May 3, 2012

Free Comic Book Day

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This Saturday marks the tenth anniversary of Free Comic Book Day, an annual event since 2002 that delivers exactly what it promises. Retailers across the country will be offering specially printed copies of certain comic books, often with discounts on back-issues and other items; and while each shop determines its own policies as to whether people can collect multiple books, anybody who comes in is entitled to at least one freebie.

Celebrated on the first Saturday of May every year, Free Comic Book Day has usually been tied to the release of a studio film release of a superhero movie, and this year The Avengers is out just in time. Fittingly enough, the special comics being given away this weekend feature an Avengers title, along with installments from properties ranging from Spiderman to Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Peanuts. All the comics are listed here, and if they pique your interest, you can find a retailer participating in Free Comic Book Day using their store locator.

In addition to the giveaways themselves, lots of stores hope to bring in fans by hosting signings with writers and artists. The one catch is that the free books won’t be available online — as the endgoal of the event is getting people, comic book devotees, and potential new customers alike, to visit local stores.

Nick Davies is a publicist at Melville House.

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