Free Comic Books Saturday in Falls

Spiderman and Batman and Superman, oh my! 

Stories featuring those household comic book heroes and more will be given away in stacks on Saturday at Wade’s Comic Madness in Falls Township.

The Free Comic Book Day giveaway runs from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., according to store owner Wade Shaw.

“The emphasis on there is the ‘free’ part,” said Shaw, 40, who’s been collecting comic books since he was a kid. “We give out a nice stack of them. We really want people to enjoy them and show people that comics are alive and kicking.” 

Shaw’s store is one of thousands nationally and internationally that, since its establishment in 2002, celebrate Free Comic Book Day. Participating stores purchase freebie comics for 25 cents or 30 cents each, for distribution on what Shaw describes as the “worldwide celebration of comics.”

Each year, Shaw said he spends about $2,000 buying comics to give out to customers. In 2012, Shaw said about 500 people came out and he’s expecting even more this year.

“It gets better and better each year,” he said, adding that Free Comic Book Day is like the Black Friday for his shop. “It’s always our biggest day of the year.”

So, how does it work? Shaw said every customer on Saturday will receive a bag with age-appropriate comic books. For the kids, Shaw said Sesame Street or Sponge Bob could be in the bag, as compared to The Walking Dead for adults. Click here for a list of all 52 comics made available to retailers for Free Comic Book Day.  

Besides the day-long giveway, Shaw said from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Spiderman will be there for meet and greets with the kids. During those same hours, a kids’ costume contest will also be held and all kids who participate will be receive a prize.

“Superheroes would be fun, but any costumes would be great,” he said.

If you go

Wade’s Comic Madness, 8750 New Falls Road, Levittown, will be giving away free comics on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 pm.