Free Comic Book Day is May 2. Here’s where to celebrate in Phoenix

May starts with one of the best weekends of the year for geeks: Free Comic Book Day 2026. Taking place on Saturday, May 2, the annual event gives comics fans across Phoenix a reason to hit their favorite local shops, pick up free special-edition issues and spend a little time digging through the racks.

Launched in 2002, Free Comic Book Day was created to spotlight independent comic shops and get new fans into the medium. More than 2,000 retailers across the U.S. participate each year, handing out exclusive giveaway comics created just for the occasion. This year’s lineup includes 40-plus titles, from superhero mainstays to kid-friendly reads and indie releases.

Most stores treat it as more than a simple giveaway. Some offer big sales on back issues, graphic novels and collectibles. Others bring in local artists and writers for signings or turn the whole thing into an all-day celebration. Over in Glendale, Drawn to Comics is known for its annual festival with dozens of artists, vendors and a horde of fellow fans.

Here’s where to celebrate Free Comic Book Day 2026 in Phoenix on Saturday.

Ash Avenue Comics & Books
806 S. Ash Ave., Tempe
Free Comic Book Day 2026 at Ash Avenue Comics & Books in Tempe comes with a five-title limit per person, with more available with any purchase. The shop is also offering 20% off most items from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding new releases, action figures and consignment. Early birds get the biggest discounts: the first person in line scores 35% off, the second gets 30% off and the third gets 25% off, with the same exclusions. Local comics creator Billy Goodman will also debut the latest entry in his “bootlegVERSE” series.

Brandon’s Comics
1833 E. Southern Ave., Tempe
Brandon’s Comics in Tempe will limit patrons to one official Free Comic Book Day title, with the option to pick up to six more for $10. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Collectors Choice Comics and Justice Comics
1805 E. Elliot Rd., Suite 101, Tempe
Collectors Choice Comics and Justice Comics in Tempe will have at least two dozen Free Comic Book Day 2026 titles available, capped at five per patron. The shops will also have promo items, including mini-posters for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” and local cover artist and illustrator Chinh Potter will appear from noon to 5 p.m. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Drawn to Comics
5801 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale
Free Comic Book Day 2026 at Drawn to Comics carries over to the Velma Teague Library, 7010 N. 58th Ave. in Glendale, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Highlights include cosplay appearances, Phoenix Fan Fusion ticket giveaways, prize stations and more than three dozen artists and guests. The lineup includes local creatives like Livio Ramondelli, Fern Vasquez, Craig Chenery, Amber Warnock-Estrada and Jamarea Lowery. Patrons can also pick up official Free Comic Book Day titles at the shop while supplies last and score 25% off select comics. Store hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Dreadnought Comics
2734 W. Bell Rd., #1346, Phoenix
Free Comic Book Day 2026 at Dreadnought Comics in north Phoenix includes giveaway titles while supplies last and in-store sales starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Fantastic Worlds Comics
9393 N. 90th St., #119, Scottsdale
Scottsdale’s Fantastic Worlds Comics is celebrating Free Comic Book Day 2026 with an in-store appearance by Arizona artist, illustrator and comics creator Latique Curry. Every official Free Comic Book Day title will be available, along with a full selection of comics, cards and collectibles for anyone wanting to add to their haul. Store hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Gotham City Comics and Collectibles
151 N. Country Club Dr., Mesa
Despite the Batman-inspired name, Free Comic Book Day 2026 at Gotham City Comics and Collectibles in Mesa isn’t just for Dark Knight fans. The shop will have official giveaway titles on hand, with a limit of five per person while supplies last. Arizona artists Denae Frazier Studios, Chadwick Haverland and Garbage Pail Kids illustrator “Smokin’ Joe” McWilliams will be on hand. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Greg’s Comics
2722 S. Alma School Road, #8, Mesa
Open since 1994, Greg’s Comics in Mesa has taken part in every FCBD since the event began. For Free Comic Book Day 2026, the long-running shop is offering 20% off all comics and toys, and patrons can pick up up to three free comic book titles. Manager Erik Brueback says the annual event is “always a way to get comics front and center in front of people.” Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

High Score Comics
5140 W. Peoria Ave., #100, Glendale
Glendale’s High Score Comics is keeping things simple for Free Comic Book Day 2026: every official FCBD title will be available while supplies last, and all back issues in the store are 50% off. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monster Comics
1415 E. University Dr., #A103, Tempe
At Monster Comics in Tempe, Free Comic Book Day 2026 includes a stack of in-store deals. The shop is offering 10% off trades, hardcovers and wall books, plus bundle pricing on back issues: 15 $1 titles for $10, 15 $2 comics for $20 and 15 $3 books for $30. Patrons spending $25 or more and get 20% off DC, Marvel and indie back issues. Hours are noon to 6 p.m.

Samurai Comics
Multiple Valley locations
Samurai Comics is marking Free Comic Book Day 2026 at its Phoenix, Mesa and Chandler stores on Saturday. Each location is offering up to three free comic book titles per person, along with signings from Arizona artists and creators throughout the day.

The Phoenix location hosts Meredith McClaren, Jeff Pina, Matt Goodall, Jay Fotos and Scott Godlewski. Mesa features Alexis Ziritt, Jim Hanna, Mike Macrapoulos and Nathan Morris, while Chandler is bringing in Austin Ackert, Val Hochberg, Ben Glendenning and Anastasia Stilsmoking. Hours vary by location.

Surprise Comics
14771 W. Cactus Roa, Surprise
Free Comic Book Day 2026 at Surprise Comics comes with a few extras beyond the giveaway books. Shoppers can meet local illustrator and artist Scott Serkland from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., browse sale items throughout the store and pick up one of the shop’s signature “Surprise Boxes.” There’s a limit of 10 free titles per person, while supplies last.