Saturday is Free Comic Book Day and comic shops across Arizona are gearing up for the big day.
Matt Sams, the owner of Fantasy Comics in Tucson, said that Free Comic Book Day is his busiest day of the year.
“On a regular comic day, Wednesday is our busiest day because that’s when new stuff comes out, so that’s always fun and busy,” Sams said. “Free Comic Day will just be a million times that.”
First launched in 2002, Free Comic Book Day is an annual celebration on the first Saturday in May to attract new readers, promote the comic industry and bring people into local shops.
The best part, according to Sams, is seeing children get their first comics and making sure everyone has something to read.
There are free issues for readers of all ages, from Spider-Man, to Dog Man, to tie-in comics with popular movies, shows and video games.
Fantasy Comics is also hosting local Tucson comic artists Tim Champion and Michael Steimle, who will be doing giveaways and original sketches. The shop even has a section dedicated to comics by local artists.
Stores across Arizona are participating and Sams encourages anyone who's interested to support a store they love or go find a new one nearby.
The event at Fantasy Comics begins when they open at 10 A.M. and goes until they close at 6 P.M., or when they run out of freebies.
“Whatever I still have I will constantly give it away,” Sams said.
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