Free Comic Book Day 2018: Where To Go In Bel Air

BEL AIR, MD — Free Comic Book Day is slated for Saturday, and one store in Bel Air plans to participate in the event. Lost in all the record-breaking box-office talk about “Black Panther” and "Avengers: Infinity War" has been the popular comic book event, which historically has been tied — albeit unofficially — to the superpowered summer spectaculars.

Publishers print special issues to be given away at participating comic book stores, libraries and museums on the first Saturday in May. The event, which has been held since 2002, usually coincides with the weekend opening of a superhero-centric movie as part of an effort to harness momentum from the fiercely popular films. Some stores expect to see about 1,000 visitors.

This is the spot in Bel Air for Free Comic Book Day: Collectors Corner at 17 North Main Street.

There is a lot going on at Collectors Corner to celebrate this year's event.

Here are some of the promotions:

• The first 25 people in line get a free movie pass to see "Avengers: Infinity War," in theaters Saturday night.
• The first 50 people in line will get a free Collectors Corner tote bag filled with $20 worth of items such as graphic novels and comics. A $100 Collectors Corner gift card will be randomly put into one of the bags.
• Every person attending gets 25 free comics total. Choose five of the brand-new FCBD titles offered from every publisher (while supplies last) in front of the store and 20 bonus free comic book back issues.
• Free pizza from Dominick's of Perry Hall will be provided from noon to 3 p.m.
• Nick Davis, creator of The Teddy Bear Tales, will appear from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Those who spend $20 or more can get a 10 discount at Sunny Day Cafe.
• For kids, there will be crafting, gaming demos and creators sketching.
• Cosplay contest sign-up begins when the store opens; the contest starts at 3 p.m.
  • There are three chances to win for each age group. First, second, and third-place winners will be chosen in two categories - Kids 12 & Under and Teen & Adults. First place gets a $50 gift card to Collectors Corner, while second and third get $25 gift cards.

Here are Patch’s recommendations for comic books you should snag.

Go to the event's website for a complete list of all the comics available this year.

Patch reporters Joe Vince and Dan Hampton contributed to this report.

Image via Free Comic Book Day.