The geekocity kicks into high gear on Saturday, May 5, when readers everywhere celebrate Free Comic Book Day.
Friday, May 4, is Star Wars Day, making this weekend the geek gift that keeps giving with local comics shops celebrating by holding fan events and giveaways. And how: Veronica Taylor, who voices Ash Ketchum and April O'Neal, will be at Madness Games and Comics in Plano on FCBD. So will Walter Jones (Power Rangers).
It's time to get reading.
Comics companies are using the free books to introduce new arcs or to cash in on popular properties (I'm looking at you, Riverdale) or just stoke interest, which is why the day exists in the first place.
This year's selection includes 50 comics, all listed on the Free Comic Book Day website, including ones inspired by television and video games. Most local comic book stores limit your haul, so here's help. Just make sure you grab DC Super Hero Girls for the child ... please.
Here are a few to pick up:
Avengers/Captain America
On the cover, Thor and Iron Man are powering up while Captain America stands in between in a reflective pose. If you've seen Infinity War, it's intriguing, even fitting. If you haven't, well ... no spoilers. But, as Marvel usually does with FCBD, the company is about to kick off something new and different. Again.
DC Nation
Lately, DC Comics has taken to using Free Comic Book Day to launch a game-changing story line. This year follows suit. If you don't want to play catch-up later, grab this one now.
Be careful, though. While many shops will be giving away DC Nation #0 for free, it does have a cover price of 25 cents. Make sure they're not selling it before you grab this one for free.
A Brief History of Tank Girl
The movie left a bad taste in fans' mouths. So, the only responsible thing to do is to cleanse the palate with the source material.
The Nightmare Before Christmas: Zero's Journey Chapter 0
It's about Jack Skellington's dog. Or his bones. You get the picture. I just know it's a back story I wondered about as I was watching the movie for the umpteenth time.
The Amazing Spider-Man
Rhino is taking charge on the cover. I've always thought he was an underutilized character. And Spider-Man is universally loved. Right?
Star Wars Adventures
Solo will be in theaters soon. Get in the mood by picking up this comic with a cocky Han Solo back to back with a seemingly irate Chewie on the cover.
Strangers in Paradise
Terry Moore brings his characters back to life in the 25th anniversary year of when he first began the celebrated series. This year will bring Strangers in Paradise XXV.
Cloak & Dagger
There's no comic tied to FCBD. But there is a poster for the new series on Freeform: Cloak & Dagger. The series premiere is set for June 7 at 7 p.m.
