Free Comic Book Day and Star Wars Day are on the same day this year, May 4

Free Comic Book Day is the first Saturday in May of every year.  Star Wars Day is celebrated every year on May 4.  This year May 4, AKA, Star Wars Day falls on the first Saturday in May, which is Free Comic Book Day.  It’s two of my favorite ideas ‘Free’ and ‘Star Wars’, both on the same day.

Free Comic Book Day is day that’s put on by comic book publishers.    They produce short stories in single issue comics that spotlight one or more of their main characters.  The publishers taking part in this year’s Free Comic Book Day are Marvel, DC, Dark Horse Comics, Image, Bongo Comics, Archie Comics, Ape Entertainment, Boom Studios, Papercutz, United Plankton Pictures, Viz Media and more.

In past years some of the free comics have been great while others have only been so-so at best.  One great thing about the comics this year is that almost half of them are suitable for younger readers.  If there is one wide opening in today’s comic landscape it’s the number of titles for younger readers.

The free comics available on Free Comic Book Day are first come first served.   The ones with great buzz will get snapped up quickly, so go early.  Many comic book stores will also have special events that day to celebrate (and have people stay in the store longer).  You can dig more information and find out the comic shop closest to you at Free Comic Book Day.

Star Wars Day is always May 4^th.  #MayTheFourthBeWithYou will be quite popular on twitter that day, so put down the light saber and pay attention.  As a fan, it’s great that Star Wars has become a brand again.

In hindsight, the movies were always made for children, but they were children’s movies that adults could enjoy also.  If you’re an old school fan that saw the originals in the theater (raising hand!) or a new school fan that started with A New Hope-you’ve got some fun Star Wars memories.

Do you really need a day to celebrate Star Wars?  Well, it is fun and allows dads the legitimate window to introduce their kids to Han Solo (raising hand!) or lay on the sofa watching episodes 3-6.

We’ll be at our local comic book store for Free Comic Book Day picking up Red She Hulk, as well as, a handful of the free ones.  There is even a free Star Wars comic from Dark  Horse Comics this year!