The ninth annual Free Comic Book Day is being celebrated worldwide this Saturday.
It’s that time of the year again, when the comic book enthusiasts around the globe enjoy a day-long extravaganza where thousands of comic bookshops give away selected comic books to customers free.
The comics celebration takes place every year on the first Saturday of May, but this summer fans will enjoy the big-budget film adaptations of “Diary of a wimpy Kid,” “Kick-Ass,” “Jonah Hex,” and the highly anticipated “Iron Man 2” would be released on may 7.
33 specially printed titles are being offered this year. Comic shops have taken advantage of this annual comic holiday to throw huge sales, host creator signings and, in some cases, throw parties, contests and art exhibits. Free Comic Book Day was originally planned to reach out to potential new fans of comics and manga, but the event has quickly evolved into an annual family event for avid collectors, comic novices, adults or children to enjoy.
Today Free Comic Book Day has become a global comic convention. Instead of moving from table to table, fans can traverse throughout New York knocking several comic shops to take advantage of sales and meet their favorite comic creators.
Comic Bookstores in New York city are participating in the events for the Free Comic Book Day. Like Jim Hanley’s Universe in Manhattan, will be the ultimate place to celebrate comic day today.
They not only be giving away free comics, but starting at noon, comic editor Jim Shooter and Dennis Calero with be giving away self autographed comics. Then all day long the guys from New Gen will be giving away autographed posters, CDs, T-shirts, comics and a chance to win a $25 Jim Hanley’s gift certificate.
Also, in the past many surprise creators have been known to pop in unannounced to join in on the signing events, looking at all these celebrations one can predict that this will get big in future. They will also be hosting a free standup comedy night starting at 7 o’clock.