Free Comic Book Day Is The Best Day: A Primer

Super Characters Unite!

Where can you find Batman, Superman, The Incredible Hulk, The X-Men, Iron Man, and many more superheroes? Of course, you can find them at the movies where we can enjoy their exploits in franchise fashion, including the recently released X-Men: Days Of Future Past. Many of them also have their own video games on platforms such as Xbox One and Playstation 4 (and their predecessors), especially Batman and his critically acclaimed Arkham series. We can even find them at the online gaming hub Inter Casino where superhero action and risk takes on a whole new dimension. It’s where gamers can see their favorite DC Comics heroes, ranging from Wonder Woman to the Flash, take part in real-money excursions through their tales.

All that being said, it’s not exactly what I’m talking about. They all hang out at your local comic book store. And speaking of comic book stores, your favorite one is probably about to host a very special day!

Can’t Hardly Wait

The first Saturday in every May since 2002 is Free Comic Book Day (except for in 2004, but that’s another story). That pretty much solidified the fact that this past May 3 was the best day of the year. right?. For those of you thinking, “What exactly is FCBD (Free Comic Book Day)?” here’s a quick rundown: Basically, it’s a day when comic book stores hand out free comic books—all in the name of gratitude and to promote the joy of reading marvelous tales.

This is what CNET had to say to entice you: “Need a new comic to read? On Free Comic Book Day, visit a participating local comic book store to find your favorite comic book, or try something brand-new from 60 titles available from publishers Marvel, DC Entertainment, IDW, Archaia, Dark Horse Comics, Image Comics, Bongo Comics, Boom Studios, Archie Comics, Fantagraphics, Drawn and Quarterly, Oni Press, 2000 AD, Red 5 Comics, Scholastic, Top Shelf Productions, and Viz Media, just to name a few.”

Imagine the smile on your face as you gently place a rather large stack of free comics on the car seat next to you. That euphoric feeling of acquisition is priceless.

A Great Start

Many of us can say that comic books got us to start reading. We can even say that comic books got us to love reading in general as well. Here’s what LeVar Burton said about his love for comics while promoting FCBD: “My love of the written word originated with comic books,” Burton says in his video. “I’m an Army brat. My father was in the military and when we were stationed in Germany, comic books were a treasured item that we first read and then traded with one another. They also kept us connected to the popular culture back home.” FCBD is the perfect event to take the kids and get them excited about reading.

What You Need to Know for Next Year

1 – Be sure that your local comic book store is participating in the event. You can use the FCBD Store Locator to facilitate this task.

2 – Try to get there early because supplies could run out. This event is getting more and more popular each year. Think of it as a mini Comic-Con of sorts.

3 – You might have to wait in line, so be prepared for crowds. Bringing some snacks and water would be a good idea as well.

4 – Bring your picture-taking phone or camera because you will probably see something cool. Feel free to dress up as your favorite comic book character. You will NOT be the only one, besides the kids love it.

5 – Depending on the location, there might be real comic book artists and writers in attendance signing books and doodling for you. So be prepared to take your time and enjoy all of the festivities. You should never rush through FCBD.

Comic Books and Good Times

Personally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t state how memorable FCBD was for me. I was able to bring along some younger family members and it was great to see them get bit by the comic book bug. Also, I snagged almost everything I was looking for, including Transformers Vs. GI Joe (a throwback to my younger days) and Atomic Robo.

Guest author: Sean Wright