Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) is the biggest event in the comic book industry—a single day when participating comic book specialty shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their shops!
It’s only a few weekends away now! Why is this such a big deal? Well, let me quote a recent news release from freecomicbookday.com:
Every year, on the first Saturday in May, the industry comes together to give away free comics and encourage both curious, first-time comic book readers and seasoned comic book fans to flock to the best place in the comic book community: local comic shops. Each one is unique in its community, with a style and personality all its own, and each one carries a full line of comics, graphic novels, toys and related products. Local comic shops are the hubs of our community, where fans can come together to discover new comics, make lifelong friends, and find a sense of commonality.
Major comic book publishers including DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, IDW Publishing, BOOM! Studios, Dynamite Entertainment, and Image Comics, along with many independent publishers, put out free comics for fans to enjoy at more than 2,300 local shops. The diverse range of titles available each year proves that there’s truly a book for everyone: from superheroes, to popular film and television shows, to beloved video games, and all ages tales. You might even find books featuring Pokemon, Doctor Who, SpongeBob, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Riverdale, Overwatch, and yes, Star Wars. Even Star Trek has new comics that have helped the industry go “where no fan has gone before.”
But that’s not all that happens at local comics shops on Free Comic Book Day! Shops also host community events including costume contests, creator signing, drawings by guest artists, raffles and prizes, photos with costumed characters, and other engaging activities during that first Monday of May.
If you don’t happen to know which shop is the closest to you, you can use this local comic shop finder at this link.
The Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) Retailer Selection Committee has selected forty-six comic book titles for the industry’s most anticipated annual event to take place on Saturday, May 3, at participating comic shops worldwide.
Available on Free Comic Book Day will be 13 Gold Sponsor comics and 33 Silver Sponsor comics that give fans an opportunity to discover new titles and genres. This year’s selection of Silver Sponsor comics includes beloved franchises such as Star Wars, Godzilla, Transformers, Mega Man, and Street Fighter. Other notable Silver Sponsor titles are available from Alien Books, First Second Books, Rebellion, and Vault Comics.
“Each year, we aim to deliver a memorable Free Comic Book Day experience for fans everywhere!” said Ashton Greenwood, Free Comic Book Day spokesperson. “We know comic book retailers are looking forward to treating their communities to a fun-filled day celebrating comic books, and we think this year’s title selection truly captures that spirit! There’s something for every kind of fan, from long-time readers to the comic book curious.”
Of course, local shops would like for you to do more than just pick up free stuff! Be sure to browse the aisles in that store to see what else you can take home with you. Granted, you will likely have to pay for many of the other books, but they will be worth your hard-earned money!
For more FCBD news and updates, visit freecomicbookday.com and subscribe to our newsletter. Connect with us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter)!
Are these books really free?
Each participating shop has their own policies on how many free comics you can receive, but you will receive at least one free comic if you enter a participating shop location. Check with your retailer for their policies and plans for FCBD. Yes, each store does pay a little for each of these “free” books, but it’s worth it for them given all the attention and hopefully new customers FCBD will bring them!
Is every comic book store in the world doing this?
If you’re asking about convenience stores with a spinner rack of comics in a corner somewhere–the answer is no. This event celebrates the independent comic book specialty shops, thousands of which exist in North America alone. Each one is unique in its community, with a style and personality all its own, and each one carries a full line of comics, graphic novels, toys, and related products.
While members of the comics industry hope every one of these shops will take part, each shop determines on its own whether or not to participate. Again, you can check their shop locator for a comic shop near you. It’s also recommended that you contact a shop directly to see if they plan to participate in FCBD before that Saturday morning.
When was the first Free Comic Book Day?
The first Free Comic Book Day event was held in 2002. Over the years, thousands of shops around the world have given away millions of free comic books to interested readers.
What is the big deal about comic books anyway?
Comic books are an original American art form, created in the early days of the twentieth century. They’re fun to read, featuring a wide range of diverse story lines that capture the imagination of the readers.
How many comics can I get?
That will depend on a lot of factors including how many comics the shop has to give away, how many total people visit that day, how many people got there before you, etc. Each shop has a different FCBD policy. The answer to this question will depend on which shop you go to and when. Personally, I’ve been to stores who limit the numbers to five per person or don’t care just how many you pick up! It all depends!
What other advice will people who regularly go to FCBD share?
The earlier you go, the more choices you will have. Also, remember that some of the people there may not have read a comic in years! Be nice to them—it could be that they’ll like what they read and find, and they will want to come back again and again! Also, be particularly conscious of the younger readers there! The industry needs as many of them as possible to help comics continue to grow in the future! Some shops open early and close late on that day, but not all of them do that! Some stores will have free books to hand out all day, but some will run out almost as soon as their doors open! Be flexible!
What do you think? Have you been to a Free Comic Book Day before? What did you think of it? Or is this your very first time? Whatever your opinions or thoughts, be sure to share them in the space below!
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Wayne Hall creates the Wayne's Comics Podcast. He’s interviewed Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo, John Layman, Kyle Higgins, Phil Hester, Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray, David Petersen, Christos Gage, Mike Grell, and Matt Kindt. On this site each week, he writes his "Comics Portal" column (general comics comments and previews) and reviews comics.