Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) is a big annual celebration of comics held on the first Saturday in May. On this day, comic shops across North America—and around the world—open their doors and give away free comic books to anyone who visits. No purchase is required. The idea is simple: there is a comic for everyone, and FCBD is a chance to discover it.
FCBD is one of the biggest events in the comic book world because it brings together readers of all ages and experience levels. Whether someone already loves comics or has never picked one up before, the event is designed to be welcoming, fun, and easy to explore. FCBD is a chance to:
Try graphic novels and comics without any pressure.
Discover new characters and series.
See how visual storytelling works (images + text together).
Connect the books you love in the library with superhero movies and pop culture.
It’s basically a “try-it-and-see” day for stories—especially for readers who already enjoy graphic novels or MCU films!
Each participating shop offers a selection of free, specially printed comics made just for FCBD. These comics come from major publishers like Marvel, DC, Image, BOOM! Studios, and many independent creators. The titles often include:
Superheroes like Spider-Man, the Avengers, and other Marvel/DC characters.
Stories based on popular franchises like Star Wars, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, or video games.
All-ages comics designed for younger readers.
New or original stories from independent creators.
Many of these characters are also familiar from movies—especially the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)—which makes FCBD a great bridge between films and the original comic stories.
Your local comic shop is more than a store—it’s a community space where fans connect over stories, art, and pop culture. On FCBD, shops often make the day even more exciting with:
Costumed superhero characters
Artist signings and guest creators
Raffles, prizes, and giveaways
Games, photo opportunities, and special events
Every shop celebrates differently, so each visit can feel like a unique experience.
Free Comic Book Day began in 2002 as a way to introduce more readers to comics and support local comic shops. It was inspired by the growing popularity of superhero stories in movies and TV, and the idea that comics are a powerful storytelling format worth celebrating. Since then, it has grown into a major international event.
In recent years, FCBD has expanded even further, with some hobby and board game stores also joining the celebration—helping even more people discover stories, games, and creative communities.
Each year in January publishers announce which comics will be the free giveaways during that year's FCBD.
This link will take you to a list of this year's titles!
The map to the left displays Comics Shops within 15 miles of the 19006 zip code. Clicking on a pin will display contact info for each location.
These shops include:
Comic Collection (Feasterville)
Strong all-ages section
Easy browsing, less overwhelming
Good mix of comics + collectibles that kids will recognize
Brave New Worlds (Willow Grove)
Bright, organized, very welcoming
Staff are great with younger readers
Carries popular kid-friendly titles (Dog Man–adjacent readers, Marvel/DC basics)
Baby Gorilla Comics & Collectibles (Penndel)
Fun vibe, lots of collectibles
Appeals especially to slightly older kids (5th–8th)
Can feel more like a collector shop than a browsing space
Comic Zen (Lansdale) / Facebook Page
Smaller, quieter shop
Good for thoughtful browsing
Selection varies but often includes indie/all-ages material
Johnny Destructo’s Hero Complex (Manayunk)
Awesome community hub, events, podcast roots
Leans older (teens/adults, indie comics), but still plenty of stuff for younger readers too.
Brave New Worlds (Old City, Philadelphia)
Excellent store, but inventory tends to cater more to adult readers.
Smaller space, denser shelves
Classic comic shop vibe
Strong back issues, maybe less curated for younger readers specifically.
Use the '19006 Local Comic Shops" map above to find the shops closest to us.
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Use the FCBD Store Locator Tool to search a wider area for comic shops.