Patrick: Comic books are weird. Heroes die, travel through time, visit other universes – and yes, they occasionally punch holes in reality. And yet the biggest barrier most non-readers face is the simple fact that buying comics is a strange process. You have to put together a pull list, visit a special store and you can sink innumerable hours into figuring out what you’re supposed to be reading.

Plus: print media. OH PRINT MEDIA! Magazines, newspapers, regular books – all printed media is becoming increasingly unprofitable. So ten years ago, The Powers That Be decided the only logical conclusion would be to give away free comics once a year at independent comic shops all around the country (oh and Canada too, if that’s your thing).

Now look, you’re at least moderately geeky, right? You’re excited by either The Avengers coming out this weekend or that new Dark Knight Rises trailer, if not both. You don’t even need to invest any money at all to pick up new comics this Saturday. There’s a free Avengers book and there’s a DC New 52 book – and we’re probably going to to write something about it. There are also FORTY OTHER FREE TITLES to grab (I’m so going to get my hands on that Mega Man book if it kills me).

Naturally, all of the Retcon Punchers will be hitting up local comic shops during the day.  If you wanna hook up at the store, just sound off in the comments – we’ll be happy to say hello!

Shelby will be at Alley Cat Comics in Chicago, Illinois

Peter will be at Fanfare Sports and Entertainment in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Drew will be at JP Comics & Games and New England Comics (at Coolridge Corner) in Boston, Massachusetts

Patrick will be at Meltdown Comics, The Golden Apple (they’ve got Burt Ward in the afternoon!), Melrose Music and Comics and Secret Headquarters in Los Angeles, California