CHICAGO – Geek Christmas has arrived in Chicago, with Free Comic Book Day returning to its traditional one-day event Saturday.
Over 2,000 stores around the country will take part in Free Comic Book Day, which is intended to promote comics and attract new readers to independent comic books stores across North America.
This is the 20th anniversary of the national event, which began in 2002 on the day after the release of the first “Spider-Man” film. It is held annually on the first Saturday of May, typically on the same weekend as the release of a major film based on a Marvel comic.
Here are the participating Chicago comic book stores:
Alleycat Comics
5304 N. Clark St.
Gryend House/Zombie Unicorn Comics
3417 W. Peterson Ave.
Individual stores may limit how many free comics each person may pick from each category. Each store may also have additional giveaways for the special occasion. Check with your location for details.
This year, Free Comic Book Day will also be introducing an age rating system, so everyone gets the comics they want, indicated on the cover by a color-coded Free Comic Book Day logo: green denotes books appropriate for readers of all ages, including kids. The blue logo denotes books appropriate for teen readers, ages 13 and up, and the red logo denotes mature titles, most appropriate for those 18 and up.
Remember, you’re getting something for free, so be sure to say thank-you. Also, Free Comic Book Day is not free for retailers who have to order the selections, so buy something too.
Click here to find a store near you by Zip Code, and visit Free Comic Book Day for more information.
Read More: 14 Chicago Comic Book Stores Participating in Free Comic Book Day