Steven Kozak of West Manchester Township stands among the shelves of graphic novels for sale at Comix Connection in the West Manchester Mall in 2010. (YORK DAILY RECORD/SUNDAY NEWS — FILE)
It’s that time of year again, when area geeks clean off their shelves and dust off their cosplay outfits — it’s Free Comic Book Day!
It started in 2002 by one comic book shop owner to boost the sales in his store, but now publishers and other groups have jumped on the bandwagon to make the day bigger and bigger each year.
York County comic shops have the same idea and are gearing up for another epic Free Comic Book Day — which also happens to land on Star Wars Day (Also known as May the Fourth Be With You).
Here are just some of the offerings for Saturday, May 4:
Comix Connection — West Manchester Mall, West Manchester Township, and Artworks Building, Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg
- Three free comics for each visitor
- Additional free comics for each in-date food item donated for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and the York Rescue Mission
- Special discounts on select items in the store
- Special guests in York from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Area artists Brad Samuelson (“As the Grass Grows”), Mike Hawthorne (“Deadpool”), John Kovaleski and Dirk Shearer; and authors Jess Eppley (“The Book of Siavon”) and Brian Keene (“The Last Zombie”).
- Special guests in Mechanicsburg from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Artist Andrew Griffith (“Transformers”); artist Kevin Graham, who will be doing a live painting performance on a large canvas to be auctioned off to raise money for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank; “Star Wars” characters of Garrison Carida of the 501st Legion, who will be collecting unopened toys to be donated to children’s charities.
- Hours at both locations will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. May 4; for more information, check out blog.comixconnection.com or call 717-767-4871 (York) or 717-591-2727 (Mechanicsburg).
- Comic book giveaway for the first 500 attendees at the York Revolution game at 6:30 p.m. May 4 at the stadium, in conjunction with Star Wars Night. (Details for that event here.)
Comic Store West — 2111 Industrial Highway, Springettsbury Township
- Free comic for visitors — additional comics available for a small donation to be given to Martin Memorial Library
- Pizza available all day
- Trivia contests with prizes
- Costume appearances by Batman and Ghostbusters — check www.comicstorewest.com for times
- “Ghostbusters,” “Ghostbusters II” and “The Avengers” will play on the big screen in the back; popcorn provided
- In honor of Star Wars Day, one lucky customer will win a full-size Star Wars foosball table; get tickets through Martin Library donations or store purchases. Details at www.comicstorewest.com.
- Discounts on other merchandise in the store
- The shop is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For details about discounts and more, visit www.comicstorewest.com.
Comix Universe — 130 Eisenhower Drive, Hanover
- Free comics for visitors
- Balloons and lollipops for kids
- Open from noon to 9 p.m. May 4; call 717-637-1637 for details.
Planet X Comics and Collectibles — 2085 Springwood Road, York Township
- Free comics for visitors
- The first group of people (about 15) in the store will receive free goody bags
- A raffle for a free subscription to a comic book title for a year — the goody bags will have a ticket; additional tickets can be purchased.
- Costume contests: Two categories for 12 years old and younger, and 13 years old and older — photos will be uploaded to the Planet X Facebook page and voted on the following week. Also, superhero costume contests at Frank Theatres, 2071 Springwood Road, York Township.
- Coloring contests for children
- Special appearances by the Capital City Jedi Knights, CW’s Arrow and Indiana Jones
- Appearances by writers Ute Perkins (“Timeless Conflict”) and Tim Price (“Gone”); and artists Daniel Miccolupi and Israel Sanfiorenzo
- Queensgate block party — Free pizza, treats and discounts for Free Comic Book Day customers, provided by Nittany Pizza, Strawberry Shop, Macklin’s Cafe and Just Learning stores
- Discounts on other merchandise in the store
- For more details, visit the store’s Facebook page
More:
— Find a preview free comics offered at the Free Comic Book Day website
— Read comic book reviews each week on Comic Book Wednesday
