Leading comic book publishers will unite next month to host “Free Comic Book Day” in the U.S. and Canada in a move to raise the industry’s profile.
Nearly two million free comics will be given out at 2,000 participating specialty stores on May 4-the day after Sony Pictures’ comic-friendly “Spider-Man” premieres and about two weeks before Lucasfilm’s “Stars Wars: Episode II-Attack of the Clones” makes its debut.
Dozens of popular titles will be offered, including “Ultimate Spider-Man” from Marvel Comics, “Justice League Adventures” from DC Comics,’ “Tomb Raider” from Image Comics, and a new “Star Wars” story from Dark Horse Comics.
Publishers and store owners will provide their own supporting activity including TV spots, print ads, P-O-P displays, and online activities; the last includes FreeComicBookDay.com, which offers a history of the industry and a directory of participating stores. Diamond Comic Distributors, Timonium, MD, organized and manages the overall effort.
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