Comic books are the source material for what feels like 99 percent of movies these days. Many a brooding crimefighter first appeared in benday dots before Hollywood figured out how to get people to watch him through 3-D glasses for a surcharge. Thankfully, Free Comic Book Day is a nice little refund on all those cinematic investments. On the first Saturday of May a network of shops offers a selection of free comic books, ranging from Hello Kitty to The Hip-Hop Family Tree. If all goes according to their diabolical plan, once inside the store, you will have an overwhelming compulsion to buy all the exploits of mild-mannered reporters and fantastically equipped quartets. This year, the shops participating include local favorites Meltdown and Thank You, which urges you to show up early if you want your free stuff. After all, there's no shortage of comic book geeks in this city! (Check freecomicbookday.com for more outlets.) Meltdown Comics, 7522 Sunset Blvd., W. Hlywd.; Sat., May 3, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; free. (323) 851-7223, meltcomics.com. Thank You Comics, 5011 York Blvd., Highland Park; Sat., May 3, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; free. (323) 738-6138, thankyoucomics.com.

Sat., May 3, 2014
(Expired: 05/03/14)

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