Written by Denise Gary
Photographs © Denise Gary
Story Time with Hawk Eye, by April Grady-Reyna
Ah, Free Comic Book Day, a time to pick up some great reads and rub elbows with those who fight evil every day. KNTR supports this annual, nationwide celebration with fervor, believing comics to be a powerful portal to literacy, as well as a classic art form that should be preserved for future generations.
When KNTR was invited to spend Free Comic Book Day with our friends at Hero Comics in Phoenix, Arizona, we happily hauled our banner and kid goodies on over to be a part of the festivities. The Caped Crusader and Catwoman were summoned (via Bat-signal?) to visit with the folks who stopped by to enjoy the day.
Kids and adults swarmed the free comic book table.
Cupcakes and goodie bags awaited the visitors.
Many comic artists were on hand to create sketches and to chat about the medium. April Grady-Reyna of Reyna Art showed us her contribution to the Phoenix Comicon Charity Art Auction, which benefited KNTR in part.
Of course, KNTR was there to deliver smiles.
Kids received buttons, bookmarks, and Highlights magazines at the KNTR table.
Adults were interested in hearing about our program, too.
Wonder Woman and Captain America popped into the store on this special day, as did many of our friends from Phoenix Comicon.
Wonder Woman and Captain America watch over Denise, Phoenix Comicon Director Matt Solberg, and Phoenix Comicon Marketing Director Jillian Stark Squires.
Denise, Batman, Catwoman, and Todd Schumann of Hero Comics (far right) surround Phoenix Comicon staff, including Guest/Volunteer Director Brandy Kuschel (red shirt) and Programming Director Joe Boudrie (black shirt).
Even a person who possesses superhuman abilities must stay well-hydrated, especially one who chases villains in the Sonoran Desert. Where does a superhero stash his/her liquid nourishment?
The long awaited answer is finally revealed!
Kids and superheroes give a super-powered thumbs up for Free Comic Book Day and Hero Comics!
We thank Todd Schumann and everyone at Hero Comics for supporting Kids Need to Read and Free Comic Book Day.
Please join us again at Hero Comics, as they kindly conduct a fundraiser for KNTR on Saturday, August 13, 2011, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. A multitude of talented artists will be on hand to contribute $5.00 sketches, with all proceeds benefiting Kids Need to Read. Meet Captain America, Wonder Woman, and more!
