Graphic Novels Library Malta (GNLM) together with Wicked Comics in collaboration with the National Book Council and the Central Public Library are once again organizing Free Comic Book Day on Saturday 5th May 2018. This event is a global celebration of the comic book medium where free comics are distributed to children of all ages.
This year thanks to a generous donation from the National Book Council, a number of comics will be given away for free to anyone who will visit us from 9:30am – 12:00pm at the Central Public Library in Floriana and from 2:00pm – 5:00pm at the Bay Street Shopping Complex. It is important to note that there will be a limited amount of comic books available; therefore, there is an allocation of 5 comics per individual.
The aim of Free Comic Book Day is to promote literacy and inspire children of all ages to read. Reading comics has a number of benefits as it provides both written and visual stimulation while delivering a narrative for a child to interpret. Free Comic Book Day is an important occasion where national literacy is given priority. Comics offer a very effective tool for getting children to read, make friends and discuss stories. Comics are a medium just like television and movies that tackle a multitude of subjects. For example, superhero comics are the most popular, but they are not the only graphic novels on the market. One can find original comics that tell complex narratives just like novels do. Other popular types of graphic novels are autobiographical, which tell the story of particular individuals such as historical figures, celebrities or even politicians.
Graphic Novels Library Malta (GNLM) is an NGO aiming to promote children’s literacy using comics. The registered NGO and youth organisation believes that comics are especially effective as they bring together the world of pictures and the world of storytelling.
Wicked Comics is another NGO that organizes the annual Malta Comic Con and other comic book related events. They share the same ideas and enthusiasm as GNLM when it comes to using the comic book medium for education purposes.
