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Free comic books, grand opening party at Emerald City on Saturday

 
Published Oct. 24, 2013

Comic book shops nationwide will be giving out free comics as part of Halloween Comic Fest on Saturday (see halloweencomicfest.com for a store locator, including many in the Tampa Bay area), but Emerald City is planning an especially festive day because the well-loved stores in Safety Harbor and Seminole have merged into one megastore in mid Pinellas County, and it's having a grand opening party.

After a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m., there will be comic book giveaways, free food, drinks and appearances by cosplayers such as the Suncoast Ghostbusters, as well as guest comic creators Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner, Justin Ponsor, Austin Janowsky, Elliot Fernandez and more.

There will be a Halloween costume contest (judging at 3 p.m.) and trick or treat candy for kids in costume. The new store is at 4902 113th Ave. N in Clearwater. (727) 398-2665.

As for Halloween Comic Fest, a day designed to spark a love of comics and graphic novels in young readers, you can find free comic books and fun activities at Beyond Books in Largo, Thunder Road Comics Corp. in Tampa, Wonder Water Sports Card and Comics in Clearwater, Green Shift in Tampa and Heroes Haven in Tampa. Activities vary by location.