On Saturday, May 5, local comic book stores across Canada will participate in an annual event called Free Comic Book Day. Created in 2002, this unique occasion offers specially printed copies of free comic books for store-goers. To make the event even more special, Canadian comic book creators will be on hand at select locations across the country to sign comic books and promote their work.
“For us, Free Comic Book Day, which is our biggest day of the year, is a good way to reach out to the community and offer a fun filled day for everyone, and help introduce and reintroduce people to comics,” said Remi Vienneau LeClair, owner of The Comic Hunter (https://comichunter.net/) , Moncton, New Brunswick. “We get a tent and set up outside for all the guests and giveaways, have a food truck, and weather permitting, people do live arts and crafts. It’s also a big day for sales, which we see as a thank you for all our regulars who support us year-round! Just a good day of good feelings all around, and one that I look forward to every year!”
“I think Free Comic Book Day is a great way to support our local comic book shops by bringing in new customers,” said Jason Loo, creator of The Pitiful Human-Lizard. “Did you enjoy that new Marvel film? While you’re waiting for the next sequel to come out, check out the comics. The first one is free on Free Comic Book Day, but I hope you like it enough to come back and pick up the next issues!”
According to award-winning cartoonist, illustrator and designer Ramón Pérez, CEO of the Royal Academy of Illustration & Design, also known for his work on Marvel Comics’ The All-New Hawkeye and Wolverine & The X-Men: “Everyone needs the opportunity to rediscover comics – and Free Comic Book Day is a great way for people to re-introduce themselves to a growing and diverse medium they thought they were familiar with.”
“Free comic book day is a great event for getting new people out to local stores buying comics,” said Michael Walsh, comic book artist currently drawing Star Wars and Hawkeye. “I love the fan interaction element and the idea of putting comics into the hands of readers that might not have purchased otherwise. There is a great family friendly dynamic and I look forward to the event every year.”

Based on research conducted by True North Country Comics, here’s just a sample of the comic book stores planning to make Free Comic Book Day even more special with the addition of Canadian comic book creators:
- Amazing Stories (http://amazingstoriescomics.com/) in Saskatoon, SK will host artists Ryan Howe (Daisy Blackwood), Nathen Wahl (Joe Zombie), and Graeme Williams (Frankenstein: A World of Gods & Monsters)
- Big B Comics (http://www.bigbcomics.com) in Hamilton, ON will include artists Vincent Marchesano (Fantastic Four) and Dan Hammond (Alien Hillbilly)
- Gotham Central (https://www.gothamcentral.ca) in Mississauga, ON has Jason Fabok (Justice League), Ty Templeton (Batman), Richard Comely (Captain Canuck), Jason Loo (The Pitiful Human-Lizard), Andrew Thomas (Auric of the Great White North) , Oliver Castaneda, Paul Limgenco, RB White, Sam Noir (Skelt and Apy), Eric Barnett and Carol Zara (Alien Toilet Monsters)
- Image Collections (http://www.imagecollections.ca) in Mississauga, ON will have Daniel Wong (Riftworld Legends), Adonis Howard, Jill Dhakura, Arnold Trinidad, Carolyn Austin-Smith on hand for their event
- Metropolis Comics and Toys (http://www.metropolis-comics.com/) in Burnaby, BC will be joined by Vancouver-based artist Ed Siomacco, creator of The Adventures of Space Cat, for free sketches for customers
- Okanagan Sportscards & Comics (http://www.okanagansportscardsandcomics.com/) in Kelowna, BC will have writer Ed Brisson (Iron Fist) signing his work
- Stadium Comics (https://www.stadiumcomics.com) in Brampton, ON will be joined by Leonard Kirk (Black Panther), Alex Milne (Transformers) and Jamal Campbell (Spider-Man)
- The Comic Hunter (https://comichunter.net/) in Moncton, NB will feature Adam Atkinson (Psychosis), Larry Higgins (Nyobi), Nick Bradshaw (X-Men), Danica Brine (Survivorland), Devin Taylor (Star vs the Forces of Evil), and Samantha Taylor
More information about Free Comic Book Day is available at the following website:
https://www.freecomicbookday.com/
To find a local comic book store, please visit the Free Comic Book Day store locator website: https://www.freecomicbookday.com/StoreLocator
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