City's Free Comic Book day always draws a crowd

Kevin Eastman, one of the originators of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” sign autographs at a recent show. This year on Free Comic Book day in Rochester, he will be joined by Peter Laird, co–originator. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Jetpack Comics and the Rochester Main Street volunteers are busy preparing for another fun day in downtown Rochester as thousands of comic book fans gather to celebrate National Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 3.

With more businesses participating than ever before, and (weather permitting) a visit from the “Back To the Future” De Lorean car, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever.

The festivities start at 10 a.m. when fans can acquire their map at Jetpack Comics, located at 31 North Main St. Using the map, they can then proceed to visit 20 participating businesses and organizations to collect a free comic book and get their card validated. Completed maps may be stamped and turned in at the end of the day at the Exhibition Hall to receive a special gift.

In addition to the ongoing quest for comics, guest artists Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, originators of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” will be together for the first time in 20 years at the Exhibition Hall to autograph a special issue cover.

It’s a great chance to collect their comics and then have them autographed by the artists, themselves. This year a film company will be on site throughout the day compiling a documentary film on Free Comic Book Day. Attendance at the event shall constitute permission that you may be filmed and appear in the documentary, which may also be used to promote future events.

Rochester’s Free Comic Book Day runs from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

For more information contact Jetpack Comics at 603-330-9636 or online at www.jetpackcomics.com/fcbd2009/ or Rochester Main Street at 603-330-3208.