Free Comic Book Day events offered Saturday

Three area comic-book stores and the Chattanooga Public Library have events planned for Free Comic Book Day on Saturday.

During the annual observance, held the first Saturday in May each year, participating specialty shops around the world give away comic books to anyone who comes in.

This year, 42 titles have been made available, though not all may be available at every location. Titles range from "The Smurfs" to "Spider-Man" and include an issue that ties in to the opening of the big Marvel movie this weekend. "The Avengers: Age of Ultron Point One" sets up the high-stakes battle between the Avengers and the Intelligencia, the return of Sword and the disappearance of Spider-Woman.

Stores taking part, according to www.freecomicbookday.com, include:

• B&M Amusement Co., 5036-D Highway 58.

• Epikos Comics, Cards & Games, 9408 Apison Pike, Ooltewah.

• Dicehead Games & Comics, 200 Paul Huff Parkway, Cleveland, Tenn.

At the Chattanooga Public Library, the day will be a Heroes vs. Villains showdown. Free comics will be given away while supplies last, and participants are encouraged to bring in other titles to trade at a Super Swap station.

A recent superhero movie featuring Green Lantern will be shown, and local artists will be on hand to demonstrate drawing techniques.

Other activities include a back-to-back drawing board face-off and crafts such as comic-book wallets, refrigerator magnets and pendants. Participants also can design their own masks, whether hero or villain. Prizes include iron-on T-shirt decals, a complete set of the comic books on display and cartoon books.

Events at the library, 1001 Broad St., take place from 2:30 to 5 p.m. in the auditorium.

Younger comic fans can take part in an art-themed storytime in the Children's Department from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Children under 12 will hear stories about drawing, can create their own cartoons and take home a free comic. Dressing in a favorite hero or villain costume is encouraged.

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