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: Learn More About the Amazing Fantasy's Tinley Park Store

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.)

READ: Get an Inside Look at the Frankfort Location for Amazing Fantasy

Like past years, the Tinley Park and Frankfort locations of Amazing Fantasy Books and Comics will be participating in the event, and putting their own twists on the festivities. Here's what's on tap at the stores:

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY

When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 4
Sales: Both locations will be holding a giant quarter comic book sale throughout the day, with issues of various books priced at just 25 cents.
Other fun: Cosplayers (look use this link to find the definition of "cosplay"; it's the easiest way to explain it to the uninitiated) will be at both stores. Batman nemesis Poison Ivy and Raven from the Teen Titans (attired in the costume designed in the early 1980s by artist George Perez, who also co-created the character) will appear from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Frankfort location. Rogue of the X-Men and a surprise character will be at the Tinley location beginning after noon.
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, whether at the Amazing Fantasy locations or another participating comic shop:

• 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.

PHOTOS: Take a Look at a Past Free Comic Book Day in Frankfort

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.

YOUR TURN: Do you plan to participate in Free Comic Book Day? If so, what comics are you looking forward to picking up? Will this be your first time going to a comic book store? If you have kids, are you taking them? Share your thoughts in the comments section and post photos you might have taken from past Free Comic Book Days.

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REVIEW IT: Are you a happy, loyal customer at either the Tinley Park or Frankfort Amazing Fantasy Books and Comics shops? Then tell other Patch and comic book readers why they should stop by on Free Comic Book Day—or any other day, for that matter. Leave a review of the stores at their Patch Directory listings:

• Amazing Fantasy in Tinley Park
• Amazing Fantasy in Frankfort

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