Saturday is Read Comics in Public Day

(CANVAS STAFF REPORTS) - Comic lovers around the world are asked to make their devotion public on Saturday, with the International Read Comics in Public Day.

Brian Heater and Sarah Morean, editors of the independent comics blog The Daily Cross Hatch, came up with the idea and launched the website readcomicsinpublic.com . They are asking readers to take an hour or two on August 28, the birthday of influential comic book creator and illustrator Jack "The King of Comics" Kirby, and read a comic book in a public setting.

"Take it to the streets. Be proud," Heater said. "If someone asks what you're reading, say 'a comic book' ... ."

Heater is also inviting comic fans to have a friend snap a photo of them reading and send it to readcomicsinpublic@gmail.com.

They can enter a contest hosted by Top Shelf Comics by adding "Top Shelf!" to the e-mail's subject line. Top Shelf Comics will choose the winner or winners and send them titles, including "Hey Princess," "120 Days" and "Undeleted Scenes."

Photos can also be posted to the Read Comics in Public group on Flickr .

The day has spurred giveaways and meetups in cities including Omaha, Neb., Stockholm, Sweden and Portland, Maine. Further information is on the readcomicsinpublic.com website.

International Read Comics in Public Day has received coverage from NPR , The Detroit News and USA Today 's Pop Candy writer Whitney Matheson.

"I love participating in Free Comic Book Day, but I don't make it public knowledge that I'm a comics fan," said Pop Candy's reader Dennis S. "This year I plan on being loud and proud by reading a comic in the lunch room at work!"