With audiences flocking to movie theaters this weekend to see “The Avengers,” a few comic book fans are bound to be born. If the new super hero movie has your interest in comic books at an all time high, head on down to your local comic book store for Free Comic Book Day.
Free Comic Book Day has been celebrated by local stores since 2002 and usually coincides with a major motion picture release. This is the 10th annual free comic book day. Past holidays have coincided with the releases of “Spider Man,” and both “Iron Man” movies. This year’s event coincides with the release of “The Avengers” which has already set box office records overseas and brought in $20 million during its midnight debut.
The holiday, coordinated by Diamond comic Distributors, was created to attract new comic book readers. Since 2002 comic book stores have been inviting readers into their stores to enjoy free comics with the hopes of creating new loyal readers.
The LA Times reports that the comic book industry could use a few new readers, too. Sales were down 5% this March and retailers are hoping that FCBD gives them a boost.
More than 2000 stores will be giving away an estimated 3.5 million issues this year. This year’s free titles include “The Avengers,” “Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” “Peanuts,” “Transformers,” “The Simpsons,” “SpongeBob Square Pants,” “Star Wars,” “Burt Ward: Boy Wonder,” “Superman,” “The Smurfs,” “Donald Duck,” “Witchblade.” and “Yo Gabba Gabba.”
Store participation varies but most comic book stores will be giving away free comics today. You can find a list of participating comic book stores here .
