The 22nd Annual Free Comic Book Day

Marge Phillips

Local comic and used book store Books Galore hosts their annual Free Comic Book Day event. Patrons can expect costumed characters, giveaways, and local food truck Taco Distro to keep them company in line while they wait for their free comic book.

SATURDAY, MAY 6

Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) has been a tradition in the independent comic shop world for over 20 years and, as always, our local comic book shop Books Galore is joining in the fun. They are planning a full day of comic-related activities with vendors, costumes, and of course, a free comic book available to anyone who wants one.

Books Galore manager Cole Schenley comments, "Celebrating its 22nd anniversary, Free Comic Book Day has proven to be a smashing success, spreading the word that comics are terrific reading. Even if you have never picked up a comic book, stop into Books Galore, because you never know what you will end up finding." The idea behind FCBD, which is organized through Diamond Comics Distributors, is to draw in new readers and to get loyal comic book readers or collectors excited about reading something new.

Comic books and graphic novels are an art form that many in the comic industry feel is universally enjoyable and one that can also aid in improving childhood literacy. According to a statement from Scholastic Books, "Teachers and librarians agree that graphic novels are great for kids with learning disabilities. Children with autism can learn a lot about identifying emotions through the images in a graphic novel. Additionally, for children with dyslexia, it might be very frustrating for them to finish a page of a traditional book, but they often feel a sense of accomplishment when they complete a page in a comic book. Accomplishment is important. It's a huge self-esteem booster and leads to kids naturally wanting to read more."

Reading comic books is also just really fun (for all ages). And Books Galore aims to highlight that fun at their store on FCBD. While everyone who attends is entitled to one free comic book (and there is always a hefty selection of titles available), there are a couple of ways to earn more than one. If you make (at least) a one dollar donation to Second Harvest Food Bank while at the store or if you come dressed in costume as your favorite superhero or comic book character, you will receive additional free comic books from the selection available.

Books Galore has partnered with local Federal Hill operated food truck Taco Distro to provide tasty snacks for all those patrons waiting in line to get their free comic, while folks in costumes and comic related displays will be available for photo ops along the way.  Bringing the kids? See Taradoodles for a colorful coat of face paint (to help conceal their secret identities, of course)!

Bonus:  Pre-signed copies of local graphic novelist Brenna Thummler's Sheets and Delicates (see her feature within this issue) will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, up to ten attendees can claim a copy of Zachary Sterling's Punch Up (one of the FCBD selections), containing an autographed 10-page excerpt from Thummler's upcoming graphic novel Lights. 

10 a.m. to 7 p.m. // Books Galore, 5546 Peach St. // All ages // Free // eriebooksgalore.com