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In this photo, from the series based on Cartoon Network's 'Justice League Unlimited,' the League bands together, only to see its most powerful members calling it quits. Area stores willcelebrate Free Comic Book Day Saturday. |
By COLLETTE CAPRARA
For THE FREE LANCE-STAR
"Jeepers, Mr. Kent!" Comic books for free?
It's true. This Saturday, thousands of young readers around the world will receive millions of free comic books, as the industry celebrates its fifth annual international Free Comic Book Day.
Among those joining in the festivities locally will be Travis Cooper, manager of Comic World at Aquia Towne Center in Stafford County, and Jack Mingus, owner and manager of Big Monkey Comics at Lee's Hill Shopping Center in Spotsylvania County.
"Comic books and jazz are the two authentically American art forms," Cooper said.
Now virtually a worldwide phenomenon, comics emerged as newspaper strips in the beginning of the 20th century and developed into their own publication, the comic book.
"The first superhero in a comic book was Superman, who made his appearance in 1939," Mingus said. "So he's a venerable old man. The superhero is a quintessentially American phenomenon."
The major subject of comics differs from country to country, Mingus said.
"In Japan, for example, comic books tend to feature romance or mythology, while in the United States there has been a resurgence of Westerns and spy thrillers," he said.
Free Comic Book Day is an industrywide event that allows store visitors to choose from a variety of books specially produced for the celebration by different publishers. No purchase is required to receive the free publications, which will include longstanding characters, such as Archie, Uncle Scrooge, G.I. Joe, Batman, Superman, X-Men and Transformers.
In addition to the books, some stores will offer other freebies. Comic World will give out a special Wolverine figure from the popular comic-inspired miniature game HeroClix by WizKids.
The Big Monkey store will feature a party atmosphere with free balloons, pizza, hourly giveaways and discounts on products throughout the store.
The first Free Comic Book Day was celebrated on the same weekend that the first Spider-Man movie was released, underscoring a longstanding tie between the comic publishing industry and Hollywood. For years, both the characters and the stories of comics have found expression on the big screen. And recently, individuals who have directed and written for film have turned their talents to the creation and publication of comic books.
"The wide array of comic books published today ensures that readers of all ages--children teens, and adults--can find something appropriate that will stir their imaginations," Mingus said.
For those who are just becoming familiar with the genre, the Big Monkey store will offer, at no cost, "Wizard Presents: The Top 100 Trade Paperbacks of All Time," a thorough list of popular stories throughout the history of comics.
"I just love comic books as a storytelling medium," Mingus said. " And we are at a wonderful time now in the comic-book industry where there is a great matching up between the artistic talent and writing talent."
Both comic book store managers added that the publications carry an educational as well as an entertainment value.
"You have to get kids into the habit of reading and to spark a desire to read, and comic books are a great gateway into that world," Mingus said. " Comic books help them to see that reading can be fun."
Collette Caprara is a freelance writer who lives with her family in Spotsylvania.
WHAT: Free Comic WHERE: Among stores participating locally are Big Monkey Comics in Lee's Hill Shopping Center in Spotsylvania and Comic World in WHEN: Saturday, COST: Free INFO: Big Monkey Comics, 540/710-1131; Comic World, 540/659-0123 |
