In honor of International Women's Day Friday, Carol and John's Comic Shop will give away graphic novels to the first 150 girls and women in the shop and five local female artists will create sketches for charity.



The comic shop, located at 17462 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, (216-252-0606), will celebrate the event from 5 to 8 p.m.

"We've always prided ourselves on creating a friendly shop for everyone, but we know that sometimes the local comic shop can be a terror for female customers," said John Dudas. "We hope to break down some walls by having an evening specifically dedicated to creating a comfortable space for women as they enjoy pop culture!"



Here is the schedule of events:

5 p.m.: The first 150 women or girls through the door will get either "Essential Ms. Marvel Comics" No. 1 or "Girl Comics," both from Marvel.

"Girls Comics is an amazing graphic novel containing short stories featuring mainstream Marvel Comics characters that are all written and drawn by indie female artists and writers," said Dudas. "Featured creators include Amanda Conner, Devin Grayson, Ann Nocenti and Molly Crabapple."

Essential Ms Marvel No. 1" is a black and white collection reprinting the entire Ms. Marvel series from 1976 plus some extras. With the likely appearance of Ms. Marvel in the next Avengers movie, and her recent elevation to "Captain Marvel" in her own series, the early adventures will be sought-after items.

The collection contains her first appearance along with the first appearances of X-men characters Rouge and Mystique.

6 p.m.: Five Cleveland area female comic artists will draw sketches and donate the proceeds to charity.

The artists are:

Lauren Chaikin www.laurenchaikin.com

Angela Oster www.angelaoster.com

Ashley Ribblett www.aribblett.blogspot.comErin Schectman www.Erininartland.com / www.rustbeltmonster.com

Shawny Walthaw www.knockedknees.com

"Sketch covers," comics with blank covers to permit artists to draw on them, will be sold at the shop. The artists will create a sketch to order for a small donation.

7 p.m.: The night continues with a free wine party for women over age 21 with identification.

8 p.m.: The evening ends with a door prize drawing for the massive 1,100-page harcover book, "Women of Marvel: Celebrating Seven Decades"