The national geek holiday known as Free Comic Book Day hits comic book shops nationwide once again on May 7. So that means, once again, readers will be able to stop by their local comic retailer and snag dozens of specially marked titles — made available by a wide range of publishers — for free. But before you hit the store, allow me to point out three must-have Free Comic Book Day comics.
Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse: The good folks at Fantagraphics Books are offering this rare gem, which collects tales from the old Mickey Mouse newspaper comic strip. Now, Mickey might be a considered a lame-ass these days, but back in the day, the character was a rough-and-tumble action star who got into adventures that weren’t exactly designed just for kids. The old strip was masterfully written and drawn by unsung creator Floyd Gottfredson and proves, without a doubt, that Disney properties used to be incredibly cool.
Avatar: The Last Airbender: No, not that Avatar. This comic is based on the animated series that was recently (and horribly) adapted into a live-action film by director M. Night Shymalan. Surprisingly, not a lot of true comic books exist starring Avatar (most are hybrid books, featuring prose and spot images from the actual animated shows) — and that makes this book a special find.
Top Shelf Kids Club: The best reason to pick up this anthology comic is to read a new Johnny Boo & The Ice Cream Hole story by James Kochalka. Boo ya.
That said, tons of other comics are being handed out that day — including Green Lantern, a Mouse Guard/Dark Crystal flip book, Super Dinosaur, Baltimore/Criminal Macabre, Captain America & Thor and 2000 AD, among many other books.
And along with the free comics, shops across the nation will be presenting other special programming this Saturday. Here in Charlotte, for example, Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find will play host to a booty-load of big-time artists — in town to draw sketches, sign comics and shake hands. Scheduled guests include Cully Hamner, Jason Latour, Sanford Greene, Bridgit Scheide, Andy Smith, Chris Brunner, Brian Stefreeze and many more. (Details at www.heroesonline.com.)
Another Charlotte-based comic shop, Spandex City, will be presenting a costume contest, activities for kids, game demos for adults, an appearance by the Star Wars-centric 501st Legion Carolina Garrison and more geek-tastic happenings. (Details at spandexcity.com/FCBD.)
For even more about Free Comic Book Day, visit www.freecomicbookday.com.
This article appears in May 3-9, 2011.
