Two comic book holidays for the price (or lack thereof) of one

Free Comic Book Day, a national holiday for comic book aficionados, has been celebrated on the first Saturday in May since 2002.

What makes this year’s event unique is it’s also the inaugural Comics Giveaway Day, a new, separate initiative from Penguin Random House.

While Universal Distribution took ownership of the “Free Comic Book Day” trademark last year, Penguin Random House launched Comics Giveaway Day for the publishers it distributes. Despite the different names, both events function the same way: Participating comic shops offer specially printed titles for free while supplies last.

Publishers remaining under the original Free Comic Book Day banner (distributed via Lunar and Universal) include DC Comics, Image Comics, Dynamite Entertainment, Mad Cave Studios, Titan Comics and Archie Comics, among others. Publishers under the Comics Giveaway Day banner (distributed via Penguin Random House) include Marvel Comics, BOOM! Studios, Dark Horse Comics, IDW and more.

Around 50 titles are being offered this year through the two events. Most retailers expect to carry offerings from both Free Comic Book Day and Comics Giveaway Day; downtown Lansing’s Summit Comics and Games is no exception.

“Last year, we had about 1,800 people through the door. Free Comic Book Day is always a busy day at Summit!” manager Alexis McComber said.

Local artists Ryan Holmes, James Tennant and Hector Dorado will have tables set up to sell their work.

“Comics were my gateway into loving storytelling. The artwork captured my attention and imagination as a youth, but as I grew as a reader, I was able to enjoy the stories. Free Comic Book Day is a great way to step into a truly magical world, taste test new stories and revisit the things that had me at 5 years old,” Holmes said. “As an artist, I’m excited to share some new artwork not yet seen in person and also to share knowledge with up-and-coming artists.”

The nonprofit organizations League of Enchantment, a cosplay group, and the Lansing Ghostbusters will also be present.

“I’m the leader of the Lansing Ghostbusters,” Holmes said. “Rest assured, we’re here and ready to believe you!”

Guests are encouraged to come in costume (provided they’re tasteful and family friendly). Each customer will receive four free comics, according to McComber.

“For me, the best part of Free Comic Book Day is the amount of joy and community it brings to everyone that stops by,” McComber said. “Handing out the free comics is great, but the real heart of the day is all the happiness. I think what makes Summit’s event stand out from other stores is, like I said, the community. It brings everyone together to celebrate the love of comics and reading. It’s just a wonderful day of fun!”

SIDEBAR: Comics of note

In celebration of the first meeting between its flagship characters, Superman and Spider-Man, 50 years ago, DC and Marvel have published two new crossover comics called “Superman/Spider-Man” and “Spider-Man/Superman.” The latter was released by Marvel on April 22. It features work by University of Michigan alumnus/New York Times best-selling novelist Brad Meltzer and Michigan State University alumni Geoff Johns and Ryan Stegman. 

“The two crossovers are selling well,” Alexis McComber of Summit Comics & Games in Lansing said. “Comic readers, myself included, would love to have more stories of the big two publishers’ heroes — and villains — coming together and having adventures. Keep it coming!”

In 2023, Johns — a prolific writer for comics, TV and movies — and Meltzer, along with several other comic book creators, founded Ghost Machine, an independent media company. Through Ghost Machine, Johns is the author of “Geiger,” “Hyde Street,” “Junkyard Joe” and “Redcoat.” 

All of these titles are available for sale at Summit.