Free Comic Book Day 2017: 5 Comics For People Who Don't Read Comics

By now, any self-respecting comic book reader knows the first weekend in May brings two things: the opening of a much-anticipated superhero film and a Free Comic Book Day celebration unofficially drafting off the hype surrounding that aforementioned film. This year, that movie is "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," and Marvel Comics is offering a free issue tying into the film for Saturday's Free Comic Book Day. As a bonus, that issue also will feature a comic story based on "The Defenders," the upcoming Netflix show that teams up the stars from the Marvel Studios' other streaming series.

But you don't have to be a superhero fan to find something to pick up during this annual event that has publishers offering 50 free titles through comic book stores, libraries and other outlets. That's a lot of comics. Where's a comic book novice to start? Especially a novice who doesn't dig superheroes?

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Patch takes a look at five free comic books for people who don't read comic books. Plus, go to the Free Comic Book Day website for a list of all 50 comic books offered Saturday, May 6. And check out the site's FCBD locator to find the nearest comic book store, library or other location participating in the event).

5 Free Comics For People Who Don't Read Comics

1. "Rick and Morty" (Oni Press): Thanks to the surprise April 1 airing of a new episode, fans of the always smart, sometimes dark dimension-hopping cartoon series are amped for the long-awaited new season, which debuts later this summer. Here's a chance to get another fix of fresh "Rick and Morty" material before then.

2. "Fresh Off the Boat" (Boom! Studios): There was a time when licensed comic books didn't simply feature geek-friendly TV fare like "Star Trek" or "Doctor Who" but also more mainstream series, such as "Happy Days," "Welcome Back, Kotter" and "The Beverly Hillbillies." This comic based on the ABC sitcom is a return to that tradition, and it even ties in to an episode to the show.

3. "Riverdale" (Archie Comics): Here's how Free Comic Book Day becomes the snake eating its own tail by offering a free comic book adaptation of a TV series that's adapted from a long-running comic book series. "Riverdale" continues the resurgence of the Archie Comics line that's found success by throwing the ageless teens at every genre imaginable and seeing what sticks — or sells, as the case may be.

4. "Keyser Soze" (Red 5 Comics): Next to "Fresh Off the Boat," this is probably the most unusual issue offered Saturday. It's a spinoff of a 1995 movie known for its twist ending that reveals the identity of the mysterious, almost mythical bad guy. Does "The Usual Suspects" still have a hold on pop culture that people are interested in learning the secret origin of Keyser Soze?

5. "The Ballad of Franklin Bonisteel" (Z2 Comics): Comics and pop music have always been a dynamic duo, with acts like Kiss, Tori Amos and Belle and Sebastian putting out their own series and graphic novels. So it's not a surprise to see Dan Auerbach, the bearded half of The Black Keys, providing an original song for this free issue, which is a prequel to the "Murder Ballads" miniseries, which featured an entire soundtrack by Auerbach.

BONUS: "Wonder Woman" (DC Comics): The "Guardians of the Galaxy" sequel isn't the only highly anticipated superhero movie this summer. A certain Amazon will be making it to the big screen for the first time June 2, and DC Comics is getting a jump on that debut with two free issues starring Princess Diana of Themyscira.

WATCH: Discover the secret origin of Free Comic Book Day:

YOUR TURN: What title are you excited to check out during Free Comic Book Day on Saturday? Plus, tell us where you go for the event. Share your suggestions in the comments section.

Image via Free Comic Book Day

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