We’re you informed of Saturday, May 5th’s big event for all geeks and nerds alike? Did you even know that there is a special day for comic books? Do you even care what a comic book is? Well, how about we take a stroll down enlightenment alley and see if we can turn that big ass ugly frown into a smile. (I probably won’t be able to do it, but at least I tried). Now a lot of people have been getting into or are getting back to comics lately because of the sudden spurge of comic book movies thinking they can rack up substantial amount of greens for their books… Mostly for the former. This does not happen overnight. People need to know that only the vintage books or the rare ones are the ones that get sold for for a lot of money. And don’t even get me started on the $3.99 price tag for one book. Others are priced at $2.99. People don’t want to spend 3 to 4 bucks for one book. But what FCBD does is encourage “lost souls” and help them find their way back into the light. Way to set a mood, huh? Free Comic Book Day Started in 2002, the brainchild of retailer Joe Field. It is held every year on the first saturday of May. It has grown from a backwash idea to a widely accepted holiday.

Mind you, it does not mean that you can just pick up every comic book and graphic novel you can lay your grubby hand on. No, no, no. Then you’d ask, “what’s for free then?” I’m glad you asked. Every year, comic book companies/publishers will send out a unique title with either new or reprinted material. These books will have the “Free Comic Book Day” Banner on top or elsewhere on the cover. Publishers range from the big two, Marvel and DC; to relatively known, like Image Comics, IDW,and Dark Horse; even to small press publishers like Blue Water Comics, Archaia Press, and even Boom Studios. Mangas are also becoming really popular these days. They offer wide selections of desirables to unknown big hits. This year, one publisher even gave out a hard cover graphic novel. But we’ll get into that bit later. For the most part retailers/your local comic shop will be asked to participate and select the books they want to give away several months before the actual event(They need to prepare, nobody wants a messy store and a chaotic event).

The books may be given out to you for free, but the retailers pay top dollar for them. So make sure you support your LCS by at least buying a book or two from them. Now, it’s my first time attending, and it did not go so well for me. Let me tell you why, most big stores like the ones in L.A., San Francisco, or Midtown Comics in New York would give you the chance to get all of the titles being offered this year. Unfortunately, you have to be there really early or miss your chance at snagging all of the freebies. My LCS, the one in National City, CA only offers one title per customer. Which is no surprise to me, but wasn’t really expecting that they’d do that. I did get two, only because someone was with me. So, if you didn’t get the ones you want. Make a plan for next year, don’t go to just one store, because not all of them offer the same freebies and sales.

This year, a bunch of publishers gave out a tone of titles away, here are photos of the FCBD books:

For the first time in 10 years, a hard cover graphic novel is being given out to the public for free. From Archaia Entertainment.

And for dozens more, go check out this years line-up from the official Free Comic Book Day website

Photos from all over the world have been creeping throughout the internet after May 5th, detailing the parties people have had drink Free Comic Book Day 2012. Costumes and drinks were everywhere. You can smell kids and their upcoming obsession for comics. Here are some of the highlights: (Stadium Comics and Midtown Comics via MTV Geek)

As you can see, this store in Brampton, Ontario, Canada has got their hands full. The store's name is Stadium Comics.

Bottom line is, enjoy what’s out there. If you really love games, go for it. Same goes for Comic Book Geeks. If you missed this year’s FCBD, there’s always next year… Unless the Mayans were right…