Free Comic Book Day happens on the first Saturday in May. Comics collectors and occasional readers alike can go to participating comics shops and receive free comic books from many major publishers. This year, Free Comic Book Day will be held on May 7, 2011.
How Does Free Comic Book Day Work?
This FCBD will be the tenth version of the annual event. Free Comic Book Day is designed to help promote the comic book industry and medium, while giving independent comic book stores and local comics fan communities added exposure and a reason to gather.
Comics publishers provide a special "Free Comic Book Day" issue from one of their titles at cost to retailers, who then give away the comics for free. FCBD is administered by a panel of major comics retailers, publishers, and suppliers, as well as Diamond Comic Distributors, who are in charge of Free Comic Book Day's logistics and publicity efforts.
FCBD's organizers use the day to encourage children's literacy in addition to supporting the comics industry. Most titles that are given away are suitable for all ages, though grown-up comics fans will find plenty of interest too.
Often celebrities from comics or from comics-based spin-offs, who are fans themselves, promote the event. Some participating stores host creator signings in addition to giving out comics. And in recent years, actors Milo Ventimiglia (Heroes) and Hugh Jackman (X-Men) have recorded YouTube videos on behalf of Free Comic Book Day.
What to Look For at FCBD 2011
Free Comic Book Day titles include "Gold" and "Silver" comics. Gold titles are usually created specifically for FCBD, feature better-known characters, and will be available in greater quantities. However, Silver titles may be of more interest to hardcore collectors.
This year's Gold titles include: The Amazing Spider-Man (Marvel), Green Lantern (DC), Avatar: The Last Airbender/Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Dark Horse), Locke and Key (IDW), Pep Comics (Archie), Darkwing Duck/Chip 'n' Dale's Rescue Rangers (Boom!), Super Dinosaur (Image), The Dark Crystal/Mouse Guard (Archaia), Geronimo Stilton/Smurfs (NBM/Papercutz), and Kung Fu Panda/Richie Rich (Kizoic/Ape Entertainment).
There will also be over 25 Silver titles, ranging from familiar, kids-friendly characters such as Mickey Mouse and Sonic the Hedgehog to darker comics such as Mike Mignola's Baltimore and Britain's 2000 AD, home of Judge Dredd. As in previous years, FCBD 2011 will showcase new and unusual comics in the Silver category, such as previews of Discovery Channel and Animal Planet's new line of graphic novels.
Where to Get Free Comics on May 7, 2011
37 different comics are being distributed on Free Comic Book Day this year – four more than were available in 2010. But individual stores have their own policies about which comics they will stock, and how many they will give away on May 7. Fans should contact participating retailers in their area for details.
FCBD is celebrated globally. However, comics selection outside of the United States and Canada may vary greatly due to licensing and other factors. Check out the Free Comic Book Day website for more information, including a store locator (based on ZIP/Postal codes).
Luke Arnott - Luke Arnott has a Master's Degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Western Ontario, where he is currently enrolled in the ...
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