Avid consumers of graphic fiction, it’s time for you to grab a small stack of comic books or a good graphic novel and head out to a public park, coffee shop or other crowded venue. Today is international “Read Comics In Public” day and coincidentally also the birthday of legendary artist Jack Kirby.

The point of reading comics in public is to help end the feeling of embarrassment associated with reading comic books, explains Editor of The Daily Cross Hatch Brian Heater, who came up with the idea.

“Take to the streets. Be proud. If someone asks what you’re reading, say, “a comic book” (the phrase “graphic novel is also acceptable, but let’s face it, it sort of defeats the whole purpose). Heck, lend them a book, if you’ve got an extra—what better way to make a new friend and convert a new reader?,” Heater writes on the Day’s official blog.

To further the cause, there’s also a flickr pool set up for people to snap photos of what they’re reading.

I’m going to go a step further than these guys and say everyone participating should do more than just read comics in public. Ripping a page out of Marvel Comics Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada’s book — once you finish reading those comic books in public, leave them for others to find and read. Of course for big time collectors, this might present a problem, but everyone has that stack of comics that they don’t want to file into their personal stash. Don’t throw them away (ever).

Read them in public, leave them in public.

Check out what the Geeks of Doom staff is reading below…

New Avengers #3 – Tom Cheredar

Despite my best efforts to stop reading monthly books (mostly due to space requirements) in favor of waiting for the trades, I haven’t been able to resist Brian Michael Bendis’ relaunch of New Avengers. Seriously, I tried to wait for the collected trade paperback and it didn’t work because this series is too good. So, I found myself in a Hastings late last night searching for issue #3 because all the comic shops have been sold out. [NOTE: Luke Cage is the man.]

FUBAR, Vol. 1 – Dave3

I’m sitting outside my house reading FUBAR, because nothing is better on a beautiful Saturday afternoon then a blood & guts tale of Soldiers vs. Zombies. I’ll also be pulling anyone who walks by aside to tell them of the value of supporting indie creators.

Fables – Vactor

I’m reading Fables in public today because it’s my favorite ongoing series and I want the world to know it! An amazing mix of engaging storytelling and fantastic art (both inside and out), the series is easily accessible to everyone and continues to wow me with each new story.

Fallen Angel, Omnibus – Jack Bauerstein83

I am reading the Fallen Angel Omnibus by Peter David. It is a hell of an entertaining read, truly one of the more adult comic books out there, and probably the only comic out there that would punch anyone who says comics are just for kids in the face if it had corporeal form.

Haunted Tank – Merkader

For ‘Read Comics in Public’ day I read Haunted Tank. I picked this story because I think the whole point of the day is for people to see comics in the open, and not just the comics you know, but ones like Haunted Tank that you might not know. It’s a mature title, with a neat central concept. No super powers, just an African American Soldier haunted by his White Confederate Great Grandfather, a great title if you’ve never read it. Enjoy reading your comics in public, try not to get anything on them!

Invincible #74 – Seaberry

I’m reading Invincible #74 in public today because I just bought it today and it is one of the coolest superhero books on the market today!! Invincible is everything good and interesting about the superhero genre in one monthly book. It should be read in public, in private, on a plane, train, or an automobile!!

Tank Girl – Guy_Jen

I read Tank Girl at breakfast in the local diner not even knowing today was the day. And I’m reading it now at work. :)