Comic book day offers vital sources of history

by Nick Schober
Staff Writer

Making the world safe once again for the kid in all of us -- the Comic Bookie.

Tomorrow, the Comic Bookie in Old Town Claremont will be giving out a free comic book to any and all customers who show up. They and many other comic book stores around the nation (and even the world) will be participating in the first ever, Free Comic Book Day.

"The goal of Free Comic Book Day is to introduce, or reintroduce, everyone to the joys of comic books," said Comic Bookie owner Chris Peterson.

Peterson is the sole owner of the small comic book shop in Claremont. He is also one of only two employees, the other being manager Chris Robinson.

"Not only does this excite regular customers, but it is a good chance to make new customers aware of us," said Robinson, from a business stand point.

Unlike gigantic, all-consuming, chain stores that dominate most types of retail, comic book stores are almost always independently owned and operated by those who live in the community. The Comic Bookie is no exception and this nation wide celebration and give-away is a great chance to gain new business.

Besides gaining customers, Free Comic Book Day is also a celebration of what Peterson says is a vital part of American history.

"Comic books are an original American art form created in the Depression era as affordable entertainment for the masses," Peterson said. "In decades since, their unique blend of words and pictures has grown, matured and changed with the times, while providing us with some of the most enduring characters and stories in our popular culture."

Free Comic Book Day is put on by all levels of distribution, from producers to merchants. Diamond Distributors, one of the largest comic book distributing companies, makes the bulk sale to merchants at a very discounted rate, making it possible for them to be given out for free.

There will be no skimping on the freebies either.

One of the comics being given out is Star Wars Tales: A Jedi's Weapon. The new creation from Dark Horse Comics, features Obi Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker taking on an assignment from the honorable Jedi Council on a distant planet.

Upon confronting the nomadic warrior race, Anakin loses his light saber to a harem and must retrieve it without offending the entire race.

The events included take place immediately before the events of the upcoming "Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones."

Also being featured is the first issue of The Justice League Adventures series, based on the popular Cartoon Network show. DC Comics brings you Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the rest of the classic super hero favorites, who take on global conflict from their space station fortress.

For Lara Croft fans, a brand new half-issue from Image Comics titled Tomb Raider: The Origin of Lara Croft, which tells the genesis of the buxom heroine, her troubled past and her search for stolen artifacts.

And of course, Issue #1 of Ultimate Spider-Man will also be handed out. Marvel Comics spells out the life of the recently famous web slinger. Whether you are a long time fanatic or just saw the movie, this issue will introduce readers to all the characters and the origins of Spidey himself.

There will also be comics from several other major distributors.

"We carry just about anything that comes through There really is something for everyone," Robinson said.

Robinson and Peterson also hope that the opening of tonight's "Spider-Man" movie will increase awareness of comic books and put the hype at an all-time high.The two also have absolutely no clue as to what they can expect as far as turn out, but are ready to welcome as many people who come to the store.

"We invite everyone to come and see for themselves how vital, relevant, powerful and just plain cool comics are. Better yet, they are free," Peterson said.

The Comic Bookie will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. but the free comics probably will not last that long. Guests are encouraged to come early.

The Comic Bookie is located on the corner of Foothill and Indian Hill Boulevards in the historic Old School House in Claremont. To find other participating stores, visit www.FreeComicBookDay.com.