This year marks the 20th anniversary of Free Comic Book Day!
The all-ages event was founded in 2001 to encourage both curious, first-time comic book readers and seasoned comic book fans alike, offering a huge selection of free titles throughout comic book shops across North America, designed to appeal to a broad range of age levels and interests.
While usually held the first Saturday in May, the annual event was postponed last year due to the pandemic and rescheduled this year for Saturday, August 14.
This year's lineup is full of fan favorites like The Avengers, Spider-Man, Archie, and Star Wars. Indie comic selections include The Tick, Judge Dredd, Lady Mechanika, The Boys, and Valiant Uprising. Children's titles include The Smurfs, InvestiGators, a new tale from horror master R.L. Stine, and Last Kids on Earth (now a Netflix series!). There are even a few video game-related titles featuring characters from game series such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Assassin's Creed, and Street Fighter. Comic book publishers include Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, IDW Publishing, BOOM! Studios, Dynamite Entertainment, and Image Comics. You can found out more about the entire lineup of titles available this year from the following video!
Philly has no shortage of great comic book shops participating in Free Comic Book Day this year*:
Note: as of the publication of this blog. Contact individual stores for confirmation.
- Amalgam Comics and Coffeehouse | 2578 Frankford Avenue
- Atomic City Comics | 638 South Street
- Brave New Worlds | 55 North Second Street
- Fat Jack's Comic Crypt | 2006 Sansom Street
Not only do you get to pick up some cool new comics but you are also supporting local businesses!
Of course, every day is free comic book day at the Free Library!
You can browse through our catalog 24/7 to find more great reads from superheroes and comic strips, Eisner award winners and comic book adaptations, graphic novel memoirs and diverse character voices as well. We also have many comic book and graphic novel recommendations available from library patrons in our Library Community! Check out our Explore Topic dedicated to Comics and Graphic Novels for great booklists and web resources full of character(s), both human and superhuman. All you need to access all this cool comics content—for free—is your library card!
What are some of your favorite comics, comic book characters, and series to read? Let us know in the comments!
Have a question for Free Library staff? Please submit it to our Ask a Librarian page and receive a response within two business days.