Happy Free Comic Book Day

Happy Free Comic Book Day from us at Nerds of a Feather.  It is hard to believe that the first Saturday in May is upon us and nerds across the country are lining up to get piles of free comics.  If you are looking for a store near you that is participating than you can use this handy dandy locator by clicking here.  Most stores have a limit to how many books you can pick up so be sure to bring the whole family and make plans to attend multiple events.  A lot of time stores run other promotions so be sure to get their early and plan on having loads of fun.  I thought it would be fun to highlight five books that I hope to pick up at my LCS.

Archaia Hardcover Anthology from Boom! Studios - You read that correctly. Archaia is once again breaking out a hardcover anthology for Free Comic Book Day.  This anthology will contain stories from the Mouse Guard, Labyrinth, Rust, and others.  I still read mine from a few years back with my kids and can't wait to pick this up.

Teen Titans Go #1 Special Edition from DC - If you think there is a theme with the books that excite me you are correct.  One of the things that is great about being a nerdy parent is reading comics with your kids.  Teen Titans Go has been a series that I enjoy as much as my kids.  This is a must get in our family and we will venture to multiple stores to make it happen.

Valiant Universe Handbook from Valiant Entertainment - Valiant has had quite a year.  It is quickly becoming my favorite of the smaller publishers and the good folk there have recruited some amazing talent.  This handy book will give you the run down of the 2014 Valiant Universe so you know which titles you should check out.

Hip Hop Family Tree Two-in-one from Fantagraphics - Ed Piskor has published five volumes in this series and they never disappoint.  On Free Comic Book Day you can scoop this two-in-one and read two self-contained stories from the first two volumes in the series.  Good stuff.

Rocket Raccoon from Marvel - Rocket Raccoon is an intriguing character that I will admit I know little about.  I have been reading some Guardians of the Galaxy in preperation of the film, but would like to know more.  This is a self-contained, new story that pits the fiesty hero in a battle against the cosmos.

POSTED BY MIKE N. -- comic guy, proudly raising nerdy kids, and Nerds of a Feather contributor since 2012.

Halloween ComicFest

The second annual Halloween ComicFest is almost here!  This Saturday marks the return of one of my favorite events at my LCS last year.  What is not to like about free mini-comics, candy, costumes, and fun.  To find a participating store in your area click here.  You can also enter the costume contest here (you will need to pick up an Itty Bitty Hellboy button from a participating store) and be entered to win some really great prizes.  For the first time I ordered bundles of the mini-comics to hand out at my house on Halloween and couldn't be more excited.

Top 5 Comics:

1. Batman: The Long Halloween Special Edition - A classic Batman tale from Jeph Loeb, this comic collects the first chapter of a great holiday themed mystery.  Can't wait to start reading this again!

2. Pantalones, TX: Zombinata - From Archaia, this all ages comic takes place in the town of Pantalones, TX.  It is Halloween and pinatas that are fed candy are coming back to life.  Sounds like a fun enemy to battle and I can't wait to read this with my kids.

3. Cartoon Network Super Sampler - What is not to like when you have a comic that features the Power Puff Girls, Samurai Jack, and Ben 10?  Sounds like a comic that, not only with both of my kids enjoy, but I will as well.

4. Batman Li'l Gotham: Special Edition - When you read a preview of a title and it includes a story in which Robin learns the true meaning of Halloween then you know it is a must have.  Add in a Thanksgiving story and I don't know if it gets any better.

5. My Little Pony: Halloween Edition - While I would have preferred a Halloween story, this collection is sure to impress casual fans and bronies alike.  This mini-comic collects highlights from the previous year, pony art, and some surprises.

We Rank 'Em: Most Anticipated Free Comic Book Day Titles

This Saturday at comic book stores around the country will give out free comic books to patrons. The number of books varies from store to store so be sure to check with your LCS about their rules.  To find a store near you click here.  Free Comic Book Day has become an annual holiday for my children and me and I hope you can support your LCS this weekend and take home some free books to boot.

Here are my top 10 most anticipated titles for this year's FCBD:

10.  Mr. Puzzle: My children have read a few books by Mr. Eliopoulos (Okie Dokie Donuts is Henry's favorire) and this one looks like it will be sure to please.  I always love getting books to share with my kids on Free Comic Book Day.

9. NFL Rushzone O/T Legends:: Here me out on this one.  I am a teacher of sports and am curious to see the intersection of my 2 worlds.  Not expecting much, but intrigued.

8. Atomic Robo and Friends::  While I haven't read as much Atomic Robo as I would like, I have enjoyed every title I have read and would enjoy a free book.

7. Star Wars/Last Airbender combo: I enjoy both series and would most likely enjoy short stories from each universe.

6. Bongo Free-for-All: Worst Free Comic Book Day ever.

5. Mouse Guard/Rust flip book:  Archaia publishes some of the most beautiful stories in all of comics and both Mouse Guard and Rust have me captivated.  Very excited about this one.

4. Disney Fairies: Easy there tiger.  I am excited to have a book, while gendered, that I can share with my daughter.  She likes other comics, but I feel this one could serve as her entryway into my world.

3. Infinity: One of my early entries into the comic world was through Infinity Gauntlet so Thanos will forever hold a special place in my heart, even if Death won't have his.

2. Walking Dead: One of my favorite titles on the market today.  I am guessing this one will do well.

1. Top Shelf Kids Club: This is always my the most read in our house.  Owly, Johnny Boo, Korgi, Pirate Penguin, Ninja Chicken, Upside Down, and Monster on the Hill.  How do they cram so much awesome into one book!

Halloween ComicFest

If this time of year wasn't good enough, with the candy, the jack-o-lanterns, corn mazes, and The Great Pumpkin, we now have Halloween ComicFest!  Diamond Comic Distributors and the good folks behind the Comic Shop Locator Service teamed with multiple publishers to bring us Halloween ComicFest.  So in addition to dressing up in costume, getting and giving candy, and scaring resident children, we now get free comics. 

On top of that they are hosting the Greatest Costume Contest ever and are giving away over 500 prizes in an online costume contest on their website.  Visit www.halloweencomicfest.com to find a participating store near you and to vote for me as Axe Cop in the Indy category!

Once you find a participating store in your area here are some of the free books that you can get your hands on.  There are four full-size comics and 11 mini-comics for you to try to get a hold of.  My five-year old son is most excited about Cow Boy, Johnny Boo, and Axe Cop.  With a great selection of comics for all ages, this is one event I hope becomes an annual tradition.

Full Size Comics

Batman Adventures/Scooby Doo Flip Book #1 - DC Comics

"Just in time for Halloween, it's a FREE all-ages flip-book comic reprinting classic BATMAN and SCOOBY-DOO tales! In his side of the comic, The Dark Knight meets Gotham City's new vigilante, the Cavalier, and battles the evil of Ra's Al Ghul in stories from BATMAN ADVENTURES #1 and #4. And in the other side, the Mystery Inc. Gang tries to get to the bottom of "The Costume Caper," in a story from SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? #2" 






Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 Halloween Edition - IDW

Special reprint of the first issue in the ongoing series. 











Marvel Universe: Avengers and Spider-man - Marvel Comics

"Celebrate Halloween with two thrilling tales featuring everyone's favorite Wall-Crawler and the Earth's Mightiest Heroes! It can't get any better than free Spider-Man and Avengers comics, so don't forget to stop into your local comic shop and pick up a copy!"








Jack Davis' Tales from the Crypt - Fantagraphics

"Heh, heh! Got a real chiller-diller this time fiends! Join me, The Crypt-Keeper, your host of howls, along with Jack Davis and Al Feldstein as we creep our way through four spine-tingling, hair-standing, blood-curdling tales of terror from the vaults of EC Comics! We'll scare you silly! Trick or treat? Treat!!" 








Mini-Comics


Axe Cop Halloween 2012 - Dark Horse

Ghost Busters: Time Scare Halloween 2012 - IDW

"First time in print! A long-dead gangster is terrorizing Times Square, wreaking horrific havoc on a building that once housed a spirited speakeasy. But the place is now a toy store, and when the ghostly gangster starts shooting ectoplasmic bullets at terrified patrons, the Ghosbusters - Egon, Ray, Peter, and Winston - are called in to nab the speakeasy spook! Written by Brian Lynch (Angel, Spike, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and illustrated Marcelo Mueller (Lady Death, Aliens), Ghostbusters: Time Scare! serves as a hauntingly hilarious gateway into IDW's smash-hit line of Ghostbusters comics" 




Zombie Kids Diaries Halloween 2012 - Antarctic Press

"In the madness of the Zombie Apocalypse, amid the throngs of living dead and terrified victims, the Littlest Zombie roams. He's just an inquisitive chap filled with curiosity about the world on fire around him. Pushed around by his fellow undead (who always get to the brains first), and positively frowned upon by the remaining living citizens, the poor little guy just wants a friend. And maybe something to chew on. Like your face" 






Strawberry Shortcake/Scouts Flipbook - Diamond Publications

"Our 2012 Halloween mini-comic flip-book features 3 short stories! One side features the boys of the Weasel Troop in a SCOUTS! short story, "Meet the Pets". And the flip-side features the stories from our wildly successful STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE comic, "Custard & Cake" and "A Little Kitchen Help"! This sweet treat is sure to please boys, girls, AND their parents!"







 Cow Boy: Hallow's Eve - Archaia
"All y'all step right up for the showdown of their century: Cow Boy vs. Billy the Kid! From the acclaimed team of Nate Cosby (Jim Henson's The Storyteller, Pigs) and Eisner-nominated Chris Eliopoulos (Franklin Richards, Misery Loves Sherman) comes an all-new Cow Boy yarn from Archaia Entertainment, just in time for Halloween, and for free!" 






New Crusaders: Rise of the Heroes - Red Circle Comics

"Red Circle Comics proudly presents the next generation of super heroes: The New Crusaders! From the ashes of the past, a new generation must rise! Get acquainted with the most exciting group of young super heroes that comic books have to offer in this free introduction. Get The New Crusaders!" 








Adventure Time - Kaboom!

"It's ADVENTURE TIME! Join Finn the Human, Jake the Dog, and Princess Bubblegum for all-new adventures through The Land of Ooo. The top-rated Cartoon Network show now has its own comic book! With the show exploding in the ratings, garnering rave online reviews, major cosplay at the San Diego Comic-Con, and huge displays dominating the New York Comic Con, it's clear fandom is obsessed and 2012 is the Year of Adventure Time! Don't miss out on this new phenomenon!"





Spacehawk - Fantagraphics

"Blast off into outer space with Basil Wolverton's weird and otherworldly SPACEHAWK! Two tense and terrific tales of terrible adventure and tumult from comics' Golden Age! You ain't seen nothing like this!"









Ernest and Rebecca: The Haunted House - Papercutz

"Papercutz presents a special Ernest & Rebecca minicomic for Halloween! Rebecca is a vivacious 6 1/2 year-old girl whose best friend happens to be a germ named Ernest. He's not only her best friend- he's also her partner in mischief, adventure companion, and confidant. An inseparable duo, the zany adventures of these two continue to delight in this award-winning series from Papercutz."






Johnny Boo and Harold Tricky Treaters - Top Shelf 

"Johnny Boo is the best little ghost in the world. Don't believe it? Just ask him! What wacky Halloween adventure are he and Squiggle up to now? Plus: meet Harold, the star of Upside Down: A Vampire Tale. He's a friendly vampire kid who loves candy, so trick-or-treating is just about his favorite thing in the world! Tricky Treaters is a blast for all ages: a great introduction to James Kochalka's hit series Johnny Boo and Jess Smart Smiley's delightful debut Upside Down! Grab this free mini-comic and spook yourself silly!"





Little Miss Daredevil: The Incredible Race! - Viz Media

"From Viz Media. Little Miss Daredevil is competing in the Incredible Race, and she's in it to win it! Whether scaling to the top of Mount Dillydale or taking a wrong turn and rocketing into outer space, no thrill's too thrilling for Little Miss D!"

Microreview [Comics] - Cow Boy

The Meat

Boyd Linney is a ten year old bounty hunter who is traversing the wild west with only his horse for a companion and his trusty gun by his side.  After a rough childhood, he is determined to round up his entire family of outlaws and collect the ransom.

Cow Boy draws on nostalgic comics including Peanuts and Calvin and Hobbes.  The book remains light and fun despite numerous shootouts straight out of a spaghetti western.  Boyd is the emotional glue that holds this story together.  Flashbacks provide context to why he is driven to bring his family to justice and moments when he is alone at night with his horse we are reminded that he is only a child who has a lot on his plate to deal with.

Nate Cosby hooks you from the first chapter in which Boyd rounds up his own father to collect his first ransom.  The dialog between father and son first humanizes Boys and reveals the tragic hero that this young 10-year old is.  Cosby's ability to write emotionally charged scenes while keeping it light and entertaining for adults and children is remarkable. 

Through the artwork of Chris Eliopoulos, we are able to see the grit and determination this Cow Boy has.  Boyd's facial expressions are true to nature and reminded me of my own children if I imagined them in his boots.  Eliopoulos captures the over-dramatic nature of children, puts together fun shootouts, and constructs moments when you want to jump in the page and comfort Boyd with a big hug. 

Is this a Back to the Future Easter egg in Cow Boy?

This book is not only a book I love, but a book my son loves.  There are few better moments as a parent then you have your child excited about reading.  A book like Cow Boy, which delivers on both the graphic and story elements, is what I seek out as a father.  It is often the first comic I suggest to any parent looking to involve their children in this medium.  Not because it is a book that children will love, but it is one that parents will enjoy as well.

If you don't believe me you can try reading it yourself for free at http://www.cowboycomic.net.  If you want to read more for free before buying this great book, then you can pick up their Hallow's Eve mini comic next Wednesday if your local comic book store is participating in Halloween Comic Fest.  Click here to find a participating location.

The Math

Objective Quality: 8/10

Bonuses: +1 for Boyd's gun, which looks like a child's stick horse.  +1 for the short stories between chapters

Penalties: -1 for the book ending too soon.  I would have loved a few more chapters of side stories mixed in

Comic Coefficient: 9/10 very high quality/standout in its category.

[See explanation of our non-inflated scores here.]