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Free Comic Book Day Threatened by Rogue Villain
Police Taunted With Crime Spree ‘Bafflers’
Authorities are holding their breath (and trying not to laugh) after receiving a series of threats from a self-proclaimed ‘super villain’. Area City Police released a statement confirming that a series of ridiculously easy to guess riddles were sent to the station by an individual, identifying himself only as the Baffle Master. The riddles revealed plans to rob a number of local comic stores on Saturday May 3, which happens to fall on the annual holiday for super hero lovers everywhere; Free Comic Book Day.
Examples of the riddles included:
"Take a s’more minus the chocolate and Marshmallow
what you have left is where you’ll find this fellow.
In case you’ve never been camping it’s the cracker that is graham
Announcing my crime spree and stealing their comics is my plan.
I challenge the police of this city to solve this conundrum
then you’ll know my plans and have a chance to undone them."
"My crime spree is about to begin, the hour is nigh.
The city will tremble under the crushing weight of my
boot of Evil. I will taunt you with the location of my first
appearance: it is also the name of the place where that douchebag
spider-man debuted. (A+ Indian Corn + inside a pen) (Fanta + what
you do with your eyes) (Comics). Wrack your brains! You’ll never
find me! "
Police believe the clues lead to several comic stores within the Chicagoland area. Graham Crackers Comic Books and G-Mart Comic Books both located in Chicago were identified as potential targets. In addition, Amazing Fantasy Books and Comics with multiple locations in south surburban Chicago are being watched as several local artists scheduled to appear on Saturday were listed as targets. Those names included Tim Seeley (GI JOE), Mike Norton(Teen Titans),
Chris Burnham(Kolchak), & Emily Stone(Forgotten Realms), Brandon Thomas (Miranda Mercury, Fantastic Four), and
EricJ (Rex Mundi, The Phantom).
"We were actually a bit surprised," explained Detective Dale Wasserman. "It's not every day someone does your job for you. But we're taking the threat seriously and will be on full patrol throughout the day." They'll also be coordinating efforts with other area departments to ensure a safe day for everyone involved. Police are encouraging civilians to be on the lookout for anything unusal and if they see anything, not to try to intervene, but to call the Baffle Master Hotline ( 312-458-9083). Wasserman added, "You don't need to be a hero . That's what the Police are for. If you see something, just give us a call."
If you are planning on celebrating Free Comic Book Day, Police warn that the following locations and times are prime targets for the Baffle Master and want civilians to exercise extreme caution while out enjoying the day.
11:00 - 12:00 pm: Graham Crackers Comics, 77 E. Madison St., Chicago
12:30 - 2:00 pm: Amazing Fantasy Books and Comics locations in Frankfort, IL( 20523 S. La Grange Rd.) and Tinley Park (15948 S. Harlem)
2:30 - 5:00 pm: G-Mart Comic Books, 2641 N. Kedzie, Chicago
If you have any information for police, you are encouraged to contact authorities by email or by calling the Baffle Master Hotline at 312-458-9083.