Free Comic Book Day

Saturday, May 1st was Free Comic Book Day all across the country. It is a day for the comic book community to come together and celebrate the industry. It was thought of by Joe Field in his column, “Big Picture” in the August 2001 issue of Comics & Games Retailer. C & G Retailer was the longest running magazine serving comic shops until it closed in 2007. The first Free Comic Book Day was held on May 1st, 2002. May 1st was chosen to use Free Comic Book Day as a means to market the latest in the comic book industry including blockbuster films like the Spider-Man trilogy. This event is also used for launching new story arcs in various comics. Last years Free Comic Book Day showcased the much anticipated Green Lantern story, Blackest Night. This year was somewhat light on the showcases but the big event is Iron Man 2 which opens this Friday in theatres everywhere. Ellensburg’s local comic shop, Central City Comics, celebrated Free Comic Book Day with guest artists and a food drive for raffle prizes. The shop was full of people from opening at noon til closing at seven. Many who didn’t know much about comics were coming in and getting introduced to a new world. It was a good Free Comic Book Day and I look forward to next years festivities.