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Combating illiteracy is about to get a little more fun thanks to Saturday’s eighth annual National Free Comic Book Day where thousands of shops across North America are giving out copies. Locally, South Philly Comics, 1621 E. Passyunk Ave., and Atomic City Comics, 642 South St., are both taking part in the event.
Owners Oliver Assiran and Rob Jasse, who opened South Philly Comics on New Years Day, are hoping the promotion brings out local residents. Assiran hosted it last year at his West Philly Comics location.
"I have high hopes for the event. I am hoping to bring kids in that hate reading so that they can get a free comic and learn to like to read," Assiran, of Eighth and Wharton streets, said.
Patrons can pick up selected free copies at South Philly Comics starting at 11 a.m. until supplies last. The store closes at 11 p.m.
Diamond Comic Distributors, the world’s largest seller of English-language comics, coordinates things by providing a list that retailers can buy copies at an extremely discounted price for the giveaway. Various comics from the 1950s — Gold comics — and from the ’60s and ’70s — Silver comics — are going to be available.
"We are going to set up a huge stack of comics for our customers to check out," Assiran said. "The comics we can pick from Diamond have a wide audience range, some are more for adults while others are for kids and some anyone can enjoy."
Older readers can pick from well-known titles such as "Star Wars," "X-Men" and "Archie, " while youngsters are going to have kid-friendly options like Disney and Pixar’s "Cars."
The items available are all first issues of a series allowing new readers to easily get into the story. Assiran noted once a person gets involved with reading comics they usually seek out other pieces by the same author.
South Philly Comics is a more family- friendly shop that accommodates to the high number of children in the neighborhood.
"We have something different to offer. Our store is more family oriented with a large children’s section," Assiran said.
South Philly Comics provides a recreational outlet for kids, but adults are also revisiting their youth.
"My wife gives music lessons in the back of the store, from singing to playing an instrument, she does it all," Assiran said. "A lot of the time a parent will bring their kid in for a lesson and end up roaming the store to find an old comic they used to love.
"New customers always say that they are so happy we are here, we have a different atmosphere compared to other Philadelphia comic shops."
The store’s first Comic Book Day is aiming to draw even more new customers to enjoy the diversity the shop offers. While a majority of area shop owners reside in New Jersey, Assiran has a tight grasp on his customers by staying open until 10 p.m. daily for those needing a late night comic fix.
The location is holding a costume contest to coincide with Saturday’s event. While Assiran may be slightly biased towards comic book inspired costumes, all are encouraged to dress up. Call it an experimental twist to Comic Book Day with the store owners and employees serving as the judges. The respective winners are scheduled to be decided by early evening on Saturday.
"First-place winner will win a very nice graphic novel signed by Alan Moore," Assiran said.
Moore is known for authoring such graphic comics as "Watchmen" and "V for Vendetta." Others will walkaway with free graphics novels.
Expanding South Philly Comic’s customer base is a goal, however, the real success is getting more children to enjoy reading.
"A comic can change a kid’s life," Assiran said. "It gives them something to do, and ultimately, leads the kids to enjoy reading too."
