Free Comic Book Day Draws Crowds to Collector's Corner

Traffic slowed to a crawl Saturday morning out front of one Harford Road business as passersby stopped to check out some unlikely characters—straight from the pages of comic books. 

Wonder Woman, Black Cat, Daredevil and the Riddler stood on the sidewalk holding signs proclaiming "Free Comic Books!" and "Free Food" to draw crowds into Collector's Corner in celebration of Free Comic Book Day. Not that the store needs any help.

"We had probably 100 people standing in line outside before we opened at 9," said store employee Dave Crispino. 

"This is our holiday—it's bigger than Christmas Eve, bigger than Black Friday—that's some real talk," Crispino said.

On Saturday comics retailers nationwide are giving away five free comic books.

But Collector's Corner has upped the ante, offering an additional 25 free titles from its own back stock, including titles starring well-known characters like The Mighty Thor, Spiderman and Captain America.

Owing to the fact that this is its biggest sales day of the year, Collector's Corner, 7911 Harford Road, also has special events planned: comic book artists will sign titles in a back room, the store offers free pizza to anyone who walks in, and models dress as familiar comic characters—not to mention the sales.

"After some co-workers told me about this store, I came in to pick up some back issues and they gave me a flier promoting the event," said Bel Air resident RJ Kafka, who was waiting in a long line to buy comics. 

"I had to come after I found out there would be artists and people involved in making comics—plus they have girls in costume," Kafka said.

About an hour after the store opened, more than 200 people had stopped by, and Crispino expects higher volumes throughout the event, which continues until 9 p.m.

"I first came to this store about a year ago just to check it out, and I've been coming back ever since.  Randy [Myers, the store owner] has become a really good friend, he's a cool guy and this is a really nice store," said Carlos Drayton, a shopper who lives nearby.

For a full list of sales, models, events and artists participating in Free Comic Book Day at Collector's Corner, check out the store's website.