Free Comic Book Day is Cause for Celebration at Star Clipper

For many comic shops across the country, Free Comic Book Day serves as a day to reward existing fans while introducing new readers to the hobby.

But at in University City, it's a cause for celebration.

"We've made it a party at the store," said Jon Scorfina, the shop's general manager. A couple even was married two years ago. "It's hard to top that, unless there's a live birth or execution," Scorfina added.

Free Comic Book Day is an annual showcase of the comics industry. Each May, publishers, suppliers and distributors produce free comics for local retailers to pass on to customers.

This year, Free Comic Book Day falls on May 5, and Star Clipper will stay open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Forty-two different titles will be available, including comics targeted toward kids. 

"Free Comic Book Day is designed to bring in people who have never read a comic before," Scorfina said. "That's why the freebies are there; try out some new stuff."

A full list of Free Comic Book Day titles is available online, but offering free comics is only one component of the store's celebration.

The day will begin with a visit from one of Marvel's main writers, Jason Aaron, who will be autographing books from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aaron is the co-writer in Marvel's major summer storyline, Avengers Vs. X-Men, and the sole writer of Wolverine and the X-Men and other titles.

Live music is scheduled throughout the day too:

• 2-3 p.m. — Supergrunt, which is Bunnygrunt singing about superheroes
• 3-4 p.m. — Losing Controllers
• 4-5 p.m. — Superfun Yeah Yeah Rocketship

After that, from 5-7 p.m., a freestyle yo-go group called MOYO is scheduled to perform. 

"They're very talented. It took me off guard how awesome they are at performing yo-yo tricks," Scorfina said.

Attendees can also meet costumed superheroes throughout the day and receive free sketches from local artists who will be stationed outside the store.

For people who hope to snag a specific free comic, Scorfina suggests arriving early. Star Clipper always has a line when the shop opens on Free Comic Book Day, he said.

"What's better than going out and having a free comic?" he said. "You can't beat getting a free comic."