Keep in mind that not just any comic book is free; select titles from the publishers will be made available. However, expect stores to entice customers with specials. Go to freecomicbookday.com to see the selection of available titles. Participating stores in the Tampa Bay area include:
The Comics Club 714 W. Lumsden Road, La Viva Plaza, Brandon, 813-653-4111, comicsclub.com
Comic World 1901 W. Bay Drive, Unit 9, Largo, 727-656-5000
Demolition Comics 4149 W. Waters Ave., Tampa, 813-885-5171, demolitioncomics.com
Emerald City Comics & Collectibles 9249 Seminole Blvd., Seminole; 2475 McMullen Booth Road, Ste 1, Clearwater, 727-398-2665, emeraldcitycomics.com
Green Shift 5226 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-238-4177, greenshiftmusicandcomics.com
Heroes Haven 4339 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, 813-269-8859, heroeshavencomics.com
Read More Comics 115 E. Brandon Blvd., Suite A, Brandon, 813-655-7838, readmorecomics.com
Wonder Water Sports Cards Comics and Games 29113 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater, 727-799-4855
And check out this related free event:
Safety Harbor Comic Con The Safety Harbor Public Library celebrates three days of comic book fun with contests, drawing and graphic novel classes taught by Mike Lyman of Magnum Arts, a Superhero Film Festival, and an Artist’s Alley Art Reception. Registration required for classes, contests and drawings. Free. Thurs., May 3, 5 p.m.; Fri., May 4, 4 p.m.; Sat., May 5, 2 p.m. Safety Harbor Public Library, 101 Second St. N., Safety Harbor. 727-724-1525, ext 112, cityofsafetyharbor.com/library.
This article appears in May 3-9, 2012.