Much like Record Store Day, Free Comic Book Day celebrates independent retailers — albeit those that focus on the sequential art form — and has taken place almost every year since 2002. More than 2,000 stores in the U.S. participate each year, each giving away special commemorative issues (a total of 46 different titles are up for grabs this year).
As Drew Sullivan, owner of Tempe’s Ash Avenue Comics, told Phoenix New Times in 2023, it’s a big occasion for retailers. “It's a day we really look forward to and really try to put our best foot forward for the shop and the industry,” Sullivan told New Times. “It's fun for people who read comics, but (also) for anyone who’s curious about getting into the art form.”
What else is in store on Saturday for Free Comic Book Day 2025 in Phoenix? (Spoiler alert: it’s more action-packed than a multi-issue crossover event.) Here’s a rundown of participating retailers and the superpowered fun they’ve got planned.
Ash Avenue Comics & Books
806 S. Ash Ave., Tempe480-858-9447Tempe favorite Ash Avenue Comics is run by comic book nerds, for comic book nerds with an emphasis on indie and underground talents. True to its roots, the shop’s Free Comic Book Day plans will include local artist (and New Times contributor) Luster Kaboom alongside comics creator Billy Goodman, who will debut “Secret Warp,” the latest release from their “bootleg-verse,” with an exclusive cover for the event. Expect storewide sales, doorbusters and a full selection of official FCBD titles (there’s a limit of five copies per person). Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday.
Brandon's Comics
1833 E. Southern Ave., Tempe480-838-0467According to its Facebook page, Brandon's Comics will open at 9 a.m. on Saturday and serve up “some comic book heat” for local geeks. Translation: They’ll be giving away Free Comic Book Day titles and offering 25% off mystery boxes—including the coveted grand prize boxes.
Champion Comics
529 E. Camelback Road408-315-1965This recently opened shop near Seventh Street and Camelback Road will celebrate its first-ever FCBD on Saturday by — you guessed it — giving away free comics. There will also be 10% to 20% discounts on back issues, magazines, fanzines and wall books. Champion Comics will be open from noon to 5 p.m.
Collectors Choice Comics/Justice Comics
1805 E. Elliot Road, #101, Tempe480-471-8299This two-stores-in-one spot in Tempe is going all out for Free Comic Book Day with a celebration full of fan-favorite perks. Free comics? Absolutely. Storewide savings? You bet — take 15% off items up to $300 and 20% off all sets and trades. Each purchase earns a raffle entry to win a pass to the 2025 Phoenix Fan Fusion. Plus, patrons can pick up single issues of up to five official FCBD titles. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Collectors Marketplace
4031 N. 24th St., Suite A480-442-1117Collectors Marketplace will offer a double dose of geekdom with a two-day sale on Saturday and Sunday in honor of both Free Comic Book Day and May the 4th. All comics, graphic novels and “Star Wars” toys will be 20% off. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Drawn to Comics
5801 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale623-847-9090Can’t wait until Phoenix Fan Fusion in early June to get your geek fix? Drawn to Comics has you covered. The shop will host its annual Free Comic Book Day festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Velma Teague Library, 7010 N. 58th Ave. in Glendale. The event will feature more than three dozen comics creators and cosplayers, including local talents like Ivory Gayle, Livio Ramondelli, Jocelyn De La Torre, Craig Chenery, Jeff Kronenfeld and Amber Skies. Admission is free. Across the street, Drawn to Comics patrons can each select up to three FCBD titles while supplies last. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Dreadnought Comics
2734 W. Bell Road, #1346 602-293-3763This West Valley shop, owned by Jeff Stark — no relation to Tony, as far as we know — and Jacob Carnahan, has been a go-to destination for local comic collectors and geeks since it opened in 2017. The staff at Dreadnought Comics are expecting a big turnout on Saturday, when patrons can snag up to three Free Comic Book Day titles per person. Thousands of other titles will be available for 50 cents each and all back issues will be 50% off up to $50. Doors open at 10 a.m.
Fantastic Worlds Comics
9393 N. 90th St., #119, Scottsdale480-256-1454Fantastic Worlds is celebrating FCBD 2025 by bringing in two iconic comics creatives on Saturday. Beloved indie artist Terry Moore — best known for his acclaimed 1993 series "Strangers in Paradise" — and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” co-creator Kevin Eastman will both be at the store from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastman will sign items for up to 150 fans and tickets are $5 each.
Gotham City Comics and Collectibles
151 N. Country Club Dr., Mesa480-649-3065Like a bat-signal beckoning Batman, this Mesa store will draw in local geeks on Saturday by offering a hefty haul of the Free Comic Book Day titles and a lineup of nerdy vendors. Garbage Pail Kids trading card artist Smokin’ Joe McWilliams will appear at the event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Store hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Greg’s Comics
2722 S. Alma School Road, Unity 8, Mesa480-752-1881Hit up this Mesa retailer — a favorite of local comic book readers since the '90s — from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and pick up to three FCBD issues. Greg’s will have “a full selection” of official titles, plus 20% off any other comic book in the store.
Monster Comic Books
2155 E. University Drive, #109, Tempe480-508-4839Local comic book creators Victor Irizarry, J. Gonzo, Kraig Rasmussen, Tommy Cannon and Mark Bandy will participate in a special signing event at Monster Comic Books. The festivities start at 11 a.m. on Saturday with deals and sales available throughout the day.
Samurai Comics
Multiple Valley locations480-855-2919All four Samurai Comics locations across metro Phoenix are participating in Free Comic Book Day 2025 with giveaways and guest appearances. Each store will allow you to pick up to three individual FCBD titles per person and offer signings by local Arizona artists and illustrators. The lineup includes Scott Godlewski and Val Hochberg in Chandler (1994 N. Alma School Road), Jay Fotos in Glendale (6808 N. Dysart Road, #148), and Meredith McClaren and Jeff Pina in Phoenix (1602 E. Indian School Road). Hours vary.
Strange Adventures
2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, #1234, Tempe 480-910-3512In addition to offering all the official Free Comic Book Day titles, Strange Adventures at Tempe Marketplace will treat the first 100 patrons on Saturday to a limited-edition collectible enamel pin — plus free coffee for all. The shop will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Surprise Comics
14771 W. Cactus Road, Surpise623-213-7521To the surprise of no one, this West Valley comics and collectibles retailer will celebrate Free Comic Book Day. Sale items will be available throughout the store and local artist Scott Serkland will be signing autographs and sketching from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. A new round of “surprise boxes” will also be available.
