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.
This article appears in May 4 • 2007.