FCBD '08

Just a quick reminder to everyone that this Saturday, May 3rd is Free Comic Book Day. For those unaware (as in, non-nerds), every year a number of publishers send copies of one or more comic offerings to stores around the country to be given away for free. The goal is to attract new readers, and in that interest the issues are always new reader friendly, not part 5 of a 19 part crossover or whatever. But the real benefit is to you, Young Adult With Nothing Better To Do or Mr. or Mrs. Harried Parent. Need something to keep little Johnny occupied while you get groceries and (it's okay, we won't tell) hit the liquor store? Hey, the price is right!

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Drew," you say, "aren't comic books just adolescent power fantasies about juiced-up steroid freaks invariably solving problems through swift, unflinching violence? Why would I want to/want my kids reading that?" To which I reply: ha! Because come on now, that's really... absolutely correct in 75% of the cases, actually. Maybe 80%. BUT! There are also plenty of age-appropriate offerings for youngsters, and for older audiences a variety of independent comics that have nothing to do with crossdressers hitting each other. I mean, if you're into that. For the kids there'll be offerings of the Simpsons, Archie (which: come on, man. It's Betty, dammit! Screw Veronica, she's only slumming with you to make daddy mad), and Uncle Scrooge, among others. For adults there'll be a bitchin' Hellboy story, some more standard superhero offerings (but good; as you'd expect, the companies try to showcase their best stuff for this), and if I've been really extra nice this year, maybe even something to do with Scott Pilgrim. Probably not, but you never know.

So anyway, that's the scoop. If you're out on Saturday, whether it's with the kids or on your own, stop by your local comic book store: they'll give you at least one free comic, and if you buy something, often more than one. Hard to beat that deal, and you just might find something you end up really liking.