Comic shops across the United States and beyond will distribute millions of complimentary comics to mark the 20th annual Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, Aug. 14.
The annual celebration is usually held on the first Saturday in May, but it was “indefinitely postponed” in 2020. Organizers moved the date to August this year in hopes of reducing any pandemic-related interruptions.
On Saturday, special editions of 50 different comic books will be handed out for free.
What to Expect on Free Comic Book Day
Contact your neighborhood comic book store, or find one here, to learn about events near you. Free issues are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to anyone who asks.
Some of this year’s most talked-about free offerings include:
- “Avengers Hulk” (Marvel Comics)
- “Blade Runner Oneshot” (Titan Comics)
- “Critical Role Witcher” (Dark Horse)
- “Lady Mechanika” (Image Comics)
- “Star Wars High Republic Adventures” (IDW Publishing)
Many shops will also hand out promotional items, movie posters and other freebies.
Not Just for the Die-Hard Fan
Free Comic Book Day isn’t only a holiday for devoted collectors.
Its purpose is to support independent comic retailers and to help new readers discover fantastic comics and graphic novels.
If you prefer non-superhero fare, from Archie to YA comics, you’ll find selections geared to a wide range of tastes.
The event is a great opportunity to introduce children to the comic book world — or to explore it yourself.
You may uncover a new pastime the entire family can share.
Alex Rourke is a contributor to Savinly. Staff writer/editor Tiffany Wendeln Connors updated this post.
