Free Comic Book Day!

    As always, your pal Chuck can’t read all of the dozens of Free Comics gathered up on this holiday by comics fans everywhere. 

   Here are the issues I tracked down (presented in the order in which I read them) - feel free to share your scores in the comments below, or email it to us at chuckscomicoftheday@gmail.com.

    Here’s my list:

 Avengers / Captain America (Marvel) - Here we have an issue #0, previewing the upcoming first issues for both other these Marvel flagship books. Both stories are pretty light and fluffy, not really giving us anything of substance (and running a few days late, since Avengers #1 arrived on Wednesday). 
   
Grade: B-

DC SuperHero Girls (DC) - This one will make your continuity brain hurt, as all the DC female heroes and villains are teens, go to school together, and fight crime in their free time. Here they rescue people from a big explosion and then investigate the accident - and that’s all you get. Shouldn’t a free comic trying to bring in new readers tell a complete story? Even though it makes no sense in DC’s continuity, I hope this series is scoring with young readers - it’s the perfect fit for them. 

Grade: B-

The Amazing Spider-Man (Marvel) - Spidey is also getting a makeover - a new apartment, a new roomie, and all we get is a lousy fight scene with an odd mix of baddies. Eh. 

Grade: C

Star Wars Adventures (IDW) - Here the focus is on young Han Solo, early in his career with his friend Chewbacca. Quick and fast and all in good fun. 

Grade: B

Doctor Who (Titan) - An entertaining trio of quick visits with different versions of The Doctor. If you’re a fan of the shows (or a specific version of the title character), this series has something you’ll like. (Don’t miss the last page in this issue.) 

Grade: B+

Bongo Comics Free-For-All! (Bongo) - Always one of the most reliable free comics, Bongo as always serves up lots of Simpson goodness at a price you can’t beat. 

Grade: B+

Starburns Presents (Starburns Press) - Obviously tied to the creative minds behind the TV show Community, this is a nice sampling of stories, including a thoughtful short bit of business from comedian Patton Oswald. 

Grade: B+

A Brief History of Tank Girl (Titan) - Being a birthday tribute and quick recap of the dear girl’s varied history in comics and beyond. A hoot! 

Grade: B+

World’s Greatest Cartoonists (Fantagraphics) - Some of Fantagraphic’s top talents are on display here. They’re certainly impressive, and it’s a bit of a mixed bag, but the irony is in the Stan Lee-inspired title of the comic. 

Grade: B+

Shadowman (Valiant) - Ah, a reprint issue featuring highlights from Shadowman, X-O Manowar and Harbinger Wars II. Original stories are more fun. 

Grade: B-

Relay (Aftershock) - Wow, the best thing I’ve see yet - a science fiction tale of faith and mystery. Not sure where it’s going, which is a good thing, I think. 

Grade: A

Strangers in Paradise (Abstract Studio) - A sharp intro to the series for those who might have missed it so far. (Shame on you.) 

Grade: A-

Barrier (Image) - OK, this might be the best of the bunch. You can’t go wrong with Brian K. Vaughn and Marcos Martin, and this huge comic previews their published-during-the-month-of-May mini-series. It’s about a rancher on the border dealing with invaders and it looks very, very good. 

Grade: A

The Ghost in the Shell (Kodansha Comics) - A snappy action story told in one issue - a bit fuzzy in places but pretty solid. 

Grade: B+

Silver (Dark Planet) - An impressive film noir story set in the ‘30s about the descendants of a famous vampire hunter, an auction that goes wrong and surprising source of precious silver. Interesting. 

Grade: B+

The Tick (New England Comics Press) - It’s the Tick! Wacky goodness! Spoon, for crying out loud! 

Grade: B+

   That’s my list! What did you get?