Comic book fans stand in line to check out the nearly 2,000 free comic books that were available in honor of Free Comic Book day on Saturday, May 2, at Tonys Kingdom of Comic & Collectibles.(Photo: Alexa Armstrong / Statesman Journal)Buy Photo
Diehard comic book fans flocked to Tony's Kingdom of Comics & Collectibles on Saturday for free stuff, lots of it.
Free Comic Book Day drew customers who pored over the nearly 2,000 editions available. Action figures and trading cards and were also available at the comic book shop on River Road N.
Milling around in the crowd were several people dressed up as superheros or Star Wars characters.
Paul Lamoreau was dressed as the Punisher the third of eight costumes that Lamoreau planned to don on Saturday.
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Paul Lamoreau, who was dressed up as the Punisher, poses with his raccoon prop at Free Comic Book day on Saturday, May 2, at Tony's Kingdom of Comic & Collectibles.(Photo: Alexa Armstrong / Statesman Journal)
Each of Lamoreau's costumes was elaborate. One included an accessory in the form of a dead raccoon that he ordered from eBay and stuffed for the occasion.
"It was really hard, and I am not going to do it again," he said with a laugh about his taxidermy skills.
Lamoreau has been assuming the role of superheros with the Portland Superhero Coalition for years.
"It's nice to do stuff for children," he said. "It also makes them smile, which is cool."
Mike Olson brought his 6-year-old son Ronin, who was dressed as a ninja.
"When we come out here it's always a good time with the kids, especially when they get to dress up," he said. "It's also a fun way to introduce the kids to comics."
Store owner Tony Grove said that while the event's purpose was primarily fun, it was also a good way to help out the community.
Throughout the day the store accepted donations for the Keizer Community Food Bank in exchange for pictures with the Star Wars 501st costume group and the Portland Superhero Coalition.
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Cole, 8, and Brandon, 6, Layman pose for a picture with Chewbacca at Free Comic Book day on Saturday at Tonys Kingdom of Comic & Collectibles.(Photo: Alexa Armstrong / STATESMAN JOURNAL)
The event also featured a silent auction and raffle, which included items like action figures, custom drawings and comic books.
All proceeds will be donated to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
"Children's charities are close to my heart," he said.
"It's important to help them." he added. "They can't help themselves, so I want to help them."
aarmstrong@ statesmanjournal.com; (503) 399-6745 or follow on Twitter at @AlexaArletta
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Source: http://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2015/05/02/local-comics-shops-celebrates-free-comic-book-day/26814607/
