Published: May 02, 2009 02:40 am      

Free comics for everyone

Events today at Comic Paradise Plus, library

FAIRMONT — Comic book lovers, unite!

That’s the battle cry today as the eighth annual Free Comic Book Day kicks off nationwide.

The excitement will be just as present here in the Friendly City with two connected events taking place.

The fun will begin at 10 a.m. at Comic Paradise Plus, 401 Walnut Ave.

Owner James Wyer said he hopes this year’s event will be even bigger than last years’, which brought in about 250 people.

“We’ll be giving away comics. We’ve got door prizes, gift certificates, food coupons, movie passes,” Wyer said. “We’re ready.”

While most people think of comics as kids’ stuff, Wyer said that’s just not the case. Yes, there are a number of titles and series that are geared for the young ones, there’s also a fair number of titles with themes more easily understood by adults.

He said a study has shown the average comic book reader is in their late 20s to early 30s. They remember reading comics as a kid and are eager to start again.

For all those reasons, there’s a free comic book for every age available today, Wyer said, from classic titles like the Green Lantern and the Archies to newer titles like Disney’s Cars.

“Comics run the full spectrum these days,” Wyer said.

There will be millions of free comic books given away today nationwide. Wyer said his shop will give away between 3,000 and 5,000 books today.

In addition to the event at Comic Paradise Plus, there’s also an event going on at the Marion County Public Library.

That event will take place between 2 and 3:30 p.m. Kids can color pages, do a “super” craft, and even come dressed as their favorite super hero. It’s so cool, even the “Caped Crusader” himself will stop by.

There’s also going to be free comics given away by the library, donated by Wyer and his shop.

E-mail Katie Wilson at kwilson@timeswv.com.