Free Comic Book Day set for Saturday

Staff report

The 14th annual Free Comic Book Day is Saturday, and participating independent comic- book shops across North America will give away comics to anyone who stops in.

The major comic-book creators have produced 50 titles this year that will be free for the asking. The goal of the event is to promote the art form and attract new fans. To learn more, go to freecomicbookday.com.

In the Mahoning and Shenango valleys, All-American Cards and Comics, with locations at 52 Boardman-Canfield Road, Boardman, and 161 W. Market St., Warren, will participate, as will Spectrum Comics, 6744 S. Market St., Boardman, and Bennie’s, 462 Sharpsville Ave., Sharon, Pa.

In addition to free comics, all of the stores will have sales on other merchandise.

Greg Bartholomew, owner of All-American, said he expects to give away 800 to 1,000 comic books at each location. He will have some local artists in his stores doing sketches, as well.

He said that Saturday also will mark the start of the Secret Wars comic series from Marvel, which is anticipated among fans.

All-American will have its annual comics convention July 18 at Packard Music Hall in Warren. Details about the event will be revealed Saturday, said Bartholomew.