shines a light on a very talented and prolific cartoonist who defined the look of humor comics over the last half-century.  Big recommendation!!)

When we do events like FCBD that involve all parts of the comics'

marketing chain from creators and publishers to Diamond and retailers, we are investing in the future success and viability of the specialty sales channel for comics and graphic novels.

I always try to keep a 'tickler file' of things I'd like to improve at future events, and where I'd like the larger event to go in helping direct market store-front retailers, but those are tales for another day.  Stay tuned!