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Hernando Today

Free Comic Book Day is Saturday

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By MICHAEL D. BATES

Hernando Today

Published: May 1, 2009

Saturday, May 1 is Free Comic Book Day across the land. You heard right: Free comic books.

All you have to do is visit a comic book store and scoop up a variety of books from DC, Marvel and assorted other companies.

This annual event — always held the first Saturday in May — is designed to entice new readers to take up the hobby. It also allows regular fans to sample books they may not normally shell out $2.99 (or more) for.

This year, the lineup of new books is impressive: The Avengers, Green Lantern, Star Wars, Archie, Sonic the Hedgehog, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Wolverine are just some of the big names.

There is even a new comic called "William Shatner Presents" — for those who are fans of the ubiquitous star of TV and travel ads.

This is the eighth year for this event and at least one comic book store in Pasco County is going out of its way to turn it into a huge mega-event.

Steve Baginskie, co-owner of Yancy Street Comics off U.S. 19 in New Port Richey, has invited some A-list comic book talents to his store to sign books and meet the fans.

Those stars include Mike Deodato ("Wolverine: Origins" artist), Wayne Cordova (artist "Mimes"), Morry Hollowell ("Wolverine" colorist), Mike Perkins ("Stephen King's The Stand" artist), Mike Grell ("The Warlord" artist), Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner, Jim Fern and Wil Quintana.

Steve says the guests will be available roughly from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and there will be a storewide sale.

"It's a great event (and) each year it gets bigger and bigger," Baginskie says. "It's a great inexpensive day out for the whole family."

For more information, call Yancy Street Comics at 727-817-0888 or visit www.yancystcomics.com

For more information on Free Comic Book Day and to find out where all the comic books stores are located nearest Hernando County, visit www.freecomicbookday.com/index.asp

Barry is back

After being "dead" for more than 25 years, Barry Allen is back as the Flash.

DC is putting out a mini-series called, "Flash: Rebirth," chronicling how Barry survived the Crisis on Infinite Earths.

This is a huge event for Flash fans, many of whom believe Barry is, was and always will be the only person deserving of wearing the speedster's costume.

Your comic guy wholeheartedly recommends this book. The first issue, which still should be on sale at local comic stores, contained a fascinating look at how Barry marvels at the technological advances made since he's been away.

And the Ethan Van Sciver art is to die for.

Iron Man movie news

Marvel Comics has announced that "Iron Man 2" is officially in production.

"This marks the beginning of Marvel Studios' third self-produced and self-financed movie," according to Marvel.

As everyone knows, the first Iron Man movie was a major hit. No word yet on the plot or villains of the sequel. I would love to see ol' Shellhead's nemesis, "The Mandarin."

But, we will see.

To keep track of the movie's progress, visit Marvel.com

This month's question

Congratulations to the reader who successfully answered last month's question: In what comic book did Wolverine first appear?

The correct answer is the Incredible Hulk issue number 180 from 1974.

Unfortunately, I didn't get his name. But if he is reading this peerless prose, perhaps he will call back and I can publish it next month.

Meanwhile, here's this month's question: Barry Allen was not the first Flash. Give me the name of the Golden Age Flash's secret identity.

If you know the answer, call me at 352-544-5290 or e-mail me at mbates@hernandotoday.com.

I will publish the names of those who answer the question in next month's column.

Have fun on Free Comic Book Day and, if you visit one of the comic shops, drop me a line and tell me what books you picked up and how much fun you had!

The Comic Guy, Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or e-mailed at mbates@hernandotoday.com

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