Every year on the first Saturday of May, comic book shops across the world celebrate Free Comic Book Day, to reach out to loyal
fans and new prospects alike. Publishers send special-edition Free Comic Book Day editions of their books to give away at stores, who can also offer giveaways, guest appearances, and contests—all to remind future readers of what makes comics and their vendors important. On the Seacoast, this year’s main attraction is Peter Laird and members of Mirage Studios, who will celebrate the 25th anniversary of hit comic and Seacoast success story Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which Laird co-created with Kevin Eastman. Guests can also bid in a charity auction for a near-pristine copy of the original issue, which is expected to bring up to $8,000 (a special edition reprint of the issue will also be available for free.) It’s all part of events planned in Rochester. Organized by Ralph DiBernardo of Jetpack Comics and supported by the Rochester Main Street Association, the celebration will include more than a dozen locations around Rochester handing out comics and merchandise. The Governor’s Inn and The Knights of Columbus Hill will also host comic creators, ranging from small press newcomers to industry veterans, such as writer of comics and children’s books Thomas E. Sniegoski. Other creators include Marvel Comics’ Ed McGuinness (“Hulk”), Jay Piscopo (“Capn’ Eli’s Undersea Adventures”), Rich Woodall (“Johnny Raygun”), The Fatsquad, The Severed Head Comics Group, The Barrington Middle School Comic Book Club and others. Guests are also encouraged to wear a costume to pick up bonus freebies and extra stares. With The Star Wars 501st and the N.H. Mandalorians scheduled to attend, expect to see an array of “Star Wars” costumes, as well as a nearly life-size Jabba the Hutt puppet, who will preside over the Café at the Governor’s Inn. Closing the event, Free Comic Book Day attendees can meet at the Old Oak Tavern in downtown Rochester for drinks and comic conversations—masks and utility belts optional. Jumpgate in Portsmouth has no events scheduled, as the shop is busy preparing for its store anniversary celebration, taking place over Memorial Day Weekend. But customers who come Saturday can pick one free comic from the store’s entire back stock.
Finally, Chris’s Cards and Comics will hand out Free Comic Book Day issues at its locations in Seabrook and Salem.