With the COVID-19 restrictions, Free Comic Book Day (May 2, 2020) has been postponed this year, but if you still want to celebrate try one of our many titles available in our digital library!

“Comic books began in the 1930s as a unique American art form that has grown - like so many American forms of entertainment - to spread around the globe. From Japanese businessmen reading manga on the subways of Tokyo to French artists re-interpreting Proust with words and pictures, comics have changed entertainment and challenged perceptions. These days, there are comic books for every taste, from slam-bang super-hero adventures and thoughtful slice-of-life to thrilling science fiction and intense drama...This event celebrates the independent comic book specialty shops, thousands of which exist in North America alone. The first Free Comic Book Day event was held in 2002. In the past, thousands of shops around the world have given away millions of free comic books to interested readers.”  (freecomicbookday.com)

For the family celebration:

The Boxcar Children Graphic Novels Series by Gertrude Chandler Warner- “Henry, Jesse, Violet, and Benny Alden are brothers and sisters—and they're orphans. The only way they can stay together is to make it on their own. One night, during a storm, the children find an old red boxcar that keeps them warm and safe. They decide to make it their home. This is just the beginning of their graphic novel adventures as the Boxcar Children!”  (Albert Whitman & Co)

I was an Eight Grade Ninja by Bud Rogers - "Winner of the Moonbeam Award Bronze Medal for comics and graphic novels! “Martial Arts Moves Aren't Just for Practice Anymore. Hana, a Japanese orphan, is used to working on her martial-arts skills. After she moves to California to live with her grandfather, the only place she really feels at home is in his martial-arts studio. But all that practice will come in handy when savage creatures from another world attack! In the blink of an eye, Hana realizes she has a lot to learn about herself, her grandfather, and his strange little pet.”  (Zondervan)

Kung Fu Panda by Quin Johnson – “Master Tigress and Po have never had the easiest working relationship...but while pursued by deadly assassins through the bamboo forest, they'll have to learn to work together...especially since they're bound by a Chinese finger trap! Can these two warriors work together before the enemy tears them apart?”  (Ape Entertainment)

“Reanimating” your own interest?:

Anarchy Comics by Jay Kinney -- “Reviving an iconic comic series originally published from 1978 to 1986, this exclusive collection brings together the legendary four issues of Anarchy Comics, the underground comic that melded anarchist politics with a punk sensibility, producing a riveting mix of satire, revolt, and artistic experimentation.” (PM Press)

Safely Endangered Comics by Chris McCoy – “Created by UK-based artist Chris McCoy, Safely Endangered's brilliantly hilarious comics have an unexpected, twisted punch line with an adorable illustration.  From relying far too heavily on Facebook to the struggles of sibling rivalry, Safely Endangered covers a vast range of ridiculously funny situations with humans, animals and even video game characters.”  (Andrews McMeel Pub)

The Beatles in Comics! by Michels Mabel – “This volume explores the complete illustrated story of the Beatles from their formation, through the Beatlemania phenomenon, all the way through their breakup. Readers see how the band evolved and amplified the uproar of the sixties, became politically and socially active, and achieved a lasting impact unparalleled in pop music.” (NBM Publishing)

Make an event of your own at home:

1000 Incredible Costume and Cosplay Ideas by Yaya Han – ‘1,000 Incredible Costume and Cosplay Ideas’ provides a broad and detailed glimpse into the ingenious artistry and attention to detail behind some of the most fabulous costumes you can find. Featuring costumes from popular convention-goers to professional craftsman, this stunning, photo-filled book by Joey Marsocci and Allison DeBlasio of Dr. Grymm Laboratories walks you through scads of your favorite characters as imagined and created by fans. (Quarry Books)

Drawing Comics Lab by Robyn Chapman – “Do you dream of becoming a comic artist? Drawing Comics Lab covers all of the basic steps necessary to produce a comic, from the first doodle to the finished publication. This easy-to-follow book is designed for the beginning or aspiring cartoonist; both children and adults will find the techniques to be engaging and highly accessible.” (Quarry Books)

I’m in the Mood for Food: in the Kitchen with Garfield by Jim Davis  -- “Chock-full of tasty recipes, the cookbook also features spot art and food-related Garfield comics in color. I'm in the Mood for Food includes chapters on Family Food, Party Food, Pasta, Outdoor Cooking, Kids' Recipes, Snacks, and Desserts. Consider some of these mouth-watering morsels: Lazy Cat's Lasagna, Color Me Hungry Red Pepper Potato Frittata, Royal Roasted Lemon-Herb Chicken and I'd Rather Be Happy Than Thin Chocolate-Chunk Cookies. All in all, I'm in the Mood for Food will appeal to cooks everywhere, especially those who love Garfield and, like him, believe that the best things in life are edible.” (Andrews McMeel Pub)

Discover more comics here