NEW YORK -- Apr. 17, 2007 -- May 5th, the day after Sony's Spiderman 3 hits theaters, thousands of comic book retailers across North America and around the world will share the magic of comics with their customers when they distribute millions of comic books free of charge during the sixth consecutive Free Comic Book Day.

"With up to 44 available titles and special appearances by the cast of the Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer at select comic book stores, we expect this event to be the most successful since its induction," says Elissa Lynch, spokesperson for Free Comic Book Day.

"We are thrilled to be a part of Free Comic Book Day for the sixth year in a row," says Marvel President and Publisher Dan Buckley. "This is the best opportunity retailers have to actually increase readers and customers to their stores and each year has been more successful that the last. We are especially proud of our selection this year as we had so many talented people determined to make this the best FCBD book ever by offering the Amazing Spiderman. This event is about celebrating creative expression and the unique art form it represents."

Comic industry heavyweights Dark Horse Comics, DC Comics, Image Comics, and Marvel Comics are among the many publishers and manufacturers creating special titles for this year's Free Comic Book Day. The free books appeal to a broad range of reader tastes, from exciting super-hero adventures for all ages to cutting-edge graphic fiction for older, more mature readers.

This year's Free Comic Book Day is particularly special because it coincides with two major comic-related happenings: the eagerly awaited opening weekend of Sony Pictures' Spider-Man 3 (which opens on Friday, May 4) and National Cartoonists Day (a celebration sponsored by the National Cartoonists Society, the world's largest and most prestigious organization of professional cartoonists). All three events promise to make this first weekend in May a memorable one for comic-lovers everywhere!

More information and updates about Free Comic Book Day 2007 can be found online at http://www.freecomicbookday.com.