PLEASE NOTE: Copies of these comic books will be available in participating comic shops on Saturday July 3rd 2004.
Alternative Comics #2: Warning to comic shop owners: This book has full frontal male nudity. Yes, it is "arty", but make sure you don't hand this one to a kid. There are some really good stories in this one, and some that aren't so good. While some of the samples are too short, some are just enough to get a good feel for the style of the strip. A decent collection. 
Silver Sponsor Book/This book is for Adults (18+).
The Ballad of Sleeping Beauty #1: Imagine the old tale of Sleeping Beauty set in the old West. Now imagine that the story is being told from the point of view of the Prince who heard the legend and is looking for the sleeping lady and her town. The art is stylish and different, but the story is enough to make me want to hunt down the second issue. 
Gold Sponsor Book/This book is for Older Readers (13+).
Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures: Oh very good! I liked the cartoons, and this keeps up the quality, telling a nice little tale of a couple of Jedi fighting against overwhelming odds. I have to admit though that I'm still not used to the idea of cheering for the stormtroopers. Very nicely done. Gold Sponsor Book/This book is All-Ages.
Still to review: Archie, Teen Titans Go, Duel Masters, Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse, IDW Sampler, Image Comics Summer Special, Marvel Age Spider-Man, Wild About Comics, Adhouse Books Free Comic Book Day Comic, Arcana Studio Presents, Astonish Comics, Del Rey Manga Sampler, Best of Dork Storm Press, Dr Chaos' Comic Cornucopia, Johnny Raygun Classics, Keenspot Spotlight 2004, Sore Thumbs Election Special, From Pixels to Paper 2004, NBM Sampler, Adventures of Barry Ween, Love Fights/Everest, Amelia Rules!, and Top Shelf Tales.
Not available to me for review: Back in Black: Brian Pulido Unleashed at Avatar, A Bunch of Baboons, Reggie-12, and Slave Labor Stories #2. Apparently Cancelled: Delicious Seasons.
July 3rd is the third annual Free Comic Book Day. Visit your local comic shop and ask (politely) for a free comic book.
Check with your local shop to see if there is any special event happening. The shop I buy my comics at is going to have a drawing for a $100 gift certificate. You have to physically go to Corner Comics on July 3rd to enter the contest, although you don't have to be present during the drawing to win. No purchases are necessary to enter the drawing, but you can get an extra entry for every $50 you spend!
