Photo Credit: freecomicbookday.com

If you are a comic book fan or just love free things, you are in luck — Saturday, May 6 is Free Comic Book Day. As the name indicates, it is the day when retailers across the globe will give out free comic books to anyone that walks into the store.

Celebrated on the first Saturday of May, the annual event, which began in 2002, is the brainchild of retailer Joe Field. The owner of Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff was inspired by the success of similar events like “Free Cone Day” and suggested the idea to retailers, publishers, and distributors. He believed it would entice people both young and old to visit their neighborhood store and revive interest in comic books. Over the past sixteen years, retailers have given away over 12 million comic books and the numbers are only growing.

Photo Credit: freecomicbookday.com

Not every comic book in the store is free. However, with 50 specially published titles to choose from, there is something to suit every taste. This year’s line-up includes graphic novels featuring the fictional spacefaring superhero team from Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, as well as characters from hit television shows like Riverdale and Fresh Off the Boat. Younger comic book fans can select from evergreen favorites like SpongeBob and Underdog.

Even if none of the free offerings catch your fancy, a visit to the store might still be worth the effort. That's because vendors usually discount all comic books and other merchandise on this fun day. So be sure to mark your calendars and claim your free comic book next Saturday. To find your closest participating retailer and see a list of all the titles that will be available, check out freecomicbookday.com.

Resources: freecomicbookday.com