Free Comic Book Day 2023: This year, Free Comic Book Day will be observed on May 6. Iconic publishers such as DC Comics, Marvel Comics, and Dark Horse Comics, along with others, join forces to distribute free comics to over 2,300 stores across the nation. It’s evidence that dreams can come true!
Free Coming Book Day is an annual promotion sponsored by the North American Comic Book industry to help attract new readers and fans into comic book stores.
The day was established in 2002 and is still supported by Diamond Comic Distributors, the largest distributor in the comic book industry. The fact that this day spread to Europe, Asia, and Australia is intriguing.
Free Comic Book Day 2021 will be observed on August 14th, 2021.
WHAT IS THE DATE OF FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2023?
Free Comic Book Day is traditionally celebrated on the first Saturday of May, but will be held on August 14, 2021. In contrast to the decline of print media, the allure and art of comic books are stronger than ever. On this day, free comics are dispersed across the country as a way of preserving the art of graphic comics and expressing gratitude to devoted readers.
The Background of Free Comic Book Day
In 2001, Joe Field of Flying Colours Comics in Concord, California observed a correlation between an increase in comic book sales and the release of a new superhero film in early summer. In the August issue of Comics & Games Retailer Magazine, Field wrote a column titled “Big Picture.” In this column, he proposed initiating a Free Comic Book Day, which was met with favourable feedback from retailers. Jim Valentino, the then-publisher of Image Comics, proposed holding the first Free Comic Book Day on the same weekend as the release of the 2002 Spider-Man film, in order to capitalise on the film’s heavy promotion and related press about the comic book medium. As a result, the first event was held on Saturday, May 4, 2002, one day after the film’s release. July 2004 was the only month in which the event was not held on the first Saturday of May, but it was relocated back to that date the following year.
On complimentary Comic Book Day, participating comic book stores distribute complimentary copies of specially printed comics. Some even offer discounts and author signings to customers who visit their establishments. However, retailers do not obtain the issues for free; they pay between 12 and 50 cents per comic they distribute at the event. Some stores also give away micro posters and other movie-related memorabilia, in addition to comic books. The promotion’s effectiveness depends on each participating retailer. The majority of participants concur that Free Comic Book Day has contributed to a healthier comics market and rising comic book sales in recent years.
The customs of the day
Free Comic Book Day is an annual initiative by the comic book industry to attract new consumers and preserve the art form of comics and graphic novels. Free comic books are typically the first issues of a new storyline or advertisements for upcoming comic events. There are a total of 46 gratis titles, each of which was chosen by a committee of comic book retailers. These titles consist of eleven Gold Sponsor comics and thirty-five Silver Sponsor comics, allowing fans and newcomers to discover fantastic new titles and genres.
The majority of comic book stores also offer steep discounts on standard comics. The busiest day of the year for the industry, with the highest sales volume. The foot traffic in comic book stores is significantly higher than on other days, as many people who normally do not enter comic book stores are more inclined to do so on this day.
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY STATISTICS
38.3% – Marvel Comics’ market share on Free Comic Book Day.
DC Comics holds 33,93% of the market share.
1938 is considered to be the beginning of the golden era of comic books.
In 2014, “Action Comics #1” was sold on eBay for $3.2 million.
In 1954, a Scrooge McDuck comic featured a story with an idol and a massive rock, which was subsequently imitated by “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
The total quantity of Batman comic issues is 14,385.
7 – the number of years after the release of Neil Gaiman’s comic book that “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” was published with the same concept — an English child who discovers he is a wizard on his 12th birthday and receives an owl from a magical stranger.
The distance at which Daredevil can detect a heartbeat is 20 feet.
640 kilogrammes is Thor’s weight.
The renowned book series “Twilight” was adapted into a graphic novel in 2012.
World Athletics Day 2023: Date, Theme, Importance, Quotes
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY EVENTS
Find your neighbourhood store here.
More than 2,300 comic book stores participate annually in the event. You will almost certainly make new acquaintances (real and imagined). And you will leave with a complimentary comic book!
Browse prior to departure
Some larger bookstores have an online database that displays Free Comic Book Day comics, along with summaries and sample pages for each. It is a great method to determine what you want in advance.
Explore costuming
It’s hard to imagine a better moment or place to show off your Halloween costume, given that Halloween is still six months away. Consider it an enjoyable and secure environment for trying something new.
“Eightball” is a novel by Daniel Clowes.
Significantly influential is an understatement. It is one of the greatest independent comics series ever created. If you enjoy “Ghost World” and “Art School Confidential,” this is where everything started.
Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore’s “The Walking Dead”
Oh, you thought this began as a television programme? Don’t miss this genuinely original take on a zombie apocalypse and the survivors who struggle to maintain their humanity.
“Persepolis” is a novel by Marjane Satrapi.
Marji, age ten, struggles to grow up in Iran during and after the 1979 Islamic revolution. The black-and-white artwork depicts Iran’s rich culture and oppressive politics flawlessly.
“Hellboy” by Mike Mignola
During World War II, Nazi occultists bring a friendly demon to Earth as an infant. Hellboy discovers the mysteries of his own origins throughout this ordeal.
“Love and Rockets” by Gilbert Hernandez and Jaime Hernandez
This series centres on two parallel stories, one set in a fictional village in Central America and the other among Southern California punk musicians. A pioneering series of the independent comics movement.
WE LOVE THIS DAY
BECAUSE:
Comic books are one of the few art forms that appeal to parents, adolescents, and children. There are books for every conceivable age group.
Welcoming newcomers
People who don’t normally read comic books flock to comic book stores on this day, only to realise what they’ve been missing. Free Comic Book Day promotes the development of a new generation of consumers.
No electronics required
With the exception of Thor’s weapon and Batman’s utility belt. Free Comic Book Day does not require any cell phones or video games. It’s an opportunity to appreciate reading once more!
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 7 | Saturday |
| 2023 | May 6 | Saturday |
| 2024 | May 4 | Saturday |
| 2025 | May 3 | Saturday |
