By TOM HONIG
Some forms of media are hanging in there. Exhibit A: Atlantis Fantasyworld in downtown Santa Cruz.
In fact, Joe Ferrara's classic comic book store at 1020 Cedar St. continues to ply its trade successfully enough that iti's celebrating Worldwide Free Comic Book Day on Saturday. Atlantis joins in with comic book stores around the world -- giving away some 3.5 million comics to the fans -- young and old -- who keep this form of graphic storytelling alive.
"Everyone who visits Atlantis will be given 10 free comic books," says Ferrara. That means books featuring Peanuts, Green Lantern, Star Wars, Spiderman, Yo Gabba Gabba and -- of course -- the Avengers. Ferrar a says the giveaway is about more than thanking loyal customers. It's about mining the gold that all forms of media are looking for: new readers. "It's a great opportunity for us to showcase the highly entertaining world of today's comics to new readers."
Also, there are some giveaways related to the new Avengers movie -- like a Thor cookie jar and the like. Just bring a movie ticket stub into the store.
Obviously, the movie industry has been looking to the world of comics for inspiration these days -- Batman, Spiderman and the Avengers. Hey -- for those worried about whether young people read, there's evidence that they're reading comics and graphic novels.
