Slim Volumes, Big Fantasies: Free Comic Book Day

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OK, TRY TO follow. The quest for the Holy Grail is on; Europe is suffering under the feudalist system — oh, and it's 1933.

That's the basic outline of "Rex Mundi," Arvid Nelson's complex, ravishing, graphic novel series, illustrated by EricJ. The series stars Dr. Sauniere — handsome, mysterious and totally unprepared for tracking down the sacred relic. The hero's adventures involve intrigue, conspiracy, an ambitious ex-girlfriend and an all-powerful Catholic Church. Excerpts from a French newspaper cleverly expand and illuminate the story.

There will be stacks and stacks of the five volumes of "Rex Mundi" — more are in the works, Nelson promises — at Tenleytown's Fantom Comics on Saturday for Free Comic Book Day. Nelson himself (also the author of "Kull" and "Zero Killer") will be on hand from noon to 2 p.m. and again from 4 to 6 p.m. to sign copies and soak up the friendly, knowledgeable Fantom atmosphere. Best of all, there will be free comics as promised.

But wait; there's more. Our own Jim Dougan, writer (with Danielle Corsetto's drawing) of the hilarious Washington-set "Crazy Papers," will also come by, as will "Infandum … Ad Infinitum" author Molly Lawless. Bring your curiosity and a loose overshirt (the better to enjoy a table full of Krispy Kremes), and cross your fingers every hour when the prize wheel spins.

» Fantom Comics, 4500 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-362-5051. (Tenleytown-AU)

Photo courtesy Arvid Nelson