What is FCBD?
FCBD is an annual event held worldwide to support local comic bookstores and promote comic books. It’s held on the first Saturday of May, with some stores making it into a weekend-long party. This year, FCBD lands on Saturday 7 May. The event was originally started as a marketing campaign run by the largest distributor of comics, Diamond Comic Distributors. When it started in 2002, the line-up was a mere four (4) comics including Marvel Comics’ Ultimate Spider-Man #1, Dark Horse Comics’ Star Wars Tales: A Jedi’s Weapon, Image Comics’/Top Cow Productions’ Tomb Raider #1½ , and DC Comics’ Justice League Adventures. The event coincided with the release of Sony’s 2002 Spider-Man film, starring Tobey Maguire. Since then, FCBD has continued to take advantage of whichever big comic-book related movie is being released at the same time. This year, Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness opens on May 4, so expect plenty of Marvel paraphernalia in attendance. If you’re looking for specific Doctor Strange comics to tie in with the movie, check out our suggestions. Don’t let the superhero origin story fool you. FCBD has evolved into one of the best comic book promotional events worldwide, especially for indies. The event will always have a big turnout for readers picking up the latest DC/Marvel or other major series. However, this event is also about promoting local comic book stores, who in turn will take the opportunity to promote the wider collection of comics available. What many people may not realise is how much the comic book stores pay for FCBD. Participating stores pay a fee for the comics as well as freight, along with any additional promotional materials and staff for the day. For many, it is the biggest social event of the year and they use it to celebrate with their customers. As much as we all love to get our hands on some free comics, it’s also a great opportunity to give that same support back to your local comic book store. If you’ve been saving for a few trades or graphic novels, FCBD is a great day for picking up your wishlist along with a few freebies to expand your collection.
FCBD 2022 Selection
For FCBD, preparation is EVERYTHING. Depending on where you go, the line-up can be huge and your take-home selection may be limited. Each year, FCBD offers Gold and Silver comics (dependent on the paid sponsorship from publishers). You can see the complete list available on the official FCBD site here. For me, the standouts are: Fellow Book Rioter Annika has an evergreen and comprehensive Guide to Free Comic Book Day here. She has some great tips on the best time of day, how to pass the time in the line, and tips on cosplay. Anthony also has a list of Dos and Don’ts for Free Comic Book Day, including my fave tip: preview the comics before giving them to your kids. While FCBD is a family-friendly event, not all comic books are suitable for kids. FBCD is a great opportunity to rediscover how great reading material comes in all formats and styles — and age appropriateness (I’m looking at you, Saga). Most of all, have fun. We haven’t had a proper FCBD for over two years. This is OUR party and OUR opportunity to support the stores that kept us reading during that two years. Head to your local comic book store and give them some love.
