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

Fans of the Avengers, Spider-Man and Transformers can pick up special-edition issues starring their favorite superheroes during Free Comic Book Day on May 5.

 on Telegraph Road is giving away comics from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Fans and comic newcomers can get up to three comics and the first 100 will receive a Thor action figure. 

The shop will also have a sketch artist from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and a 20 percent sale on all comics. 

Owner Steve Koch said there's something for everyone on Free Comic Book Day, ranging from Peanuts to Star Wars. 

"The big push these days is for kids to start reading," Koch said. "There's still the collectible angle, but these days, comics are more for reading and enjoying, and to see they're an art form like movies or TV."

All branches of the St. Louis County Library, including the  at 5430 Telegraph Road, will have free comics to give away. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., residents may visit their local branch and receive one issue per person while supplies last.

Free Comic Book Day is an annual celebration of comics. Each May, retailers, publishers, suppliers and distributors make some comics free in an effort to reward comic book veterans and draw in new fans.

Forty-two different titles will be available, including comics targeted toward kids. A full list of Free Comic Book Day titles is available online.