Free Comic Book Day Rewards Long-Time Fans and New Readers

To Dan Kinsella, Free Comic Book Day is more than a celebration of the hobby that he's so passionate about.

Kinsella, who manages the in Maplewood, said its also about building friendships and sharing the love of comics with a wider audience.

"Free Comic Book Day turns into this community event," Kinsella said. "It shows the public that the comic book store is not just the nerd den."

(Stay up-to-date on Maplewood news by liking our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MaplewoodBrentwoodPatch)

Each May, retailers, publishers, suppliers and distributors make some comics free in an effort to reward comic book veterans and draw in new fans.

It falls on May 5 this year. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., visitors to the Fantasy Shop may receive a free special-issue comic while supplies last. Forty-two different titles will be available, including comics targeted toward kids. A full list of Free Comic Book Day titles is available online.

As a self-proclaimed "ambassador to the hobby," Kinsella said he hopes the event will bring new readers to the store.

"The industry has changed a lot in the past 20 years," Kinsella said. "Just look at Hollywood or the Big Bang Theory." 

All Fantasy Shop stores also will run a special sale for back issues throughout the weekend. All regularly-priced (below $10) back issues will be priced at $1 each.

Are you a regular customer at the Fantasy Shop? Visit and leave a review for others to see!