Free Comic Book Day is coming this Saturday, May 2. Millions of comic books will be given away for free in various comic book shops all over Northeast Ohio and across North America.
Free Comic Book Day is a national event that promotes reading and encourages people to watch the movie adaptation of a classic comic book. Such is the case with the comic book-based movie, "The Avengers: Age of Ultron," which is coincidentally coming in May 1.
The event began in 2002 when the first "Spider-Man" movie was released. The official website of Free Comic Book Day explains that the event takes place annually, usually on the first Saturday of May. Furthermore, it is the only day that certain participating comic book shops across North America and other parts of the world would give out comic books for free to anyone who enters their shop.
The free comic books are not throwaway comics, either. Although it is a way for small comics to get exposure, big comic companies give away free comics too, in order to introduce an upcoming series.
For instance, Nerd Reactor reports that comic book publishers DC and Marvel will be participating in Free Comic Book Day to introduce their upcoming summer series, Marvel's "Secret War" and DC's "Divergence." Archie Comics will also be included as it kicks off its Dark Circle imprint with a re-launched superhero line.
The official website of Cleveland gives us a rundown of the events that will take place this weekend during Free Comic Book Day in Northeast Ohio. In Elyria, the Free Comic Book Day hype will begin early Friday afternoon at the Atlas Cinema at Midway Mall. Spectators will witness costumed superheroes and receive free comic giveaways as they participate in the opening of "The Avengers: Age of Ultron."
The fun continues on May 2 as comic-themed events take place all day in Ely Square, introduced by Elyria Mayor, Holly Brinda. There will also be staged battles between superheroes and super villains around town. The "Super Kids" and Super Heroes To Kids" group will also enlist fans to help "catch super villains in the middle of their nefarious deeds." Keith's Comic Shop in downtown Elyria, 394 Broad Street, would continue to give more comic book giveaways.
Various comic book shops all over Northeast Ohio will be participating in the event. However, each comic book shop will have their own rules as to which comic books to give out. Free Comic Book Day is open for any comic book shop willing to participate.