1. What is “Free Comic Book Day?”
As the name
implies, Free Comic Book Day is 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.
2. When is Free Comic Book Day?
Free Comic Book Day is held the first Saturday in May each year. (Next is Saturday, May 4, 2019!)
3. Are they really free?
Yep!
Different
shops have 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.
4. 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 we hope every one
of these shops will take part, each shop determines on its own whether
or not to participate. You can check our shop locator for a comic shop
near you.
5. Then how do I know where to go to get my free comics?
As the first Saturday in May approaches, www.FreeComicBookDay.com
will launch a shop locator service that will show you participating
retailers in your area. Sign up for our e-mail newsletter to be alerted
when the database is ready, or check back in early April.
6. Is this the first Free Comic Book Day?
No! The first Free Comic Book Day event was held in 2002. In the past,
thousands of shops around the world have given away millions of free
comic books to interested readers. We’re proud of the continuing success
of FCBD and look forward to growing the event each year!
7. Can I link to your site?
Of course!
8. Who’s involved in FCBD?
Free
Comic Book Day is administered by a panel representing all parts of the
comic book industry: retailers, publishers, suppliers, and Diamond
Comic Distributors. Each year, publishers apply to provide comic books
at cost to retailers, who in turn give them away for free. Diamond
handles marketing and logistics for the event, shipping comics to shops
and handling marketing and PR for the event.
9. What’s 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 are fun to read, featuring a wide
range of diverse story lines that capture the imagination of the
readers. That’s worth celebrating in our book – we’re proud to be a part
of this wonderful medium. To learn more about comic books and their
history, go here.
10. Is this just happening in the U.S.?
Of course not! Shops in Canada and internationally celebrate Free Comic
Book Day, too! Any comic book shop in the world can participate in Free
Comic Book Day, although there may be some limitations on which titles
are available in which countries due to licensing and other
considerations. If you want your local shop to get involved, let them
know!
11. How many comics do I get?
That will depend on a lot of factors: How many comics does the shop have
to give away? How many people visit that day? How many people got there
before you? What are the shop’s FCBD policies? The answer to this
question will depend on which shop you go to and when. We encourage you
to view the shop profiles on our FCDB Shop Locator service for more
detailed information, or call you local retailer directly and ask them
their policies for FCBD.
12. Can you send me a comic?
No. This website is for informational purposes only. Free Comic Book Day is celebrated in comic book shops and as a way to get customers to visit shops in their local community.
13. Which comics are available?
Each year, the comics offered change. Click here for a list of this year’s Gold and Silver comics.
14. Can I grab any comic I want?
Shops will be giving away special comics for the event – you cannot simply take any comic book from the rack. Click on The Comics to see the many choices of comics being given away for free this year.
15. How can I find out more?
To get updates about Free Comic Book Day, sign up for our e-mail
updates. It’s infrequent, so you won’t be deluged with spam, but it’ll
have plenty of cool info for you! Plus, check this website as the first
Saturday in May grows near for new information. Click here to sign up!
16. What can I do to spread the word?
Tell your friends, your family, your classmates- anyone you think might
enjoy comics for the first time- or should start reading them again