Halloween Comicfest is Saturday, October 31, 2105 and it’s a chance to get oodles of free comics and enter a costume contest where you (or your child…) can win a $100 or $500 shopping spree to your local comic book store. There are over $10,000 in prizes in five different categories so there’s certain to be something that you (or your child….) can have fun with. First off, find the closest participating comic book store and then let’s dig into what comics you’ll find on Halloween Comicfest.
For the costume contest you can dress up as a superhero, video game, TV/movie, horror or an original costume. To enter just upload a photo of you (or your child…..) in costume while you’re holding a free comic that’s being released for Halloween Comicfest. Put that photo up on the site and then have your friends, family, people you met once at a social media conference and so on to vote for your (or your child’s) photo. There is a child and adult winner for each category and two grand prize winners will win a $500 shopping spree.
The comics might vary from store to store and you probably can’t take one copy of all 21 of them. Because of that, we’ll break down who each issue will appeal to.
Chakra The Invincible
Will kids want to read it? YES! Chakra The Invincible is the latest creation from Stan Lee. This is an all ages title that your kids might be familiar with from Toons.TV. It’s got lots of action, round happy characters, tells a story and makes kids laugh.
Should they read it? Oh yes, this is a fun comic that kids will want to seek out on their own.
The Batman Adventures
Will kids want to read it? It’s Batman! This is the animated Batman that kids are used to seeing in cartoon form. They already know this comic, parents know the characters and this format is perfect for kids
Should they read it? Holy Batreaders, you bet they should.
Harley Quinn
Will kids want to read it? Kids 12 and up will want to read this. There is nothing objectionable about this, but the psycho girlfriend of The Joker is a bit too much for younger readers.
Should they read it? Older children will, younger ones might be curious, but just redirect their attention to the next comic.
Donald Duck’s Halloween Scream!
Will kids want to read it? I hope so. The return of the Walt Disney characters to comic books is such a nice surprise. They’re classic and fun to read regardless of your age. This comic is great for anyone.
Should they read it? YES! Get this one and save it for later if the kids don’t grab it.
Doctor Strange: The Oath
Will kids want to read it? Children 14 and up who like their superheroes cerebral will want to read this. Adults will like this because it brings the good doctor back to a new series. The art is really good and has Stephen looking for a cure for Cancer, but still manages to pack in lots of magic and action.
Should they read it? If they’re older then yes, but it’s probably more for older readers.
Actionverse from Action Lab
Will kids want to read it? Yes, if they’re into new, creative and great all age heroes. Midnight Tiger meets Molly Danger, there’s a preview of other Action Lab titles and one for Action Lab: Dog of Wonder. The first story is great for older readers and all ages, while the second one is perfect for all age readers.
Should they read it? YES!
Vampblade: Featuring Zombie Tramp
Will kids want to read it? Probably not. They’ll be intrigued by the zombie elements, but the images are ones that you want the kids under 15 to stay away from. Lots of skin, zombie violence and droll humor.
Should they read it? No, no, a thousand times no.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Will kids want to read it? They might be intrigued by the fact that Archie Comics is the publisher. However the rotted skull on the cover with various creatures will put them off. Older readers who like horror will like this and it proves that the Archie Comic cannon aren’t all Riverdale.
Should they read it? No
Aspen Presents The Adventures of Psycho Bonkers
Will kids want to read it? Yes! From its cover that says games, puzzles, coloring book and more kids will be drawn to this. The art is from a fairy tale; realistically draw with bright colors and characters that will appeal to young girls especially.
Should they read it? YES!
Shigeru Mizuki’s Kitaro: The Birth of Kitaro
Will kids want to read it? The mummy will draw them in and they’ll be pleasantly surprised once it does. These stories are presented for the first time in English; the art is real-but also goofy and clearly aimed at children.
Should they read it? Yes, I hope so.
Fragments of Horror by Junji Ito
Will kids want to read it? No. They won’t get the parallel to The Scream on the cover and will be confused by the way that the comic opens from the other side. That plus it’s in black and white, which is a tough sell for the younger crowd. Moreover the story is bloody, violent and too disturbing for young ones. It’s for the horror crowd only.
Should they read it? No way.
Grimm Tales of Terror from Zenoscope
Will kids want to read it? No. The man stealing treasure with the spider in the background will scare smaller readers. Plus the word ‘terror’ on the cover will put off parents from wanting to get this for the kids. Adults who like the scare will dig it, but leave it for the adult reading.
Should they read it? Nope
Marvel
Will kids want to read it? YES! A thousand times yes. It’s the Ultimate Spider-Man and Season 2 from Avengers Assemble. If kids don’t know this series they know the characters. It’s done in an all age friendly way that will get them hooked on reading like dunkin does doughnuts
Should they read it? YES!
Famous Monsters Presents: Spook-A-Rama
Will kids want to read it? Probably not, but that’s too bad because this is really close to all ages awesome scary. The content is OK for kids 7 and up. The worst image is a giant rabbit dinosaur eating bloody meat. The thrill, mystery and sense of wonder is something that kids will like once they dig into this one.
Should they read it? Kids 7 and up, yes!
The Garlicks
Will kids want to read it? If they like magical ponies, dreaming, good stories and creativity-yes! The vocabulary might be too advanced for younger readers, but those 9 and up will love the story, art and words makes them feel like big kids.
Should they read it? Yes!
World of Archie
Will kids want to read it? Yes! It’s Riverdale madness with Betty, Archie and Jughead-who is probably eating lots and not gaining a pound.
Should they read it? Yes!
BOOM! Studios Halloween Haunt
Will kids want to read it? YES! Make this comic one of the ones that you MUST pick up. It has three short stories from Adventure Time, Steven Universe and Lumberjanes. It’s three titles that even on their own are great and the fact that they can make three super short stories that rock is testament to that.
Should they read it? YES!
Grimmis Island
Will kids want to read it? Yes! The volcano goddess must be appeased, Grimmis has to stop it, talking cactus, love, dancing and ice cream. This is a fun, slightly irreverent comic that older readers will laugh at and younger readers will love looking at the art.
Should they read it? Yes!
Bitten, by Magnetic Press
Will kids want to read it? It looks really scary from the cover, but children 9 and up who push through that will like the wolfman story and activities in the back. The art is also very representative of most independent comics out there, so it’s a great primer on letting them know how some stuff looks.
Should they read it? Yes to kids 9 and up.
Yo-Kai Watch by Noriyuki Konishi
Will kids want to read it? If your child loves card game or anime they’re already in line for this one. A watch brings a child magical powers and lets him experience wondrous things. It’s in black and white, taken directly from the manga after being translated-I’m guessing
Should they read it? Yes, it’s fun, action packed and different.
Skylanders
Will kids want to read it? Yes! By all that is good in Skyland, you bet. There is so much color in this tiny comic, packed with and fun that you’ll be looking for the monthly Skylanders title, which is just like this.
Should they read it? Yes!
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