A way to salute the medium, unite the highly-competitive industry, and invite new readers to visit their local comics shops, the world-wide give-away will occur just one day after Sony's North American release of Spider-Man starring Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst, and less the two weeks before the premiere of Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, which also has comic book connections. Get Caught Reading, the nationwide literacy campaign supported by the Association of American Publishers and the Magazine Publishers of America, has announced its support for Free Comic Book Day.

"It's not often that companies in any industry get together to promote their products, and for that reason, Free Comic Book Day represents a proud 'first' for comics in more ways than one," said Dark Horse Publisher, Mike Richardson. "We're working alongside our friends from other companies, giving away an amazing product, and promoting Star Wars: Episode II - our biggest book of the year. It's win-win in all directions."

"Comics present a unique way to involve a diverse audience of readers," said Bob Wayne, Vice President - Sales & Marketing for DC Comics. "Through this groundbreaking promotional effort, more people will be introduced to the joys of reading - and shopping for - comics."

"Comics have come of age as a medium of creative expression. Regardless of your age, background or tastes we have a book for you. Please join us on May 4 and see what you're missing," added Jim Valentino, VP-Publisher, Image Comics, Inc.

"It has been said that there have been three unique art-forms to come out of America -- 'jazz, musicals and comic books' -- it's about time we all celebrate the latter," said Joe Quesada, Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief. "The success of comic-based movies has proven the popularity of these characters and has given the industry the perfect forum to re-introduce America to this amazing medium."

As part of the promotion Marvel Comics will publish a free issue of its top-selling Ultimate Spider-Man, DC will offer the first issue of Justice League Adventures (based on the top-rated Cartoon Network series), Dark Horse will contribute a brand new story that ties into the upcoming Star Wars: Episode II-Attack of the Clones, and Image will publish the origin of Lara Croft, Tomb Raider, star of videogames and movies.

In addition, dozens of other comic book publishers will be contributing free titles, covering the entire spectrum of genres and styles, from classic children's humor like Archie to sophisticated sci-fi action like The Matrix.

Nearly 2 million comics will be available for give-away during this single day event. Free Comic Book Day will be supported by an extensive online initiative, point-of-sale posters, and a massive PR and advertising campaign. The official website for the event is www.FreeComicBookDay.com, which contains features on the history of comic books in America, a complete list of available free titles, and a search function to help readers find a participating store near them.

"Unlike the large chain stores that dominate most types of retailing, comic book shops are independently owned and operated by individuals in their communities," said Roger Fletcher, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Diamond Comic Distributors, the national distributor that is helping to coordinate the effort. "As a result, each store is as individual as its owner, adding to the incredible diversity in the comic book field. Readers of all ages will be delighted by the broad range of entertaining and artful reading material available at their local comic book store."

"The secret is out," concluded Joe Field, owner of Flying Colors Comics in Concord, California and the originator of the Free Comic Book Day promotion. "Since other media rely on comics for many of their brightest ideas, we know the time is right to invite the world to check out the amazing source material."

"There once was a time when some people would frown upon reading comic books," said Association of American Publishers President & CEO Pat Schroeder. "But as we've come to understand the importance of literacy in social advancement and intellectual development, it has become obvious that reading of any kind is productive and should be encouraged."

"Comic books are as intelligent, compelling, and demanding as any other form of storytelling," Schroeder added, "and they are a worthy addition to any parent, teacher, or other adult's arsenal of reading tools. We're happy to join with Free Comic Book Day to promote our common goal of getting more people to read."

For more information, go to the website at http://www.freecomicbookday.com or e-mail: [email protected]

Star Wars ® 2002 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are ® 2002 Lucasfilm Ltd Dark Horse Comics® and the Dark Horse logo are trademarks of Dark Horse Comics, Inc., registered in various categories and countries. All rights reserved.

TM and ® 2002 DC Comics. All Rights Reserved.

Tomb Raider, the Tomb Raider logo, Lara Croft and her likeness and Eidos Interactive are trademarks of Eidos P.L.C. 2002. All rights reserved.

MARVEL and SPIDER-MAN: TM & ® 2002 Marvel Characters, Inc. All Rights Reserved.