Free Comic Book Day 2011!

Free Comic Book Day is back once again for 2011! This worldwide comics initiative takes place on the first Saturday of May each year; with the initial aim of promoting public awareness of comics, it is now more firmly focused on promoting reading and creating a fun event where both parents and children can share their mutual love of the comics medium. There's a great variety of Free Comic Books on offer this year, from the standard superhero fare of Batman, Thor and Green Lantern, through to The Dark Crystal, Archie, The Simpsons and even 10 Deadliest Sharks(!). For a complete list of the titles, visit the official Free Comic Book Day website HERE.

Above: Baltimore, by Mike Mignola, Christopher Golden and Ben Stenbeck. Copyright Dark Horse Comics 2011.

Above: Art from Baltimore, by Ben Stenbeck. Copyright Dark Horse Comics 2011.

There are two titles I'd like to draw attention to this year, which have been produced by New Zealand cartoonists.

The first is Baltimore from Dark Horse Comics, written by Mike Mignola & Christopher Golden with art by local cartoonist Ben Stenbeck. This supernatural horror comic is fresh from it's Eisner nomination for Best Limited Series last month, so check it out for free this weekend and see what all the fuss is about! (as you can see from Ben's sample art here, this one's more for the older kids;)

Above: Captain America/Thor, written by Roger Langridge with art by Chris Samnee. Copyright Marvel Comics 2011.

The second title is Captain America/Thor, starring this year's big screen heroes from Marvel Comics, written by ex-pat Roger Langridge with art by Chris Samnee. This issue acts an a encore to the much praised all-ages series Thor: The Mighty Avenger from Roger and Chris, which came to an untimely conclusion after just eight issues. With it's winning mix of lighthearted adventures and emotive characterization, this series continues to reach new readers in it's two collected volumes, and just last week it was nominated for an American Library Award for Great Graphic Novels for Teens.

Above: Art from Captain America/Thor, by Chris Samnee. Copyright Marvel Comics 2011.

This Free Comic is a perfect primer for younger readers who need encouragement in reading, featuring a great adventure with two of Marvel's most recognisable characters that is sure to please (and parents will get a kick out of the great art too!).

So here's a rundown of the Comic Stores across New Zealand that are celebrating Free Comic Book Day this Saturday, and additional details on special events to celebrate the day!

AUCKLAND:

Gotham Comics: 264 The Mall, Onehunga, Auckland. Ph/Fax: +64 9 634 4399

Open from: 10am - the comics run out!!!

*2 FREE comics for walking in.
*2 FREE comics for coming in COSTUME!!! (Hero or Villian).
*2 FREE for a GOLD Donation to Onehunga Primary School.

In-store Specials:

25% off ALL Trade Paperbacks/ Graphic Novels in-store* 25% off ALL Comic Set Packs* 25% off ALL T-shirts....* 25% off ALL Back Issues in the BLUE BINS (excludes any material being held aside & items already on SPECIAL).

All NEW Comics on the BLUE & YELLOW shelves... NZ$5.00ea!!!

So come on in and grab some FREE Comics... bring family & friends and get more FREE comics.
Also a good chance to show Friends & Family the World of Gotham :)

HAMILTON:

MK1: Mark One Comics: 551 Victoria Street, Hamilton. PH: 07 8393728

Open: 9am – 5 pm

Free Comic Book Day is the best day to check Mark One out for the first time, and a fantastic way for Mark One to say thanks to all the people that have kept us in business these past 22 years!

Free Comics – plus bonus extras! - what’s the catch? No catch – all you have to do is turn up.. well there is the small matter of deciding which three free comics from the above awesome list (sorry we strictly enforce this limit in order to make sure we offer a good choice throughout the day). Sorry no Preorders are accepted ahead of the big day – but don’t worry we’ve purchased heaps (over 2000 comics this year!) – so long as you turn up in store on the day there will be free comics to grab (and extra freebies and a big sale and a general awesome happy Mk1 buzz – oh and balloons!)

Email shop@mk1.co.nz with the subject FCBD and we will send that email address a Free Comic Book Day reminder email the day before! Text the word FCBD to 0273405967 and we will send a Free Comic Book Day text reminder the day before our big day in May!

CHRISTCHURCH:

Comics Compulsion: Christchurch 12 Penelope Place, Casebrook. PH: 3797866 or email: comics@xtra.co.nz for details.

Comics Compulsion are celebrating at their new temporary location with Free Comics and a BBQ! So if you're in the south, make sure you head on down to show your support for a great comic book store that continues to get the books through to readers in the face of such adversity!

PALMERSTON NORTH:

The Badcave (previously Heroes For Sale Palmerston North): 35 King Street, Palmerston North. PH: 06 3566779

I couldn't find specific event details, but they have celebrated Free Comic Book Day in the past, so perhaps shoot them and email or phone call, and I'm sure they'll let you know what's happening on the day:)

WELLINGTON:

Graphic: 106 Cuba Mall PH: 04 3842 691

Ditto for Graphic, there wasn't any mention at their website, but I'm sure they'll have some plans if you give them a call.

So this Saturday take a trip out to your nearest Comic Store with the family and enjoy some great FREE comics!

-AK!