Brave New World Comics, a comic book shop in Newhall, is set to bring a large swathe of the Old Town Newhall community together for Free Comic Book Day on Saturday.

It’s All About Community

Free Comic Book Day began over 10 years ago, and has since grown to become a worldwide event, according to officials.

“At the end of the day, it’s every comic book store’s Super Bowl,” said Andy Liegl, owner of Brave New World Comics. “This is the biggest day of the year for us.”

While the day is traditionally focused on the comic book industry, Liegl has partnered with dozens of Santa Clarita businesses, writers and artists to create a community-wide event.

“It’s great for the community, no matter whether you read comics or not,” Liegl said. “Comics are for everybody. It’s a huge community event, and it’s going to blow your mind when you walk in.”

Comics Galore

Of course, the root of Free Comic Book Day is the fact that people are able to get free comic books from the store, according to Liegl. Everyone who comes in Saturday will get “handfuls” of comics to take home.

Additionally, everyone who attends the event is set to receive free copies of DC Comics’ “Year of the Villain #1” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2019 Free Comic Book Day Special,” with both featuring exclusive variant covers including the Brave New World Comics store logo on the cover, and a special photo gallery back cover spotlighting signing events at the store.

“If you haven’t been reading comics, these are two absolute great places to start,” Liegl said.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Special also comes with an exclusive coupon redeemable at the store after Free Comic Book Day.

On top of the free comic books, Brave New World Comics is set to host its “Epic Raffle” at 5 p.m. later in the day. Throughout the month of April, anyone who has come into the store received a raffle ticket just for visiting, as well as one ticket for every $10 they spent.

“Over 100 tickets will win over $3,000 worth of prizes,” Liegl said.

People can win artist sketches, collectable statues and even store perks, such as a $250 gift card and a free lunch with Liegl.

Special Guests

As part of the celebration, Brave New World Comics is set to host a variety of special guests at the store for fans to interact with.

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., two representatives from Stranger Comics — a local publisher that recently signed a deal with HBO to bring their fantasy franchise “Asunda” to the small screen — are scheduled to be present to sign and sell advance copies of some of their comics.

“Free Comic Book Day is about getting the word out and creating new fans,” said Joshua Cozine, editor-in-chief for Stranger Comics. “It’s important for indie publishers likes us, because we can convert new fans with new comics and stories.”

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., members of the Santa Clarita Platoon of the Star Wars 501st Legion, a worldwide Star Wars philanthropy organization comprised of and operated by Star Wars fans, are also scheduled to be present to take photos with attendees.

Actor Kevin Thompson, who played the Ewok Chubbray in “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi,” is also set to appear with the 501st Legion.

See Related: Star Wars Ewok Actor To Appear At Brave New World Comics In Santa Clarita

“They are the most hardcore of hardcore Star Wars fans,” Liegl said. “The 501st are official in the sense that every single one of their costumes are on spec and approved.”

Other cosplayers set to appear at the event include Instagram cosplayer TinyCatKate, who will appear as Captain Marvel, and Saya Yohn, who will appear as Mera, according to Liegl.

“These ladies are absolutely incredible,” Liegl said.

Additionally, the creator and writer of the comic “Blastosaurus,” Richard Fairgray, and “Ducktales” creator and writer Jymn Magon are also set to appear at the event to sign comics and interact with fans.

Jymn Magon, creator/writer of Ducktales, Tailspin, Goof Troop, and other Disney cartoons from the 1990s.

“Free Comic Book Day is a great way to bring people together,” Magon said. “I’ve been to several of these events, and it’s always fun. There’s always a sense of camaraderie.”

Fun For The Whole Family

While comic books are the core of the event, Liegl said that there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

“This is really about the community,” Liegl said. “It’s about local businesses here in Old Town Newhall coming together in a way that benefits everyone. Every single business in our plaza is having a special that day.”

Throughout the day, Honu Coffee is set to provide free cold and hot brew coffee, while Cathy’s Deli is set to provide free frozen treats from noon to 3 p.m. Additionally, each family in attendance is set to receive one coupon for a free slice of pizza from Maria’s Italian Deli, according to officials.

Other activities scheduled include kids’ crafts from the Geek Girls Society, free face painting for kids from Hailey Marie and a variety of booths set to teach attendees how to play various card and role playing games, according to Liegl.

In addition, Revenant Body Art Studio is set to ink tattoos live on the second floor of the shops. Appointments are required to be booked in advance, and as of the time of publication of this article, less than 10 slots remained.

“Brave New World Comics is great,” Cozine said. “I’ve been going there for seven years, and Andy is just great.”

For more information on the event, including various specials and sales, visit the Brave New World Comics Facebook page here.

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