Free Comic Book Day: See 'The Avengers,' then read it for free
If you鈥檙e one of the millions of folks seeing 鈥�The Avengers鈥� this weekend, the film may leave you hankering for more superhero action. Well, you鈥檙e in luck. Move over, Derby Day and Cinco de Mayo, and make way for the 10th annual Free Comic Book Day.
Since its inception in 2002, Free Comic Book Day has been celebrated as a way to support comic stores across the country, most of which are independently owned. The event is coordinated by Diamond Comic Distributors, the lone large distributor for the comics industry.
In addition to rewarding dedicated readers, one of the celebration's larger goals is to attract new potential readers to comic books. Because of this, the holiday usually coincides with the wide release of a highly anticipated comic book film adaptation. Past team-ups have included the three most recent聽 鈥淪pider Man鈥� movies, both 鈥�Iron Man鈥� films, and this year, the latest big-screen adaptation of 鈥淭he Avengers.鈥�
But the giveaway offer isn鈥檛 limited to superhero comics: All genres are fair game, including Disney comics, Japanese Manga, Tokyopop, newspaper strip staples like 鈥淎rchie,鈥� and work from independent artists.
Participation level varies from store to store, but the comics given away will be special edition works packaged specifically for the holiday. This year鈥檚 offerings include special editions of 鈥淭he Avengers鈥� (of course),聽 鈥淧eanuts鈥�, 鈥�Transformers,鈥� and, for the youngest comic book fan in your clan, 鈥�Yo Gabba Gabba.鈥�
In addition to the comic books, many vendors offer free swag like movie posters, keychains, and T-shirts.
To find a participating comic book store near you, and to see specific events offered by different vendors, visit Free Comic Book Day鈥檚 official website聽.
