Free Comic Book Day will be celebrated on May 6 this year. Iconic publishers like DC Comics, Marvel Comics, and Dark Horse Comics — along with others — join forces to make free comics available at more than 2,300 stores across the country. It’s proof that fantasies do come true!Free Coming Book Day is an annual promotion by the North American Comic Book sector to support in bringing new readers and enthusiasts into the into comic book outlets. The day was first established in 2002 and is till date facilitated by the comic book industries largest distributor, Diamond Comic Distributors. The interesting fact is that this day even spread across Europe, Asia and Australia.Free Comic Book Day 2021 will be celebrated on the 14th of August, 2021.
When is Free Comic Book Day 2024?
Free Comic Book Day is usually held on the First Saturday in May every year but has been moved to August 14 in 2021. Where print media is gradually dying, the appeal and art of comic books remain stronger than ever. To keep the art of graphic comics alive and as a thank you to dedicated readers, free comics are distributed across the country on this day.
History of Free Comic Book Day
In 2001, retailer Joe Field of Flying Colors Comics in Concord, California noticed a trend in a rise of comic book sales correlating with the release of a new superhero movie in the early summer. Field, who would write guest posts for Comics & Games Retailer Magazine, wrote a column in the magazine’s August issue titled “Big Picture.” In this column, he proposed starting a Free Comic Book Day, which received a positive reaction from fellow retailers. Image Comics publisher of the time, Jim Valentino, suggested having the first Free Comic Book Day on the same weekend as the opening of the 2002 Spider-Man feature film, in order to take advantage of the film’s heavy promotion and related press about the comic book medium, and thus the first event was held Saturday May 4, 2002, one day after the film’s opening. The only time the day was not held on the first Saturday of May was July 2004, but it was moved back to the first Saturday of May the following year.On Free Comic Book Day, participating comic book store retailers give away specially printed copies of free comic books. Some even offer special deals and creator signings to those visiting their establishments. However, retailers do not receive the issues for free; they pay 12-50 cents per copy for the comics they give away during the event. In addition to comic books, some stores also give away other merchandise such as mini posters and other movie tie-in memorabilia. The success of the promotion rests with each participating retailer. Most participants agree that Free Comic Book Day has been part of a healthier comics market and growing comic book sales over the last several years.
Free Comic Book Day timeline
America needs laughs during the Great Depression — this is the first collection of comics even though it resembles a color newspaper supplement.
Both crime fighters capture the public's imagination right from the start — nothing truly compares to the impact these two characters had on American pop culture.
The four-issue comic book miniseries, featuring Batman, serves as a rebirth for comics — and an inspiration for an entirely new era of books and films.
This superhero team, which first appeared as a 1963 comic book, smashes Hollywood opening weekend box office records with its whopping $1.22 billion global debut.
Traditions of the Day
Free Comic Book Day is an annual promotional effort by the comic book industry to attract new readers and preserve the art of comic books and graphic novels. Usually, the comic books available for free are the first issues of a new storyline or promote future comic events. There are a total of 46 titles available for free, and the titles are selected by a committee of comic book retailers. These titles include 11 Gold Sponsor comics and 35 Silver Sponsor comics, so enthusiasts and newbies can discover great new titles and genres. Most comic book shops also have great discounts on regular comics. The day is often the busiest of the year for the industry, with the biggest sales. The footfall in comic shops is much more compared to other days, as many people who never enter comic shops are more inclined to do so on this day.
Free Comic Book Day Statistics
300 A.D. – the percentage of market share held by Marvel Comics.
4–5 – the percentage of market share held by DC Comics.
50% – the year recognized as the beginning of the golden age for comic books.
#4 – the number of dollars that Superman’s debut comic book “Action Comics #1” sold for on eBay in 2014.
3 million – the year when a Scrooge McDuck comic featured a story containing an idol and a giant rock, which was later mimicked by “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
19 million – the number of comic issues featuring Batman.
41% – the number of years following the release of Neil
10% – the distance at which Daredevil can recognise a heartbeat.
3.24 million – the weight of Thor.
$35.24 – the year when popular book series “Twilight” was made into a graphic novel.
Free Comic Book Day FAQs
How does Free Comic Book Day work?
To participate in Free Comic Book Day, simply go to your favorite local comic shop and ask the clerk which comics are free. Some shops have a designated free comic area while other will say all comics in the shop (usually not including graphic novels) are free for the day!
Does Books-A-Million do Free Comic Book Day?
Some, but not all, Books-A-Million locations participate in Free Comic Book Day. Be sure to contact your local Books-A-Million to find out if they’re a participating location.
Is today Comic Book Day?
Depending on when you’re reading this, it just might be! National Comic Book Day comes around annually on the 25 of September while Free Comic Book Day makes its home on the first Saturday of May. In 2021 Free Comic Book Day is being celebrated on the 14th of August.
When is FCBD 2021?
Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) 2021 will be celebrated on the 14th of August.
DC Comics Releases Free Comic Book Day Comics Early, Digitally?
And while FCBD titles are generally not released digitally on Free Comic Book Day, DC Comics is doing something different in 2021. Which is why all four of their titles are released, free, digitally. The titles include: Batman Special Edition (Free Comic Book Day) #1: 2021, Suicide Squad Special Edition (Free Comic Book Day ) #2: 2021, Batman and Robin…and Howard/Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld Special Edition Flipbook (Free Comic Book Day ) #3: 2021, Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven Special Edition (Free Comic Book Day) #4: 2021.
Is there Free Comic Book Day 2021?
In normal circumstances, Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) is celebrated first Saturday each May. Because of the current COVID-19 situation in 2021 FCBD has been shifted to the 14th of August 2021.
Free Comic Book Day Activities
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Find your local store here
More than 2,300 comic book shops take part in the annual event. You're pretty much guaranteed to make new friends (real and imagined). And you'll walk out with a free comic!
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Browse before you go
Some bigger bookshops have an online database that can showcase comics available on Free Comic Book Day, as well as summaries and preview pages for each. It's a great way to figure out what you want ahead of time.
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Discover cosplay
Hard to think of a better time and/or place to show off your costume — especially since Halloween's still six months away. Think of it as a fun and safe environment to try something different.
Words (And Pictures) To Live By: 5 Classic Graphic Novels
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Eightball" by Daniel Clowes
Influential is an understatement. It's one of the best indie comics series ever. If you like "Ghost World" and "Art School Confidential," this is where it all began.
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The Walking Dead" by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore
Oh, you thought this started as a TV show? Don't miss the truly original version of a zombie apocalypse and the survivors who attempt to hold onto their own humanity.
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Persepolis" by Marjane Satrapi
Ten-year-old Marji struggles with growing up in Iran during and after the Islamic revolution of 1979. The black-and-white artwork perfectly depicts the story of Iran's rich culture and oppressive politics.
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Hellboy" by Mike Mignola
Just your average tale of a good-natured demon brought to Earth as a baby (by Nazi occultists) during World War II. Through it all, Hellboy discovers the secrets of his own origins.
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Love and Rockets" by Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez
This series focuses on two parallel stories — one set in a fictional Central American village, the other among punk musicians living in Southern California. One of the first breakout series of the indie comics movement.
Why We Love Free Comic Book Day
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Family friendly
Comic books remain one of the few art forms that appeal to parents, teens, and kids. There are truly titles for every age group imaginable.
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Newcomers welcome
People who don't necessarily read comics books flock to stores on this day — only to discover what they're missing. Free Comic Book Day helps create a new generation of readers.
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No electronics necessary
Unless, that is, you count Thor's hammer or Batman's utility belt. Free Comic Book Day requires not a single phone or video game. It's a chance to enjoy reading again!
Free Comic Book Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 7 | Saturday |
| 2023 | May 6 | Saturday |
| 2024 | May 4 | Saturday |
| 2025 | May 3 | Saturday |
