For comic book fans and people looking for fun and free reading material, Saturday, May 2, is a day to look forward to, as local comic shops and libraries will be participating in Free Comic Book Day.

Page-3’s GameZone, in Pikeville, will have comic books available to the public for Free Comic Book Day and will also provide local libraries with comics.

“In an effort to promote reading and literacy in eastern Kentucky, Page-3’s GameZone is teaming with area libraries to provide free comic books to be given away,” said Patrick Tackett, manager of Page-3’s GameZone.

According to information on the Free Comic Book Day website, “Comic books are an original American art form created in the early days of the twentieth century. They are fun to read, featuring an wide range of diverse storylines that capture the imagination of the readers. Comic books have survived the dominance of radio, the ubiquity of television, the spread of color and sound motions pictures, the rise of video games, and the internet. That’s worth celebrating in our book.”

Along with Page-3’ s GameZone, the Floyd County Public Library, Pike County Public Library, Belfry Branch Library, Phelps Branch Library and the Elkhorn City Branch Library will also be participating in Free Comic Book Day.

The first Free Comic Book Day was held in 2002, with millions of comics given away to both children and adults. Free Comic Book Day is administered by a panel representing all parts of the comic book industry, which includes retailers, publishers, suppliers, and Diamond Comic Distributors. Comic publishers apply each year to provide comic books to retailers who then give them away.

For more information on Free Comic Book Day, including a list of the titles that will be available, visit http://www.freecomicbookday.com.