Got an idea for a new holiday? Let us know!
Submit Holiday

Free Comic Book Day

It's time to get your geek on! Enjoy Free Comic Book Day with awesome giveaways, discounts, and activities - perfect for comic book lovers everywhere!
Location Icon
Country
United States
Creator
Email Icon
Founded
Introduction

It's time to get your geek on and celebrate Free Comic Book Day! This special day, held on the first Saturday in May each year, is when comic book stores around the world open their doors and offer a range of free comics for everyone to enjoy. It's a great chance to get your hands on some amazing stories and artwork from some of the biggest names in the industry without breaking the bank. The tradition of Free Comic Book Day was started back in 2002 as a way to promote the comics medium and encourage new readers to explore the wonderful world of comics. So grab your cape, put on your best superhero pose, and join us for an awesome day of free comic books!

History of Free Comic Book Day

Free Comic Book Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of Free Comic Book Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Inspired by retailer Joe Field's column, Diamond Comic Distributors and participating publishers officially initiated the Free Comic Book Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2004</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Sweepstakes</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first yearly sweepstakes was held offering fans a chance to win prizes related to comics including shopping sprees based on purchases on this day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Spider-Man 3 Promotion</div><div class='timeline-text'>Sony Pictures lined up the release of Spider-Man 3 with Free Comic Book Day, offering a special Spider-Man comic for the event.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Record-Breaking Event</div><div class='timeline-text'>More than 1.2 million people visited comic shops across the world on Free Comic Book Day, marking it as the biggest yet.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Companion Anthologies</div><div class='timeline-text'>Publishers released a series of "Road To..." anthologies for free, serving as a primer for series with imminent major storylines or changes.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Free Comic Book Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit Your Local Comic Book Store</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Visit your local comic book store and pick up some of the free comics they are giving away on Free Comic Book Day. Most stores will have a large selection of comics to choose from. Don't forget to check out their other merchandise as well.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Comic Book Movie Marathon</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Throw a comic book movie marathon with all of your favorite superhero films. Watch your favorites, or introduce your friends to new ones. You can even have themed snacks and drinks to go along with the films.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Dress Up As Your Favorite Character</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Put together an outfit that pays homage to your favorite character from the comics. Don't forget to accessorize! If you're feeling extra creative, you can make your own costume.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create Your Own Comic Book</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather up some paper, markers, pens, and other supplies and create your own comic book. Write an original story, draw the illustrations, and get creative with the dialogue. Who knows? You might have the next great comic series.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Comic Book Convention</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Go to a local comic book convention and immerse yourself in all things related to comics. Meet artists, writers, and other fans that share your interests. You can also find rare comics and rare merchandise at the convention.</p></div></div>

Why We Love Free Comic Book Day

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a great way to discover new comics & stories</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>One of the best things about Free Comic Book Day is that it gives people the opportunity to try out different genres and publishers before making a commitment. Whether you're looking for action, adventure, horror, fantasy or romance - there are so many amazing stories available, so don't miss out on the chance to find your next favorite comic book!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>You can meet your favorite creators</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Free Comic Book Day isn't just about getting free comics - it's also a great way to meet and interact with some of your favorite comic book writers and artists. Most comic book stores host special signings or Q&As during these events, so take advantage of this unique opportunity and come prepared with some questions!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's an exciting event for all ages</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>From seasoned comic book readers to young kids just starting out in the world of comics, Free Comic Book Day is an event that everyone can enjoy. So bring your family and friends along for what will surely be a fun day out at your local comic store!</p></div></div>

5 Unreal Facts About Free Comic Book Day

Free Comic Book Day FAQs

When is Free Comic Book Day?

Free Comic Book Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

May 6

Saturday

2024

May 4

Saturday

2025

May 3

Saturday

2026

May 2

Saturday

2027

May 1

Saturday

Arts & Entertainment Holidays