Free Comic Book Day is an annual event where comic book shops give away free comic books in stores. On Free Comic Book Day every year, over 2,000 comic book shops worldwide give away free comic books to customers. The event was founded in 2002, aiming to attract new readers, promote local comic book shops, and celebrate the art form of comics. Special comic books, including reprints of popular titles and original stories, are offered for free to anyone who visits a participating store. The next Free Comic Book Day is Saturday, May 2, 2026. Every year Free Comic Book Day takes place on the first Saturday in May. That means the next Free Comic Book Day, will happen on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
To find a participating location, consumers should check the Free Comic Book Day store locator to see if a local comic book shop is participating in the event. This event is held at independently owned comic book stores, so consumers will not find this deal at retailers like Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. Some libraries also participate in Free Comic Book Day, and their information can be found using the store locator. Before heading to a local comic book store, consumers should check the Free Comic Book Day store locator to find a participating store near them and check the store’s operating hours to find out when free comic books are available. To receive a free comic book, consumers simply need to let the store staff know that they are there for a freebie.
Participating stores offer well-known Gold Sponsor titles. Every participating store during Free Comic Book Day offers 12 Gold Sponsor titles which include a wide range of stories, from Spider-Man to Archie's Comics to Dr. Seuss Graphic Novels. Examples of titles offered during the last Free Comic Book Day event included Archie's Comic Spectacular, Conan the Barbarian Scourge of the Serpent, Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, and Dr. Seuss Graphic Novels. Additionally, the event often features animated tie-ins, such as comics based on Kung Fu Panda and Batman: The Brave and The Bold. A new version of Richie Rich from Ape Entertainment (under their Kidzoic line) was also available, featuring a modernized cast and updated storytelling style.
In addition to comic book stores, other venues host events related to Free Comic Book Day. For example, the Beaverton Library hosted a Free Comic Book Day event on May 4, 2024, at 12375 SW Fifth St., Beaverton, OR 97005. This event allowed visitors to stop by for a free mini comic con, meet local comic and graphic novel artists, pick up freebies, and buy books. Attendees could claim a free comic book—one per person while supplies last—and the event was open to all ages. Similarly, another library event took place on May 7 (National Free Comic Book Day), featuring author Adam Sandford, who provided free sketches of children's favorite superheroes and gave away free comics. Crafts and other freebies were available while supplies last, on a first-come, first-served basis. These library events also included a Friends of the Library Book Sale where attendees could purchase cheap used books.
Some publishers and creators offer digital freebies in conjunction with Free Comic Book Day. For instance, a free download for EEOTB Book 1 is available via a specific link, and a forever code for Global Comix (L0QXEFOM) has been shared. Creators may merge their releases for Free Comic Book Day, making books readable in one big chunk. An example is ENOCH: THE FIRST CITY, set in the ancient canyon city of Enoch, where a thief takes revenge on the rulers who've oppressed his people.
For those looking for specific titles to look for during Free Comic Book Day, options include The Night Librarian from Penguin Young Readers, which features a story where siblings must help save the New York Public Library. This is an all-ages story. Another title is BOOM! Box 10th Anniversary Extravaganza from BOOM! Studios, which provides content enjoyable for both parents and children.
Consumers should be aware that supplies are limited at all participating locations. Whether at a comic book store or a library, free items are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Some events may have specific rules, such as one free comic book per person. It is recommended to arrive early to ensure availability.
Conclusion
Free Comic Book Day is an annual tradition taking place on the first Saturday in May, with the next event scheduled for May 2, 2026. Consumers can participate by visiting independent comic book shops or libraries that use the official store locator. The event offers a variety of free comic books, including Gold Sponsor titles and special editions, as well as opportunities for digital downloads and community events. Availability is subject to supplies and specific venue policies, so checking local listings and hours is essential.