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Free Comic Book Day has usually been scheduled in May on the first Saturday after the release of a major theatrical Film Adaptation of a well known Superhero property, in order to take advantage of the film's heavy promotion and related press about the comic book medium. On Free Comic Book Day, participating comic book store retailers give away specially printed copies of free comic books, and some offer cheaper back issues and other items to anyone who visits their establishments. Although retailers do not receive the issues for free, they only end up paying 12-25 cents per copy for the comics they will give away for free. Typically each major publisher gives out one comic that they think would most likely attract new non-comic readers. There is normally a wide diversity of comics available, although many retailers choose to eschew all but the most recognizable properties from the largest of publishers. The 3rd annual Free Comic Book Day in 2004 featured comics such as '' Arcana Studio Presents'' (which had Kade , Ezra and Ant stories), '' Archie '', ''The Ballad of Sleeping Beauty #1'' (a western), '' Star Wars – Clone Wars Adventures'', '' Teen Titans Go #1'', ''IDW Sampler'' (which included a '' CSI '' and '' The Shield ''), and others. In 2005, Fantagraphics published "Funny Book," which was an anthology of major alternative comics talents such as Los. Bros. Hernandez and Dan Clowes. The Toronto Comic Arts Festival also offered "Comics Festival," a compilation of new strips by such talents as Darwyn Cooke, Jim Rugg and Brian Maruca and others. The effectiveness of the promotion has been debated, but most participants agree that it is a necessary measure for the good of the business. Many of the more successful stores have said that it requires a lot of self-promotion in order to achieve good results, particularly getting the local media to cover the event. Linking the event with movies is also somewhat controversial, as some believe that it shortchanges the comic book medium by making it look like simply a promotional arm of the film industry. In 2005, retailers voted to put it on the first Saturday in May, instead of fixing it to a film release. The 4th Annual Free Comic Book Day took place on May 7 , 2005 . The 5th Annual Free Comic Book Day is scheduled for May 6 , 2006 . RELATED EVENTS In conjunction with Free Comic Book Day on May 6, 2006, TwoMorrows Publishing has announced they will be hosting a promotional Free Magazine Day. Visitors to their website will be able to order any in-stock issue of their magazines ''Back Issue'', ''Alter Ego'', ''Draw!'' or ''Write Now!'' for free. A press release has stated that "TwoMorrows plans to make this an annual event if response is favorable." EXTERNAL LINKS
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