The first Saturday in May is a very big day. The Kentucky Derby is…wait, I’m not talking about that silly sporting event (as I duck and run for cover, considering I live about 45 minutes from Churchill Downs). I’m talking about something really important. Yes, it is once again Free Comic Book Day!
Since 2002, specialty comic book shops have been giving away comics free to people who visit their shops on this day. This is a day to celebrate the comic book, a truly fun and original American art form. The retailers, publishers, and suppliers who participate along with Diamond Comic Distributors see this as an opportunity to reach out to those who are not familiar with the wonder that is comics, and also to make people aware of their local comic book shop.
There are always some great books available on Free Comic Book Day, and I was able to snag three to share with you; “Green Lantern” which includes a preview of “Flashpoint” (DC), “The Amazing Spider-Man” (Marvel), and “Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal” and “Mouse Guard” (Archaia). All are naturally designed to attract new readers, and think that these stories have the potential to succeed.
“Green Lantern” was of course a natural choice, with the upcoming movie. This tale is another “re-imaging” of his origins, with the basic story still the same, but new references to “Blackest Day”. Nice writing, and this choice of story will help those not familiar with Hal’s background. I also enjoyed the “Flashpoint” preview. I said in a previous article that I was worried that “Flashpoint” would be too much like previous stories, most notably the “Crisis” stories. While that is still possible, I have a bit more hope after seeing these few pages. I think the concept of an altered reality has promise. However, looking at the list of books in the event, I have noticed that of the 24 titles, all but 2 of them are scheduled to be released in June. That may hurt the event, making one month much more expensive for buyers.
“The Amazing Spider-Man” is definitely a fan favorite title, as readers can never seem to get enough of the Web Crawler. This story, “The Way of the Spider”, was well written for use on Free Comic Book Day. In the beginning, we are given the short version of Spidey’s origin, and we are introduced to two of the guest characters for this episode, Madame Web and Spider-Woman. The story has elements that are from Peter’s current situation, but does not depend on that so much that new readers will be lost or disappointed. There is good action, a solid story, and nice artwork.
Archaia’s contribution actually has four parts to it. “Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal” is the prelude to an upcoming graphic novel. It involves the origin of the Dark Crystal, and is based on the 1982 movie of the same name. I think the artwork truly captures the wonder of the puppets, and that Henson would approve. There was also a section of information relating to another Henson project, “A Tale of Sand”. The project is a 120-page hardcover original graphic novel based on a feature-length screenplay that Henson and Jerry Juhl wrote back in the 1960s and early 1970s. Included are examples of art from the work, and comments from those involved in bringing it to the page.
“Mouse Guard” is a series about mice who struggle for their very existence in the world. For their safety, and to combat predators, they have formed the “Mouse Guard”, to help mice journey between their villages. In this short tale, “The Tale of the Wise Weaver”, the characters relate a fable quite beautifully. The story is told simply, but quite well, and is suitable for children without being childish.
The last item in this issue is “Season of the Dapper Men” but honestly, it is not something I personally enjoyed. The artwork is styled after 19th century England, and there is much more exposition than dialogue or action.
This year, there are 10 “gold” comics available, and 27 “silver” comics. You can see a complete list of the comics at <a style=”color: #166000;” href=”http://www.freecomicbookday.com/”>Free Comic Book Day.com</a> . Now, not all comics will be available from all shops, and some retailers may not even be participating in the program. The website has a locator page that will help you find a participating shop near you. When you visit your local shop, you can find out from them which comics they have and what their policies are regarding how many comics each person can get.
If you have not yet been to your local comic book shop for Free Comic Book Day, why are you waiting? The sooner you go, the more likely you’ll be able to get the title(s) you want, and perhaps something else will catch your interest. Oh, and while you’re there, thank the shop owner for bringing comics, a wonderful form of art and literature, to your community.
