Free Comic Book Day = Success!

Image Courtesy of www.freecomicbookday.com

Free comic book day was a massive success!  The family all made the trip to Austin Books and we arrived just before 9am.  The line was around the building and local artists were busy sketching for the crowds that were out early to select their 10 free books.  You heard me, 10 free comics and Austin Books!

Henry stares down Sidekick Girl

While we were in line we enjoyed seeing fans dressed up in comic book gear and even got to enjoy a sighting of our favorite local superhero, Sidekick Girl.  Henry and Sidekick Girl had a good conversation and he got mad props for rocking his Johnny Boo shirt for the occasion.  After about 30 minutes in line (we were luck to get there early as the line for Austin Books only got longer throughout the day) we entered the tent to select our free comic books.

The Tent 'O Comics at Austin Books

Of the over 30 comics that my family was able to secure I decided that I would review the top 3 kids books and mention some honorable mentions.  I have to admit, I am a little surprised at my top 3, but this is based on what I read to Henry and what resonated with him.  Without further ado, the top 3.

#1 - Top Shelf Comics Kids Club
This was the original Free Comic Book Day book that got Henry hooked onto comics without any influence from nerdy old dad.  Owly, Johhny Boo and Korgi captivated his attention from early on and the book has only grown stronger with the addition of Okie Dokie Donuts, Pirate Penguin vs. Ninja Chicken, and Upside Down.  In my opinion, this is THE comic that all young readers should have picked up at Free Comic Book Day.  Kudos goes out to Top Shelf and their ever growing line of kids books.

#2 - Top 10 Deadliest Sharks/Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Predators
What little kid doesn't like dinosaurs and sharks. This book has a couple of fun, although a little bloody, tales of dinos and sharks along with some good information on sharks that Henry really enjoyed.  I wasn't expecting much of this book, but gave it a whirl and he has really liked it.  I look forward to the extended lines of these books which are due to hit this month.

#3 - Super Dinosaur
Super Dinosaur is about Derek Dynamo and his fried Wheel and Super Dinosaur (a Tyrannosaurus Rex).  When bad guys emerge to enter into inner earth to steal Dynore they step up to the plate.  What is there not to like about an 11 year old who has a friend who is a Super Dinosaur.  This book has the origin story and character bios that provide all of the information that you need to get hooked.

Honorable Mention:
I would suggest these books as well for your younger readers.  It was a great Free Comic Book Day and I hope that you all had a chance to scoop some good books as well.
1. The Dark Crystal/The Mouse Guard
2. Darkwing Duck/Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers
3. Young Justice/Batman the Brave and the Bold Super Sampler
4. Geronimo Stilton/The Smurfs
5. Rated Free for Everyone by the good folks at Oni Press

There were a lot of other books that we enjoyed as well, but these are the top.  I honestly can't recall a book that Henry didn't enjoy.  

Henry and Zelda followed up nap time with a brief appearance at a costume contest at Half Price Books.  Henry went as Captain America and Zelda was Supergirl.  The costume contest was geared towards adults, but they had a good time.  I hope your Free Comic Book Day was as eventful as ours and I can't wait until Free Comic Book Day 2012.

Free Comic Book Day is this Saturday!

Image courtesy of www.freecomicbookday.com

Hello friends.  Sorry for the lag between posts.  I guess working on a dissertation, looking for jobs and helping take care of 2 children has got the best of me.  I am going to do my best to post at least once a week from here on out.

Moving on...this Saturday is Free Comic Book Day!  Check out www.freecomicbook.com for participating retailers and previews of the books that you can get for FREE!  Henry went to his first free comic book day two years ago and it has really sparked an interest in reading for him and introduced him to some characters he has grown to love.  This year we will be going to Austin Books to enjoy their festivities in the morning and then to Half Price Books on South Lamar for the costume contest.  I am really looking forward to the day and will post pics.

This year some of the kid friendly books include Darkwing Duck, Sonic the Hedgehog, Avatar, Pep Comics Betty and Veronica,  Geronimo Stilton and the Smurfs, Kung Fu Panda, Mouse Guard Dark Crystal Flip Book, Bongo Comics Free for All, Inspector Gadget, Intrepid Escapegoat & Stuff of Legend, John Stanley's Summer Fun, Rated Free for Everyone, Sonic the Hedgehog, Mickey Mouse, Young Justice and Batman the Brave and the Bold Super Sampler and finally the Top Shelf Kids Club 2011.

I have a soft spot in my heart for the Top Shelf Kids Club as Owly and Johnny Boo have become regulars for Henry.  I think Okie Dokie Donuts will move into a regular for him, but am curious what other books he plans on choosing.  In years past he would chose one or two and read them until the covers fall off.  Good times.  Hope to see some of you at Austin Books or Half Price Books here in Austin!

For those of you in the Austin Area, FCBD starts at 8am at Austin Books and they are allowing participants 10 comics each!  In addition, Chris Roberson will be signing his FCBD Elric comic from Boom! Studios.  That's not all!  The stormtroopers from the 501st legion will be there and Austin Books will give one lucky fan a $100 gift certificate.  They are pulling out all of the stops and it should be a great event!