DRAWN & QUARTERED
Graphic Arts As Literature
With Friday's nationwide release of the Spider-Man movie, it seems appropriate that the medium that originated said superhero, the comic book, should be celebrated, as well. That celebration will occur Saturday in an unprecedented collaboration of publishers, retailers and public libraries. Hey kids! Free comics!!
By Gary C.W. Chun
gchun@starbulletin.comMajor and independent publishers will unite with more than 2,000 shops across the United States to present Free Comic Book Day. Shops and libraries will be giving away nearly 2 million comic books specially printed to commemorate the film event.
All involved hope it will provide the industry with a public-relations boost.
So, who on Oahu is participating in Free Comic Book Day? Here are the island's "officially sanctioned" comic book stores and their operating hours:
>> Blue Moos in Pearl City, 803 Kamehameha Highway (makai side, in the building between Flamingo's and Pearl City Chinese restaurants), from 5 to 8 p.m. Call 454-1329.
>> Collector Maniacs in Kaimuki, 3571 Waialae Ave., 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Call 739-3912.
>> Gecko Books, both in Kaimuki, 3613 Waialae Ave., from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (732-1292), and in Kailua, 1247-G Kailua Road, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (263-2004).
>> Jelly's in Aiea, 98-023 Hekaha St., from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 484-4413.Comic books are a great way to get kids of all ages reading on a regular basis, so the McCully-Moiliili and Waikiki-Kapahulu public libraries will also participate in Free Comic Book Day. Get one free comic by showing your Hawaii State Public Library Card.
The main titles being given away will be a reprint of the first issue of "Ultimate Spider-Man"; a reprint of the first issue of "Justice League Adventures" (based on the Cartoon Network series); a special "Star Wars Tales" with a story that ties into the upcoming movie; and an origin issue of video game heroine "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider."
The libraries will give away a special sampler from TokyoPop instead of the Tomb Raider comic book -- which, once you think about it, is no surprise, since video games aren't exactly inspiring kids to pick up a book.
"I really want the kids to come in and read comics," said Collector Maniacs' Duane Chang, who's helping supply the libraries in this promotion. "I notice that, when it comes to video games, the kids aren't bringing in their own imagination to the games -- everything's given to them straightforward. I hope this promotion will at least teach them the overall importance of reading."
While Collector Maniacs, Blue Moos and Jelly's will offer the four major titles on a one-per-customer, first-come, first-served basis, other special and free comic books from independent publishers will also be available. These include the adult spy thriller "Queen and Country," "Dragonball Z," and a special David Laphan flip-comic book featuring his popular "Stray Bullets" combined with a new, 16-page "The Matrix" story.
Ted Mays of Gecko Books said he also has plans to have "goodie bags for both general and discerning comic book buyers that will also include promotional postcards, flyers and even select back issues" of popular titles.
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