[Reno McCoy]

I write scary comics for kids (primarily ages 7 to 12), and I've been giving out copies of my comics on Halloween for years. This year, I'm planning to launch a Kickstarter campaign to fund a much larger print run of small-size, black and white editions. It's my way of testing the waters to gauge interest.

My audience of fans is relatively small, but several of my readers have said they'd be very interested in handing out comics instead of candy to trick-or-treaters. However, my readers are comic fans who like scary stories. It makes sense that they'd be interested.

So I'm here to ask what you think. You're some of the biggest Halloween fans I know of, and I'd love your input.

Would you hand out mini-comics to kids who ring your bell or visit your haunt? If you're on the fence, what would you need to consider it?

For a look at my comics, check out my website (all of my current comics were collected into one volume from Dark Horse Comics, which came out two weeks ago).

 

[UnOrthodOx]

What age group are you targeting with your writing?

For the right price I might have some out for those that want them. I wouldn't personally do it en lieu of candy, but in addition, much like glow sticks or other party favor type items. Might be of more interest to older kids.

 

[xredge]

Completely agree 100% with UNOrthodOx, Kids are out to get candy and are usually disappointed when they get something else.

 

[Reno McCoy]

What age group are you targeting with your writing?

For the right price I might have some out for those that want them. I wouldn't personally do it en lieu of candy, but in addition, much like glow sticks or other party favor type items. Might be of more interest to older kids.

The comics are intended for kids in the 7 to 12 age range. The stories are technically "all ages," but there's enough dialog in them that I don't typically recommend them to readers just starting out.

 

[lovemybby2012]

I personally think it is a great idea, as long as you have the materials to do it with. Not all kids like alot of candy and I thi k getting something different from one house would be exciting to them. My boys are 13 & 15 and they dont eat alot of candy. We still have Halloween candy in February sometimes. So I know my boys wld enjoy smtg different. Getting a comic book from 1 house isnt gnna deprive tha kids of candy!!

 

[lovemybby2012]

And I looked at your site and the comics look really good. You're very talented and if I was a kid I wouldn't be disappointed getting a comic book from u instead of candy. Just be sure to tell tha kids to be sure and take care of tha comics bc when you get famous, they'll be worth alot of money ?

 

[annamarykahn]

i'd be interested in giving the tots a comic ... what would 500 cost?

amk

 

[HalloGeekHalfrican]

I was definitely in it for the candy, but I did like getting non-candy items as well (like plastic teeth or small toys and halloween pencils), so I think a comic would be fine too! Plus, you have kids who like trick-or-treating but don't like candy or have an allergy or something, so it's nice to get other things too. I say go for it!

 

[RCIAG]

I'd hand them out to the right age group but also include candy. Of course it depends on the cost of each comic, but I don't get hundreds of kids so at best I'd only need 25-35 tops.

 

[Cephus404]

I don't get enough kids to make it worthwhile.

 

[Col. Fryght]

Probably not*. That would be my answer with an asterisk next to it. IMO, kids are all about the candy which is why I give out king size candy bars to the 30-50 kids that I get most years.

However, the most memorable Halloween treat that I received as a tot was a 45 record of the Star Wars theme. Word spread like wild fire among the kids that night about the record giveaway, and everyone rushed to that house. Of course that was circa 1978 when Halloween was a much bigger deal as far as door to door trick or treating.

 

[HalloCat]

I say go for it. Lots of kids these days have allergies which is why people put out the teal pumpkin (shows there is non candy treats available). Why not be a unique stop for kids in the candy quest lol.

 

[Tasty Brains]

I think I'd be okay with handing out a mini-comic. Maybe along with the all-important candy? Yeah, that sounds like the best plan.

 

[pcman312]

I would definitely be interested in this. I get ~50-75 kids at my house and I'd be really interested to see how many of them would choose a comic over candy (though I may have to make it in addition to candy).

 

[halloweenscreamqueen]

I would have loved this when I actually had TOTers. Now that we're out in rural America, no TOTers - at all. That said, the local Sheriff's Department sponsors a party for the kids. They might be interested. Once you get all the details worked out, please PM me with your contact info and I'll be sure to pass it along.

 

[Eric_Draven]

YES. My comic shop sells Halloween themed mini comics made specifically for trick or treaters and the kids FLIP OUT when they see them. Seriously, I fill a huge bowl with candy and line it with the comics. When the kids see the comics it’s like they’re faced with a life or death decision for the first time - candy or comics - until I tell them they can have one of each. They get candy all night, but they’ll remember the comics. I can’t even tell you how many times a night I hear “They have comics!” It’s awesome. Go for it.

 

[Spirits Vineyard]

I’m with the others in saying I would hand them out along with the candy in lieu of it. Actually I really like the idea of that, because it sets your house apart from most other houses (which is why I always hand out king size candy instead of the fun size....well that and the fact that I only get a small number of ToTs!)

Also, I could be totally wrong in saying this but I think a color comic would be more of a hit with kids instead of black and white, especially if there’s a lot of dialogue in them. Even as an adult, I struggle with my attention span on my TWD comics that are only B&W. I’m sure you’re probably doing that from a cost perspective, but as a web designer, I think color could make all the difference in the world.

 

[lilibat]

I barely get any ToTs so I wouldn't bother trying.

 

[GobbyGruesome]

My experience matches Eric_Draven's. We hand out the mini-comics with chips. Maybe 15% of the kids don't care. 65% of the kids are excited because it's something different, and they get it as a bonus to the candy.. The other kids who return each year who can be heard to say "THIS IS IT! This is the house! The one that gives out comics!

The books look really high quality. (Some of the Halloween ones we give out haven't really grabbed me). Cost would be a bit of a concern. But I'll definitely look for the collection next time I'm at the comic shop!

 

[MasqAddikt]

The cover of 'Teeth' really reminds me of the old EC Comics horror books. I would've loved to have received something like that when I was younger (and still would now).