NORTH JERSEY — While Monday may be known as "Star Wars Day" to sci-fi fans ("May the fourth be with you"), those who love all things nerdy don't have to wait that long to celebrate their inner aficionado.
The annual Free Comic Book Day, meant to celebrate the hobby and encourage small business shopping, is this Saturday, and shops around New Jersey are participating.
Alex De Marco, the manager of A&S Comics Two in Teaneck and A&S Comics in North Bergen, said that his stores will let people choose up to five free comics on Saturday.
At least two dozen special books will be released for that day, says the Free Comic Book Day website.
De Marco said that lines are usually steady on the days, but not overwhelming.
"We 're doing our normal thing, giving away hundreds, probably over a thousand books," he said. "We usually have them laid out on two tables. Last year there was a constant flow all day."
He added, "You get new eyes on the store. You get people who just want to start the hobby, people who are getting back into the hobby. The word 'free' definitely helps.
"You get parents coming with their kids, families coming in. People travel to other stores and see what they're doing. People make a whole day of it, which is pretty cool."
More than a dozen special comics are being released for the day, including comics featuring Archie, the Greatest American Hero, Flash Gordon, and more.
Stores in Bayonne, North Bergen, Fair Lawn, Teaneck, Montclair, Union, and elsewhere in North Jersey are participating.
The website listing the comics and participating stores is here.
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