Free Comic Book Day Coming to Dearborn on Saturday

Local residents can score free comic books on Saturday at Dearborn's comic book retailer, Green Brain Comics.

Dan Merritt, who co-owns the store, said Free Comic Book Day, which began in 2001, is observed internationally and takes place the first Saturday of May every year.

"It is definitely the highest traffic day of the year for us," he said. "We have had on average about 1,200 customers in one day come through the doors during the past several years."

Merritt said the event helps educate people about the comic book world beyond just the superheroes, and lets everyone know it’s OK to love comics.

"(Free Comic Book Day) is as much of an event for the fans as it is for the lapsed readers and people who haven't discovered comics," he said. "I love seeing the looks on the faces of younger kids who are discovering comics for the first time."

This year there will be more than 50 different Free Comic Book Day titles available to choose from, including selections from Marvel, D.C., and Image Comics.

"With so many choices there will be something for every age, taste, and interest," Merritt said. "We see moms, dads, and even grandmas coming in to browse the new books."

Everyone who attends the event gets three free books just for visiting the store on Saturday. But, that’s just the start of the fun. Customers who bring a non-perishable food item for Gleaners Community Food Bank, donate an old cell phone to Cell Phones for Soldiers, or just show up in costume can receive more free books.

To help generate interest in the event, several comic creators will be available to show off their work and give readers a peek into the creative process. David Petersen, creator of the international bestseller Mouse Guard, will meet with fans at 1 p.m. Other guests include Jeremy Bastian (creator of Cursed Pirate Girl), and Jerzy Drozd (artist and advocate for Kids Read Comics.org).

Aside from the visiting artists, a portion of every sale will be donated to the Friends for the Dearborn Animal Shelter. Shelter representatives will be on hand with an adoptable pet to celebrate their 20th anniversary.

"Free Comic Book Day is a community celebration, and something we look forward to every year," Merritt said.

The store will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 4. Green Brain Comics is located at 13210 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn.

For more information, visit www.greenbrain.biz, or www.facebook.com/greenbraincomics, or call 313-582-9444.