About Free Comic Book Day
Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) is the comics industry's flagship outreach event. Held on the first Saturday of May each year since 2002, the event sees participating comic shops worldwide give away special FCBD-branded titles published specifically for the day by every major and mid-tier publisher. Over fifty different free titles are typically released — covering Marvel, DC, Image, Boom!, IDW, Dark Horse, manga publishers, all-ages and educational titles, and a wide range of indie and small-press offerings.
For newer readers, FCBD is the single best on-ramp to the medium — pick up a stack of free titles across genres and creators you've never tried, with no commitment required. For established collectors, certain FCBD issues have historically developed strong secondary-market followings (notably the FCBD issues featuring first appearances or first interior appearances of characters that subsequently break out — for example, FCBD's role in the Walking Dead, Stranger Things, and several Stranger Things-adjacent franchises).
The official FCBD site lists every participating shop worldwide (including most UK comic shops), publishes the full slate of free titles each spring, and runs creator signings and event coverage on the day itself. UK coverage is strong — Forbidden Planet, OK Comics, Travelling Man, Page 45, and most independent shops participate.
The event is free to attend; titles are limited per shop, so arrive early.
For newer readers, FCBD is the single best on-ramp to the medium — pick up a stack of free titles across genres and creators you've never tried, with no commitment required. For established collectors, certain FCBD issues have historically developed strong secondary-market followings (notably the FCBD issues featuring first appearances or first interior appearances of characters that subsequently break out — for example, FCBD's role in the Walking Dead, Stranger Things, and several Stranger Things-adjacent franchises).
The official FCBD site lists every participating shop worldwide (including most UK comic shops), publishes the full slate of free titles each spring, and runs creator signings and event coverage on the day itself. UK coverage is strong — Forbidden Planet, OK Comics, Travelling Man, Page 45, and most independent shops participate.
The event is free to attend; titles are limited per shop, so arrive early.
