Free Comic Book Day

WHO'S CELEBRATING* B&M Amusement Co. - 5036D Highway 58. 490-1162.* Comic Hound - 6743 Ringgold Road, Suite B, East Ridge. 892-8881.* Dicehead Games & Comics - Bradley Square Mall, 200 Paul Huff Parkway, Cleveland, Tenn. 423-473-7125.Source: www.freecomicbookday.com

With the release today of the movie "Thor," the superheroic God of Thunder is enjoying his moment in the spotlight. Saturday, it's Archie's turn.

The teenage residents of Riverdale aren't getting a big-screen blockbuster, but their adventures will be on display in one of 37 titles local comics shops will offer Saturday in celebration of the 10th annual Free Comic Book Day.

Free Comic Book Day was started in 2002 as a promotional effort by publishers to reinvigorate interest in physical comics. Publishers offer store owners discounted copies, which they then offer to guests as an incentive to bring them into the store.

At Dicehead Games & Comics in Cleveland's Bradley Square Mall, owner Shane Grubb has celebrated Free Comic Book Day every year. When he opens at 11 a.m., Dicehead will have every Free Comic Book Day issue in stock, though Grubb said he will initially limit customers to a few issues apiece.

In addition to offering free issues, Grubb said he will discount his older inventory, and Bounce Around Playworld Pizzeria will be on-site with pizza and drinks. Guests may also see costumed "Star Wars" characters.

Some free issues assemble mini-comics representing many of a publisher's characters, while others, so-called No. 0 issues, mark the start of entirely new storylines.

This year's free issues represent major publishers, including Marvel ("The Amazing Spider-Man") and Dark Horse Comics ("Avatar: The Last Airbender" & "Star Wars Clone Wars"), as well as independent houses such as Image Comics and Top Cow Productions ("Darkness 2 Confession"). Some issues include heroes such as Green Lantern and Captain America, who, like Thor, will receive their own cinematic treatment this summer.

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