After a successful run last year, comic book publishers are planning a second Free Comic Book Day May 3.
Timed one day after the theatrical release of 20th Century Fox’s “X-Men #2,” dozens of comic book retailers will give away free comic books to help boost awareness for the industry and encourage readers to visit their local shops.
Timonium, MD-based Diamond Comic Distributors, which organizes and manages the event, is also hosting a No. 1 Comics Fan contest. To enter, fans need to draw attention to Free Comic Book Day and send proof of their deed to Diamond. The winner will receive prints signed by comic artists John Romita and Alex Ross and a tour of the Marvel Comics offices. Entries will be received until May 15; details are at www.FreeComicBookDay.com. Titles including “Archie & Friends,” “Batman Adventures #1,” “Transformers: Armada” and “Ultimate X-Men #1” will be distributed. Some 2.5 million comic books were given out at 2,200 stores in the U.S. and Canada last year.
Individual comic book storeowners will support the event with online, p.r. and advertising campaigns, as well as P-O-P displays. Participating retailers can be found at www.FreeComicBookDay.com.
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