Free Comic Book Day is the First Saturday in May

Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) has been celebrated since May, 2002. The first weekend in May, comic book retailers all over the world will give away free comic books to customers and collectors. It has proven to be very successful marketing strategy, bringing thousands of new prospective comic book collectors and old salts of the hobby back into retail stores to celebrate this American original art form.

It is the individual retailers that really make this day happen. Firstly, they can choose whether or not to be a "participant". The official website, Free Comic Book Day, has an asterisk by the word "free" in their description of the day stating the familiar disclaimer, "Check with your local shop for their participation and rules." The reason for the disclaimer is the retailer does not have to participate. As a matter of fact, the "free" comic books have to be purchased by the retailer for a nominal price.

The FCBD has is getting more popular every year. Diamond Comic Distributors states that comic book shops around the world are now participating in FCBD. Retail shops all over the country are creating additional buzz about the celebration by arranging writer and illustrator (creator) autograph sessions and character appearances.

FCBD is sponsored by Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. and they bring many publishers onboard to supply the special comic books to be given away. Publishers such as Archie Comics, Bongo Comics, IDW Publishing, Boom! Studios and Dark Horse will supply titles such as Transformers Animated, Star Wars - The Clone Wars, Disney Pixar's Cars, and The Mighty Archie Art Players. These publishers and titles are being added to constantly, so keep an eye on the FCBD website for additional titles.

If you're new to comic book collecting, want to take your children or just want to check out this exciting event but don't know where to go, you can easily find a participating comic book retailer near you by using the Shop Locator on the FCBD website or on the Comic Shop Locator Service website. Both of these locators were unable to recognize several zip codes, so if you have trouble with them, try The Master List of Comic Book and Trading Card Stores. Make sure to call ahead to ensure they are participating before you go!

Free Comic Book Day is a great promotional affair that has morphed into an extravaganza of comic book shows, autograph sessions and character appearances and comic book collecting is an American pastime that has grown to an international audience. It is a great way to introduce yourself or your children to a wonderful hobby that could last a lifetime! It is also a great way for retailers to bring new (or "haven't been there in a long time") business into their shop. The distributors, publishers and retailers all share in the cost of the event, so be sure to thank your local shop owner for participating, and even make an extra purchase or two, to support their efforts in keeping this hobby alive.