Free Comic Book Day – 4 Massachusetts Stores Celebrating With Special Events
Free Comic Book Day is almost here! During a time where prices are on the rise everywhere, it’s nice to be able to get some great free stuff. Free Comic Book Day is celebrated every year on the first Saturday in May, and publishers offer a select number of comic books that fans can get absolutely free at participating stores.
The History of Free Comic Book Day
Free Comic Book Day was the idea of Joe Field who owns Flying Colors Comics and Other Cool Stuff in Concord, California. He was a columnist for a trade magazine back in 2001 and was looking for ideas of what to write about. He saw a long line outside his shop for people waiting to go into Baskin Robbins for Free Scoop Night and thought, “comics are cooler than ice cream – let’s do this.” He then wrote a column outlining the idea and Free Comic Book Day was born. The first one ever was held on May 4, 2002.
The event was a huge hit and hundreds of comic book shops participated. It’s the biggest annual event worldwide at comic book stores. According to an article by the Boston Herald, “Over the last 22 years, FCBD shops have given away tens of millions of free comic books in more than 2,000 shops in more than 60 countries the world over.”
Unfortunately, the place where it all started is shutting down. Flying Colors’ lease wasn’t renewed and is set to close in early 2025, so this will be the last Free Comic Book Day at the location.
Massachusetts Events Celebrating Free Comic Book Day
That’s Entertainment
That’s Entertainment is located at 244 Park Ave in Worcester. You can get up to 5 Free Comic Books to celebrate the day. AND if you wear your full Star Wars or comic book related costume, you’ll get $5 in store credit. They’re also holding a costume contest to win prizes, and they’ll have 8 comic book artists and creators who will offer to draw free sketches.
The One Stop Shop
The comic book store has two locations holding events.
The One Stop Shop is at Solomon Pond, 601 Donald Lunch Blvd, Marlborough. It’s from 10am to 4pm, with appearances by Keith Gleason & Amy Kukta. And The One Stop Shop at Woodruff Plaza, 1175 Main St, in Clinton happens from 11am to 7pm. There will be appearances by Ben Goldsmith & Ken Berube
New England Comics in Malden
New England Comics is located at 95 Pleasant St, Malden. They’ll have appearances by: Tony McMillen debuting Attaboy graphic novel from Mad Cave Studios, Geoff Mosse, George O’Connor and Clay McCormack signing.
Wild Time Comics
Wild Time Comics is located at 701 Washington Street in Attleboro. Their event features guest creators: Christopher Paniccia, Robert K. Bentley, Andrew LoVuolo, Ryan Santos, Michelle Correia, Jim Savard. They’ll have “Spin the Wheel of WOW” “for a Super Discount Sale Coupon of up to 70% off your purchases inside the store. Plus Comics, Goodies, Gift Bags, Door Prizes. and Treats.
