FREE COMIC BOOK DAY!

This is a wonderful event that not only encourages you to support your local independent comic book store but also introduces people to the art and mythology of comic books!

Basically you go to the comic store and there's a selection of totally free comics to choose from. Free! No strings attached! These are usually introductions to new comic titles or some kind of supplemental story for established comic characters. While you're there you may as well shop around and see what titles catch your eye in the store. There are some really wonderful indy titles and stories from smaller publishers out there if you give them half a chance.

I'll be spending part of the day at Heroes Your Mom Threw Out in Elmira. The store is a real gem tucked away in a small corner of the town; the owner is delightfully friendly, and he goes out of his way to help his customers when he can. I'm not only referring to little things like pulling titles and setting them aside to make sure he doesn't sell out of a particular title if you request them; I'm talking about helping a customer with things that you probably won't get at your local Barnes and Noble. Yesterday we stopped in to see what had accumulated in my surgical absence and my wife discovered a flat tire on our vehicle. Jared, the owner, knew I am still restricted because of my surgery and he came out and changed the tire for my wife and I. I think that speaks volumes about the character in this small business owner!

Free Comic Book Day this year is May 2nd, 2009. Write it on your calendar and come out to the local comic store for your free loot and catch up with some of your childhood memories! Go to the Free Comic Book Day website and use the store locator on the left hand side of the page to find the retailer nearest to you!