5 for Free, 5 for a Price: What to Check Out During Free Comic Book Day

When the first Free Comic Book Day was held in 2002, the long-awaited Spider-Man live-action movie premiered that same weekend. At the time, it was still a bit of a novelty that Hollywood was making popular, big-budget superhero films (X-Men was released the previous year), and the North American event was a way for comics publishers and retailers to share that spotlight they helped ignite.

READ: New Comic Book Store Brings the 'Fantastic' to Oak Lawn

Since then, Free Comic Book Day, which is Saturday, May 4, has become more of a happening in its own right and not something that relies on a big-screen component. The day continues to be an opportunity to introduce people unfamiliar with comics—or provide reintroductions when it comes to lapsed fans—by handing out special books from publishers gratis without any other purchases.

But the event also is a time for fans to celebrate their passion with fellow enthusiasts. (In what can be chalked up as unofficial synergy, the first Saturday of May is usually reserved for the premiere of one of the summer's big superhero movies; this year it's Iron Man 3.)

Participating shops:

• Chimera's Comics, 5307 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn
• Tenth Planet Comics, 9736 Southwest Highway, Oak Lawn
• Hellfire Comics, Chicago Ridge Mall, Ridgeland/95th St., Chicago Ridge
• Alternate Realty, 3149 W. 111th St., Chicago
• Amazing Fantasies, 15948 S. Harlem Ave., Tinley Park

Free Comic Book Day is also opening day for Chimera Comics in Oak Lawn. Tenth Planet in Oak Lawn, Hellfire Comics in the Chicago Ridge Mall, and Alternate Reality in Chicago will be participating in the event, and putting their own twists on the festivities.

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY
 

What's free? The Free Comic Book Day website lists the comics publishers are providing.

A few things to remember if you attend the event:

• Quantities are limited, and stores do run out. Go early to make sure you get the free comic you want.
• Those limited quantities also means stores can limit how many free comics a customer can have to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy the day.
• Stores won't carry all the free comics offered. Call ahead to check.
• Don't be a jerk. Traditionally, Free Comic Book Day is one of the busiest days for comic book stores. That means employees are extremely busy, so be a patient and courteous customer. And that behavior should extend to fellow patrons, as well as the cosplayers.

While you don't need to buy anything to participate in Free Comic Book Day, one of the free offerings might pique your curiosity. That's why this article's media gallery shows five free comics you'll find Saturday, along five other comics in the same vein that are worth shelling out cash to read.

Also, Free Comic Book Day is a great way to introduce kids to the medium. However, it can be difficult to determine the appropriateness of books for a young son or daughter. That's why I've listed a few of the all-ages books that kids—and adults—can enjoy.

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