ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Fans of all ages are getting excited for Free Comic Book Day, which always takes place the first Saturday of May. Whether you’re into superheroes, mutants or the Power Rangers, Earthworld Comics in Albany is ready to pass out thousands of free comic books.
Store owner Nick Glindmyer has been getting ready since December for the big event.
“We need as much room as we can get. It gets shoulder to shoulder. We move all those racks, makes it easier for people to navigate,” Glindmyer explained,
It’ll be his first year without his dad. J.C. Glindmyer passed away soon after last year’s free comic book day. His presence still looms large at the shop.
“It’s a heavy day for everybody. But it’s going to be helpful because everyone from the family will be here working.”
Thousands are expected throughout the day with everyone getting to walk away with five free comic books. A dozen employees will be ready to swoop in and help, like Andy Sweet.
“It’s fun just seeing people from all around the county come in for this one experience and grab some comic books and have a good time,” Sweet said. “First comic book I bought when I was nine years old after the first Captain America movie came out, and that’s when I realized, ‘Oh! I think I’m a nerd!'”
Sweet will be in good company.
“Getting the chance to write some of my favorite characters like Spider-Man, Star Wars, Dick Tracy, it’s really a privilege. You’re adding to these modern mythologies,” said comic book writer Alex Segura, whose Dick Tracy comic was just released. He will be at Earthworld Comics Saturday to meet with fans.
“I love it because it’s a great doorway to new readers,” he said.
“That’s the thing about comics. No matter your age, gender, sex, there is a comic for everyone,” said Sweet.
Glindmyer added, “Being able to go into a comic book shop and find a handful of people that like the same thing and be able to talk about it with them is important.”
The annual holiday for the comic book industry, in which many publishers produce special issues for fans, is made even more special this year with the stars aligning for Star Wars Day on May the fourth.
Earthworld Comics will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday May 4. Along with the free comic book giveaway, there will be cosplayers, vendors and special raffles. Glindmyer told NEWS10 some of the proceeds will benefit Northern Rivers Foster Care Program, a cause near and dear to his heart.