“Comics are a gateway drug to literacy.”
― Art Spiegelman
I love that quote by Art Spiegelman. And if you don’t know who Art Spiegelman is, then you definitely owe it to yourself to visit your local comic book store on Saturday, May 2 and find out who he is. Just ask anyone who works at the store. They know who he is and will point you in the right direction.
Free Comic Book Day, which happens every year on the first Saturday in May, is a family-friendly event that supports local businesses and is an annual celebration for us long-time collectors. Comic shops around the world give away special issues of comics that are free to the public (although comic shop owners still pay for those books, so please show them a little love by purchasing some not free items—I guarantee there will be plenty to choose from).
I was 10 years old when I bought my first comic book. It was Tomb of Dracula #10, the first appearance of Blade the Vampire Hunter who would later be immortalized by Wesley Snipes in a series of Marvel movies in the late 90s and early 2000s. That summer a close friend introduced me to the vast universe of comic books and it was love at first sight. The two of us rode our bikes to Harrison’s Department Store on the Parkade in Cedar Falls, Iowa every Wednesday, rain or shine. There we would wait impatiently until the store owner appeared bearing a stack of new comics and magazines bound for the newsstand, then we would fall upon our prey like hungry leopards on a gazelle.
In those days I was all about the horror comics, books with titles like Tomb of Dracula, Werewolf by Night, The Monster of Frankenstein, or The Living Mummy, but it didn’t take long for me to discover superheroes and begin following the adventures of The Amazing Spider-Man, The Invincible Iron Man, The Mighty Thor, Captain America, and The Incredible Hulk. I read those comic books over and over. I learned to write from those comic books and peppered my school papers with words like uncanny and macabre. I learned to draw by copying the styles of illustrators like Jack Kirby, John Buscema, Mike Ploog, Gene Colan, and many, many others.
It would be many years before I walked into an actual comic book store, but I have to admit I still get a little thrill every time I do. There’s something uniquely joyful about walking into a comic shop on Free Comic Book Day, entering a store that is buzzing with energy—kids discovering superheroes for the first time, longtime fans flipping through long boxes of back issues, and curious newcomers realizing comics are far more diverse than they ever expected. The simple act of picking up a free issue lowers the barrier to entry, inviting both kids and adults into worlds of adventure, humor, mystery, and wonder. It’s a reminder that storytelling doesn’t have to be expensive or exclusive, that it’s really meant for everyone.
Beyond the fun, Free Comic Book Day plays a meaningful role in building community. Comic shops have become gathering places where people connect over shared interests, swap recommendations, and celebrate creativity. The day also highlights the incredible range of voices and styles in the comic industry—from indie creators to major publishers—encouraging readers to branch out and try something new. For many people it’s the start of a lifelong hobby. For others, it’s an annual tradition that rekindles a love of reading. Either way, it’s a day that proves stories are always best when they’re shared with others.