FREE COMIC BOOK DAY: A GOOD DAY TO BE A KID & A KID AT HEART

My son & I had a nice father and son bonding morning on Saturday May 4 as we threw on our Spider Man t-shirts and took a trip to the local comic book store for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY.  Free Comic Book Day is a special event that takes place each year on the first Saturday in the month of May when comic book retailers give out issues to anyone who comes into their shops absolutely for FREE.  This year there were 52 Free Comic Book Day issues to choose from with titles ranging from Superman to Sesame Street that would appeal to everyone from preschool children like my son and daughter to a 40 year old geeky dad like me. 

A big part of the fun of the day was interacting with a wide range of people in line waiting for a chance to grab a bunch of free comic books.  If you enjoy people watching this was the place to be!  There was a very nice lady who stood in line next to us that told us the whole history of the X-Men characters while I tried not to stare out the HUGE butterfly tattoo inked across her cleavage that was very visible due to her very low cut blouse; a group of bikers clad in riding leather that looked like they could have been from the cast of the History Channel’s VIKINGS who of all things were discussing what they liked and didn’t like about that show; guys dressed up as storm troopers from the local 501^st Garrison who everyone wanted to get a picture with; a group of kids wearing their karate uniforms and practicing their moves on the sidewalk after just getting out of their class from the studio that was next door to the comic store; and we can’t forget the friendly little girl in the Wonder Woman costume who came up to my little boy to tell him she loved his Spidey shirt and struck up a conversation with him about which tv show was better on the Disney Channel: Doc McStuffins or Sophia the First. We were having a blast just hanging out in line talking about super heroes and villains with people who were die hard comic book fans as well as parents who had never read a comic but brought their kids up to enjoy the promotion.  My wife and daughter really missed out when they decided to go shopping rather than join us guys on our excursion.

The fun continued as we gawked at all the comics we had to choose from when we reached the front of the line.  The comic store we were at allowed each person to take 10 issues…which is pretty generous as I’ve heard some retailers limit people to selecting 2 or 3 comics…and we had to go through to pick and choose from all the ones available.  We grabbed Disney Fairies and StrawberryShortcake for my daughter.  My son chose Batman& the Teen Titans, Sonic the Hedgehog, The Smurfs, and Teenage Mutant NinjaTurtles.  I picked up for myself TheWalking Dead, Star Wars, Buck Rogers, Prince Valiant, and The Tick.  We also picked up Mouse Guard, the SteamEngines of OZ, and World of Archie Digest for the whole family to enjoy together.

After grabbing a treasure trove of comics we stopped to get some Superman ice cream on the way home.  Than we enjoyed a few hours of just sitting back relaxing and enjoying our haul of goodies.  Free Comic Book Day has two goals, first to reward loyal customers with a fun event that will encourage their continued business and second, to entice new readers to enjoy reading comic books and get them to buy the publishers’ products in the future.  They accomplished their goal when it came to our family!  My kids can’t read yet, but they’ve been going through the artwork in their books over and over again and have been asking me to read the stories to them.  I have a feeling they are going to be future customers!  I am a regular consumer of Star Wars and The Walking Dead comics so they built up some additional brand loyalty with this customer who is going to keep buying these publications by providing me a nice Darth Vader story to read and an exclusive Tyreese comicfor my collection this year.  Plus, I was very impressed with the preview of the new comic Steam Engines of OZ which had great artwork and a nicely written dramatic and suspenseful story, so Archana Comics most likely picked up a new customer through their FREE COMIC BOOK DAY issue.  Steam Engines of OZ is set 100 years after Dorothy’s visit in the Wizard of Oz where the Tin Man rules the Emerald City and the “Wicked” Witch of the North is trying to save the land from his dictatorship with the story portrayed in the steam punk genre.   My interest was peeked after reading the first issue of this new series.

If you haven’t enjoyed FREE COMIC BOOK DAY, I highly encourage you to check it out next year.  For more information, visit www.freecomicbookday.com

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Free Comic Book Day will have special THE WALKING DEAD exclusive comic issue

When it comes to comic books I don’t tend to buy monthly individual issues but rather purchase the graphic novel compilation of story arcs that I want to read.  For example with THE WALKING DEAD I’ve never bought one of the comic’s serial issues, but rather purchased the two compendiums  to enjoy reading all at once rather than wait to follow the story in monthly  installments.  That has worked out well so far because all of the stories thus far have been reprinted in graphic novels bundling together all the monthly issues of the comic. That won’t be the case this month though as IMAGE COMICS is releasing a special issue of THE WALKING DEAD comic book for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY that won’t be reprinted in the graphic novel collections of the series.

The FREE COMIC BOOK DAY issue will include an exclusive short story featuring the character Tyreese – WARNING SPOILER - who was recently introduced to the AMC tv show at about the same point in the comic book timeline that he was killed off.  I think it’s great how the tv show incorporates characters and elements from the comic books yet presents the show in a different perspective so that you can enjoy both mediums together without either necessarily spoiling the suspense  or drama of the other. Tyreese has been a fan favorite of the comic book crowd and from his portrayal on the tv show I believe will become a central character for that series too.  The FREE COMIC BOOK DAY issue should be both an interesting story to read and a nice collectible for THE WALKING DEAD fans.  Additionally, the comic will also feature previously published short stories about Michonne, Morgan and the Governor.  I’ll definitely be picking up a copy of this exclusive issue at the local comic book store on May 4 for myself.

THE WALKING DEAD creator Robert Kirkman provided a nice interview on the FREE COMIC BOOK DAY website about this special issue saying he wanted to “provide fans something cool for free.” CLICK HERE to read the full Robert Kirkman interviewabout FREE COMIC BOOK DAY.

While FREE COMIC BOOK DAY will have a lot of nice issues to pick up for children, if you haven’t read THE WALKING DEAD or watched the tv show please note this comic is absolutely not for perusing by kids.  Robert Kirkman actually notes in his FREE COMIC BOOK DAY interview that its “a great time for parents to bring their kids out to a comic store as a lot of the books (NOT The Walking Dead) are geared towards younger readers.” CLICK HERE to read my previous blog  post on some of these comic books that will be available geared towards a younger audience.

Not sure where to go to pick up a FREE comic book for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY – just go to the website www.freecomicbookday.com and enter your zip code.  Their easy search feature will provide you with the information on the closest comic book shop(s) participating in the event.

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Free Comic Book Day has lots of offering this year for the youngsters in your house

The first Saturday in May is one of the favorite days of the year in our house … it’s FREE COMIC BOOK DAY!!!  While you may think this event is aimed to cater only to teens and adults, it actually has a very large array of giveaways aimed at preschool to elementary school aged children.  I took my children last year to a local comic book store for the event when they were only 3 years old and we picked up a lot of great age appropriate stuff that they could flip through on their own to enjoy the artwork or I could enjoy spending some time reading to them.  Some of the titles we picked up last year were The Smurfs, Yo Gabba Gabba , Disney’s TinkerBell, and Sonic the Hedgehog.  

The kids are 4 years old this year learning the alphabet and their letters but still can’t read.  Nothing less we’ll be going to Warp 9 Comics on Saturday, May 4, 2013 to pick up some more titles that we can enjoy together as a family and can be fun tools to encourage an appreciation of artwork and reading with our children.   Hey and you can’t beat the price … FREE!!!!  

Here’s a list of a few of the comic books that will be available this year that are focused to a preschool to elementary school age audience:

SESAME STREET & STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE 

On side one, Elmo, Cookie Monster, The Count and Super Grover teach you about the magic of reading comics! It's GUARANTEED to chase the clouds away!

On side two, join Strawberry Shortcake and friends on 3 berry sweet adventures!

Includes "The Blue Flu", "The Hunt for Blackberry's Treasure", and "Blueberry's Book Tour".

It's a bushel of fun! 

CLICK HERE for a preview

THE SMURFS 

THE SMURFS return to Free Comic Book Day with two stories never-before-seen in the US! Gargamel has tormented the Smurfs time and time again, always vowing his revenge on the small creatures. But what happens when he is forced to tangle with someone bigger than him- a nasty Ogre? Will the Smurfs let the Ogre destroy Gargamel, or will they decide to help their oldest foe?  Find out in "The Ogre and the Smurfs"! 

CLICK HERE for a preview

DISNEY FAIRIES: TINKER BELL

Papercutz presents DISNEY FAIRIES featuring Tinker Bell, along with comics from the new hit series, STARDOLL! There's only one fairy in Pixie Hollow who can't fly- Water-Talent Fairy, Rani. Why doesn't Rani have wings? Was she always this way? Find out in "Tinker Bell and the Wings of Rani".

CLICK HERE for a preview

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG

"Worlds Collide: PRELUDE" - It's TWO free comic books in ONE! Just in time for the start of the epic Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man crossover event, "Worlds Collide," comes a primer issue exclusively for Free Comic Book Day! Witness the journey these two epic heroes from both Sega and Capcom took to finally meet each other - Mega Man's journey chronicled on one side, and Sonic the Hedgehog's on the other! This is the must-have primer for the biggest comic book event of 2013 - as video game icons Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man meet for the very first time anywhere - featuring art from both Sonic and Mega Man comic book fame! 

CLICK HERE for a preview

NFL RUSH ZONE

 A referee's flag is corrupted by the power.  The Guardians must arrive at the Bengals-Titans game and get that flag before the referee throws it, bringing it to life.  And the villainous Coach Carnage is on the recruit for his interstellar team "The Visitors," and it's up to the Guardians, with the help of previous draft picks, to stop him from ruining the draft and taking this year's recruiting class.

CLICK HERE for a preview

PIPPI LONG STOCKINGS

Drawn & Quarterly offers a second FCBD title for the first time this year and it will feature one of the world's most beloved and popular characters, Pippi Longstocking! The Pippi Longstocking Color Special will offer a sneak peak at the brand new Pippi Longstocking title that D+Q will publish in May 2013 to coincide with FCBD. Pippi Longstocking was created by Astrid Lindgren and has developed a dedicated fan base of both children and adults for over six decades. The comics presented here were originally published in Swedish in the 1950s and are now being presented for the first time ever in English. This will be the perfect All Ages comic book, ideal for developing a new readership of kids in the 6 to 10 age set. 

CLICK HERE for a preview

 KABOOM! COMICS

An explosion of All-Ages awesomeness from KaBOOM! this Free Comic Book Day! Sure to be one of the most popular offerings this Free Comic Book Day, the KaBOOM! Summer Blast is 48 pages chock-full of the most popular all-ages comics on the stands today! Featuring excerpts from Adventure Time, Peanuts, Regular Show, Bravest Warriors, Garfield, Ice Age and some brand-new surprises

CLICK HERE for a preview

Don't know where to go to find a comic shop participating in FREE COMIC BOOK DAY? No problem, just go to this link, enter your zip code, and viola you will be provided with the information you need:  http://www.freecomicbookday.com/StoreLocator

On a finale note WOLVERINE ( aka Hugh Jackman ) wants you to go ... watch this video message and make sure you take advantage of this great event:

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU

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Wish Superman a Happy Birthday with a Roadtrip to Metropolis

With this year being the 75^th birthday of Superman it seems like a fitting time to go on a road trip to Metropolis, the Illinois town that DC Comics has proclaimed the real life hometown of Superman.  This city on the banks of the Ohio River has embraced celebrating their local hero promoting a 15 foot two-ton statue of Superman in a downtown square, a bronze statue of Lois Lane, a Superman Museum, a local newspaper called “The Metropolis Planet” inspired by the fictional paper “The Daily Planet” from the comic books and movies, and hosts an annual four day festival honoring the Man of Steel.  Metropolis Illinois was even featured in the pages of DC Comics’ “Adventures of Superman #515 which portrayed its residents idolizing the super hero who lives in their “sister” city.  

Across the street from the Superman statue in Metropolis is the “Super Museum” which has a huge display of memorabilia dedicated to the hero.  It has items on display from the original 1951-1953 television show including the harness that was used for George Reeves flight scenes (he would be lifted by a crane and hurled past cityscape sets to portray the illusion of flight) and his original Superman costume which is actually brown and grey in color since red and blue wouldn’t have shown as well on black and white television sets of the time.  The museum also has props from the 1978 Superman movie including the Kryptonian crystals used on screen by Christopher Reeves to build the Fortress of Solitude.  Click here for a gallery to see some of the items on display at the “Super Museum”.   They also have a fully stocked gift shop for all the fans that stop by to visit can take home their own super souvenir from Metropolis. The Super Museum is open 7 days a week from 9 to 5.  Admission is $5 with children under 5 allowed in FREE.

June 6 – 9 will be the city’s 35^th annual SUPERMAN CELEBRATION.  In recognition of the 75^thanniversary of Superman’s creation the festival will be attempting to set the Guinness World Record for “the largest gathering of people dressed as superman”.  Join the effort on June 9 @ 3pm by visiting Superman Square in your full licensed costume! For more information on what you’d need to wear and how to participate call 800-949-5740.

Other activities for the SUPERMAN CELEBRATION include appearances and autograph sessions with “featured” guests from Superman comics, movies, and tv shows; screenings of entries in a fan film festival;   super hero costume contest with a $1,000 prize; a Smallville Prom themed dance party, art and window painting competitions; and a strongman weight lifting competition. For more information, visit www.supermancelebration.net

Superman made his first appearance in Detective Comics (later to become DC Comics) ACTION COMICS #1 (June 1938).  In the 75 years that have followed he has appeared in various comic stories, radio serials, television shows, movies, and video games.  Check out this great poster by  Steve Younis from www.SupermanHomepage.comthat show the various incarnations of Superman over the years:

Also this year there will be two new additions to the Superman mythos.  On June 14^th, a new movie  MAN OF STEEL will be hitting theaters. The movie stars Henry Cavill as Superman, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, and Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as Jonathan & Martha Kent.  Here’s a look at the trailer:

DC Comics is also introducing a new Superman comic book that will hit retailer shelves on June 12 called SUPERMAN  UNCHAINED … but guess what you don’t have to wait until than to see this new version of superman because they will be issuing a special first look story on May 4 for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY!

Looking for a fun summer road trip for the family? This year seems like a good one to check out Metropolis, Illinois. 

Oh and if you make the trip don't forget to stop by nearby Fort Massac State Park and check out this really great reproduction you can walk through and explore of an early 1800s fort from an era when Illinois was wilderness territory.

The fort is and its visitor center are open Monday - Friday's 8 am - 4 pm and Saturday/Sunday 10 am - 3:30pm.  On the same weekend as the Superman Celebration, Fort Massac will be holding on June 8, 2013 a special presentation with French & Indian War reenactors and exhibits/demonstrations of French, Native American, and Colonial American life in the 17th and early 18th centuries.  For more information, visit the FORT MASSAC STATE PARK website. While this doesn't have anything to do with Superman, I thought this old fort was really cool and threw its info into this post to let you know about an extra benefit of making a trip to this southern Illinois community. 

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Book Review: MOUSE GUARD

Dave Peterson was courteous to recently sit down with me for an interview about his highly successful comic book series, MOUSE GUARD, which has won two Eisner Awards for the categories of "Best Publication for Kids" & "Best Graphic Album".  MOUSE GUARD  is somewhat like "The Secret of NIHM" and "The Rescuers" movies that I enjoyed as a child, but as a print format set in medieval times where intelligent mice with the characteristics of humans struggle to survive against the challenges of predators and harsh conditions.  They really are fun books to read and enjoy with your kids! Dave Peterson who is both the writer and illustrator provides us with great art work along with stories that are written so they are interesting to entertain both young audiences and their parents so that you can enjoy these adventures together with your children.

You don't need to be a comic book fan to enjoy these books and they are easy to spot at your local book or comic store because they stand out on the shelves with a unique design.  Archaia Studios Press publishes the books in a unique square 8 x 8 format versus the standard 6 1/2 x 10 comic book format.  If you are looking to promote an interest in art and share some adventurous good times with your kids, I highly encourage you to check out the MOUSE GUARD comics or graphic novels.

For more information about MOUSE GUARD, visit www.mouseguard.net or follow Dave Peterson on twitter @mouseguard 

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FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2012

I enjoyed FREE Comic Book Day with my kids last Saturday (May 5) with a trip to the local comic book store to pick up some freebies.  This was the 10^thAnniversary of this event which has been held the first Saturday in May since 2002 and is scheduled to take place again next year on May 4^th for an 11^th year in 2013.  On Free Comic Book Day, you can stop by participating merchants and pickup free comic books drafted specifically for this event that give you a taste of what the publishers and titles have to offer.  Some of the comic books available feature full stories and others have snippets that showcase various artists and storytellers.   It’s a great way to introduce comics to children, provide existing readers a taste of different materials to sample, and encourage comic connoisseurs and potential new customers to support local brick-and-mortar comic book stores. 

My kids picked up special FREE COMIC BOOK DAYeditions of TINKERBELL, MEGAMAN, PEAUNUTS, DONALD DUCK FAMILY ADVENTURES, SUPERMAN FAMILY ADVENTURES & YO GABBA GABBA! We also grabbed a really nice hard bound book from Archaia Entertainment featuring a MOUSE GUARD story and some stories featuring some of the publisher’s other titles including Jim Henson’s THE LABYRINTH and Jeremy Bastian’s THE CURSED PIRATE GIRL.  

My daughter’s favorite comic book was hands down the Adventures of Tinkerbell which she took to bed with her and still hasn’t let go of today.  My son’s fav has to be ArchieComic’s MegaMan which he has been racing around the house with the last two days.  Both of them also have really enjoyed the MOUSE GUARD & OTHER STORIES book which they’ve asked me to read to them several times over since we got home from the comic book store yesterday.

I picked up a few comic books for myself too, including Free Comic Book Day editions of Marvel’s SPIDERMAN which gives a good glimpse off the rebooted movie coming out in July; a sample of Dark Horse’s sci-fi offerings in a STAR WARS / SERENITY double feature, an edgy overview of DC Comics THE NEW 52 titles, an AVENGERS feature giving a glimpse of an upcoming series featuring super villain Ultron, and a nostalgic MY FAVORITE MARTIAN story from Hermes Press.

As an example of how providing a free sample can generate new customers, we discovered THE CURSED PIRATE GIRL for the first time in the Archaia hardbound book and that looks like a title our family will be enjoying in the future and picking up at our downtown comic book store.  Looking into the title a little more online after reading the segment included in our Free Comic Book Day offerings, I was pleased to discover that Jeremy Bastian is a local artist who lives and works in Michigan.  Archaia must recognize that there is some extraordinary talent in our state, because David Peterson, the author and artist behind MOUSE GUARD, is also a Metro Detroit resident that just lives down the road from us.  

For more information about Free Comic Book Day, CLICK HERE to visit the official website.   The Web site provides a search service where you can enter your zip code to find local participating retailers.  Additionally, it provides some interesting background on history ofcomic books and each year they provide an overview of what special editions will be available at comic retailers for the event.  

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