Dean Poling | The Valdosta Daily TimesAndre Oliver, owner of Kool Comics, prepares issues for Free Comic Book Day scheduled for Saturday, May 5. 

VALDOSTA – Fans of the movie “Avengers: Infinity War” or television show “Riverdale” can get a free taste of the source material this weekend.

Free Comic Book Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 5, and Kool Comics will again participate in the event from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, said Andre Oliver, the Valdosta comics shop owner.

Free Comic Book Day is just what it claims to be: Anyone visiting Kool Comics will get a free comic book Saturday.

Oliver usually lets the customer decide the title of the free comic. Titles range from Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Archie Comics, Dark Horse and more. The publishers create special issues for Free Comic Book Day.

Titles include “The Avengers Captain America,” “DC Super Hero Girls,” “Infinity Watch Amazing Spider-Man,” “Bob’s Burgers,” Disney Princess Ariel Spotlight,” “Riverdale,” “Boom Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers,” “Doctor Who,” etc.

There are about 50 titles. Something for everyone, Oliver said. 

Oliver said he ordered about 99 percent of what is offered this year. There were a few mature titles that Oliver felt were too graphic for his store. He ordered a few more mature titles but they are kept separate from the other comics, he said. 

Oliver said he ordered 900 comics for the event. And while Free Comic Book Day is free for customers, he said he pays for the comics to distribute.

But he said the event has been successful for his store located off Ashley Street.

Comic book movies have boosted business, too.

Movies help with characters who are not as well known by the general public. Characters such as Deadpool and Guardians of the Galaxy. 

“Characters who are not household names,” Oliver said. “They fuel the market but not like people think. People aren’t so much interested in new issues but the secondary part of the business. They want to find first appearances in back issues.”

But as quick as that initial interest hits, it passes. 

Except for Black Panther. 

The “Black Panther” movie has sparked interest in back issues and new issues. And the interest has been sustained, Oliver said.

Black Panther has been a back-up Marvel character since his 1960s appearance in “Fantastic Four” No. 52. The character had his first solo appearance in “Jungle Action” No. 5. 

Oliver said he had a copy of the 1970s “Jungle Action” No. 5 for years. He even brought it into the shop when he opened Kool Comics. He placed a $5 price tag on it. The issue didn’t sell for years. When it did sell a few years ago, the customer talked Oliver into selling it for a price less than $5.

Now, with the popularity of Black Panther, the issue is worth much more money as are all Black Panther-related items.

“You just never know,” Oliver said of the comic book market.

So, the movies and TV shows can fuel interest in the comic books but it’s hoped that once a person experiences a comic book that the comics will sell themselves.

Free Comic Book Day is 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, May 5, Kool Comics, 1515 N. Ashley St., Suite M, off the corner of College Street. More information: Call (229) 241-0404. Regular business hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays other than Free Comic Book Day.