Grab Dozens of Free Comics Saturday at Midnight Downtown

Employees at a local comic shop are hoping avid readers and newcomers will turn out for Free Comic Book Day to catch up on the latest happenings of their favorite superheroes.

Free Comic Book Day is celebrated across the country as a way to entice newer readers. The industry's biggest publishers all participate, offering select titles for free on Saturday.

The event officially  begins Saturday, but stay up late enough on Friday night and you can join in the festivities at Capital Comics in downtown Annapolis.

The comics shop is hosting a midnight extravaganza event to commemorate Free Comic Book Day. They'll be giving away dozens of free comics to anyone who's interested. 

Capital Comics employee Billy Vogt said last year's event was a huge success, with people coming in costume to celebrate. This year, Vogt said they hope to draw an even bigger crowd, but will be just as thrilled if only their local enthusiasts show up.

Hosting the event at midnight opens up parking for the venue, located along Main Street in downtown Annapolis, and would hopefully also draw a dedicated crowd, Vogt said.

The event is a way to draw in newer readers of comics, reinvigorate those who have stopped reading, and also serves as a showcase for the downtown shop, Vogt said.

"People are always going to show up for free stuff," Vogt said. "But we're hoping to attract our local readers as well, and so we wanted to do something special for them."

Third Eye Celebrates With Creators, Fans

Third Eye Comics is also celebrating the event Saturday by inviting local comic writers and artists to participate. 

Deadpool writer Cullen Bunn, Swamp Thing writer Charles Soule, Batgirl writer Gail Simone, and many more will be on-hand to meet with fans Saturday at the shop, located at 2027 West St., Annapolis 21401. 

Doctor Who fans can also get their picture taken in the TARDIS photobooth from 9 a.m. to noon, and Star Wars fans can visit with Imperial Stormtroopers from the 501st Legion from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to a release from the comics shop.