Published: May 01, 2009 06:45 am      

Free comic book day Saturday

Get ready for Saturday, May 2: That’s the day you have a date with a superhero. May 2 is Free Comic Book Day. Did we say free? As in “no charge?” Oh yeah. National Free Comic Book day is always the first Saturday in May, and in 2009 you can pick up a free comic at any Metropolitan Library System library, as well as at the best comic shops in town.

“The first Free Comic Book Day was held in 2002,” said downtown librarian and self-confessed comic book geek Kim Edwards. “I don’t even know how many comics I have in boxes in my garage, but who cares? I love comics.”

Why comic books? They are an original American art form.

Is every comic book in the participating stores available for free give away? Unfortunately, no. You’ll know which ones are up for grabs when you get there. And the event was designed to celebrate the creation of the independent comic book store, so not every place that sells comics will be giving them away.

“Your best bet for claiming a free treasure,” Edwards continued, “is to stop by your neighborhood library. While you’re there, look to see what comics oriented books that the library has available to be checked out. Who knew your library had graphic novels? Now, you do.”

What can you learn by reading comics? A simple pair of eye glasses make an impenetrable disguise. Motorcycle riders with flaming skulls for heads are not the best road trip buddies. All millionaire playboys are really crime fighters. Note that this rule also applies to people who work for a newspaper.

For more information about Free Comic Book Day, call your neighborhood library.

The library event is co-sponsored by: All Star Comics, Atomic Comics, Atomik Pop, New World Comics, New World Games & Comics and Ultimate Heroes.