Comic book giveaway Saturday

If you're not a regular comic-book reader but still like "Spider-Man" or characters in other comics, such as the "Justice League," "Legion of Super-Heroes," "Archie," "Family Guy" or "Mickey Mouse," you may be interested in the sixth-annual Free Comic Book Day.

On Saturday, participating stores will offer free comic books to customers.

Yes, we're talking no cost and no strings attached. The number of free comic books available to any one person will depend on supply and demand.

From Logan to Provo, nine comic-book stores in Utah are among those involved in this free event. Depending on the store and availability, there should be up to 43 different comics to choose from this year. (You can't choose just any comic.)

"Amazing Spider-Man Swing Shift," from Marvel Comics, is likely to top the list of the most sought-after periodicals this year.

"Legion of Super Heroes in the 31st Century" (WB-TV version) is also likely to be popular, as well as Gemstone's "Mickey Mouse 2007" and "Archie Comics Little Archie 2007."

"The Lone Ranger/New Battlestar Galactic Flip Book," from Dynamite Entertainment, may also be highly popular, along with "Justice League of America No. 0."

Plan to visit a comics store early in the day for best selection.

Ebon Root in Layton is one of thousands of comic-book shops around the world celebrating the art form on Free Comic Book Day, when close to 2 million comic books will be given away.

"The wide array of comic books being published today ensures that readers of all ages — children, teens and adults — can find something appropriate that will stir their imaginations," said Tim Heare, owner of Ebon Root.

Heare believes comics are as popular as ever in the 21st century. "We at Ebon Root want to spread the word that comics are alive and well in 2007. Comic books and graphic novels are considered chic, hot and smart."

He also believes that the opening of "Spider-Man 3" will help comic-book enthusiasm.

Ebon Root, like other stores, will also have other festivities Saturday. Andrew Dabb, writer of "Atomika," "Forgotten Realms" and "Dragonlance" comic books, will be teaching a free workshop on how to write comic books. The 501st Stormtrooper Legion (think "Star Wars") will make an appearance at the store while collecting donations for Toys for Tots. This is a George Lucas-sanctioned organization.

For more information on Free Comic Book Day, go to www.freecomicbookday.com.

Utah stores offering free books

Utah comic-book stores participating in Free Comic Book Day on Saturday include:

— Night Flight Comics, 210 E. 400 South (Library Square) and 4835 S. Highland Drive (Cottonwood Mall)

— Black Cat Comics, 2265 S. Highland Drive

— Dr. Volts Comic Connections, 2023 E. 3300 South

— The Black Rose, 4773 S. State, Murray

— Hastur Games & Comics, 6831 S. State, Midvale

— Ebon Root, 768 W. 1425 North, Layton

— Dragons Keep, 260 N. University, Provo

— Phoenix Games and Comics, 72 West Center, Logan

— Hastings, 50 E. 400 North, Logan

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E-mail: lynn@desnews.com