Free Comic Book Day: Hey kids! Free books with words and pictures!
Free Comic Book Day, which began with the opening of the first Spider-Man film, has been so successful for the comics industry that it's still here for Spidey's second sequel
By Robert Faires, Fri., May 4, 2007
Free Comic Book Day turns 6 this Saturday, May 5. The annual giveaway, launched in 2001 to take advantage of the opening of the first Spider-Man film, has succeeded in drawing enough people into their friendly neighborhood comics shops that it's still around for the web-slinger's second sequel. More than 40 titles are available for the taking this year. Of course, with both Spidey 3 and FF 2 storming the megaplexes this summer, caped crusaders are well-represented; Spider-Man, Hulk, and Iron Man appear in two Marvel books, while DC's Legion of Super-Heroes stars in a comic for kids and its Justice League of America headlines one for grownups. But there's also loads of fun beyond the cape-and-cowl set: The Simpsons! Little Archie! Owly! Mickey Mouse meets Robin Hood! Pirates vs. Ninjas! Fantagraphics offers a look back at 100 rarely reprinted strips from the Peanuts gang's prime years, while Eddie Campbell (From Hell) grants a peek ahead at his new retro-adventure series, The Black Diamond Detective Agency. Chron cartoonist Lynda Barry is represented with a book, as is Too Much Coffee Man's Shannon Wheeler, who teams with Flaming Carrot creator Bob Burden, Rick Geary, and Mark Bode to present their unique takes on wait for it Gumby! To find the participating store nearest you, visit www.freecomicbookday.com.