Free Comic Book Day guide

Free Comic Book Day is the comic shop's open house. Lines form before the doors open, kids leave with stacks of comics, and longtime readers show up to support their shop. If you've never been to a comic shop, it's the friendliest day to start. If you go every week, it's a chance to bring a friend.

What Free Comic Book Day is

Free Comic Book Day, often shortened to FCBD, is a yearly event that started in 2002. On the day, participating comic shops give away comics printed especially for the event. Publishers big and small create special issues, often new stories, previews of upcoming series or introductions to their characters, made to welcome new readers.

The free comics aren't free for the shop. Shops buy the copies they hand out, along with putting in extra staff, decorations and planning. That's worth knowing when you think about the etiquette below.

The official site, freecomicbookday.com, lists the year's comics and has a locator for participating shops.

When it happens

Free Comic Book Day is usually held on the first Saturday in May. Check the official site for this year's date, because event dates can change.

Not every comic shop takes part, and shops that do take part run the day in their own way. Some open early, some run events all weekend, and some spread the free comics over more than one day. Before you go, check the shop's website or social media, or call.

How to plan your day

• Look at the year's lineup. The official site shows each title in advance. Pick the ones you most want, so you know what to ask for.
• Check your shop's rules. Shops set their own limits. Some let you pick a set number of books, some give everyone the same bundle, and some keep certain titles for kids. Popular titles can run out.
• Arrive early if the lineup matters to you. Busy shops can have a line before opening. If you just want a few comics and a browse, the afternoon is calmer.
• Bring a bag, and bags and boards if you want to keep your free books in good shape.
• Plan a route if you'll visit several shops. Shops in the same area often have different events and different titles left later in the day.
• Set a budget. Sales are common, and it's easy to spend more than you meant.

Sales, signings and extras

Many shops treat Free Comic Book Day as their biggest day of the year, so the free comics are often only the start. Depending on the shop, you might find:

• Sales on back issues, trades, graphic novels or the whole store.
• Creator signings and artists sketching at tables.
• Cosplay contests or meetups.
• Kids' activities like drawing tables or face painting.
• Food trucks, raffles or partner events with neighboring businesses.

None of these is a given. Every shop decides its own plans, so follow your shop's announcements in the weeks before.

Etiquette

A few habits keep the day good for everyone, including the shop that paid for your comics.

• Take what the shop allows. If there's a limit, stick to it. Don't sweep stacks into your bag.
• Don't take free comics to resell. They're meant for readers. Grabbing extras to flip online leaves less for kids and new readers.
• Buy something if you can. A single issue, a trade or some bags and boards help the shop cover the day. It isn't required, but it's how the event keeps going.
• Be patient in line. Staff are handling their busiest day. A thank-you goes a long way.
• Respect the neighbors. Don't block other businesses' doors or park in their spaces.
• Leave room for new readers. If you're a regular, let first-timers and kids find their way to the free table.

Bringing kids

Free Comic Book Day is a great first trip to a comic shop for kids. Many of the year's free titles are all-ages, and many shops set aside kids' books or run activities. Check the age ratings shown on the official lineup, since some titles are meant for teens or adults. Lines can be long in the morning, so a later visit can be easier with small children.

If your kid finds a series they love, ask the staff about the next book. That's how a lot of lifelong readers start. Our getting into comics guide has more ideas.

Questions

When is Free Comic Book Day?

Usually the first Saturday in May. Check the official site for this year's date.

Do I have to buy something?

No. The comics are free. Buying something is a nice way to thank the shop, but it isn't required.

Does every comic shop take part?

No. Check the official locator, or the shop's own website or social media, and call if you're not sure.

Are Free Comic Book Day comics worth money?

Most are printed in large numbers and are meant to be read. A few have become sought after, but don't count on it.

Find a shop for Free Comic Book Day

• Shops that do Free Comic Book Day, based on their reviews or their own website.
• Shops that host signings.
• Comic shops by state.
• Shops with manga.

Free Comic Book Day shops Comic shops by state