Get free comic books at this Fresno store
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The first Saturday of May is Free Comic Book Day, and lucky for comic book lovers that’s this weekend.
It’s a day to bring people from all different backgrounds and ages together over a passion for comic books, and the opportunity to make some new fans.
“There’s tons of people who have seen all of the movies but have read none of the comics, so it’s about introducing people to that medium and getting people to read comics that have never read comics before,” said Joey Martinez, the owner of Secret Identity Comics.
Free Comic Book Day takes place each year on the first Saturday of May when publishers create free comic books to give away.
This year, Secret Identity Comics in Fresno is keeping the tradition alive. In past years hundreds of people would line up at Heroes Comics.
Joey Martinez has been a longtime fan of comics and was also a customer at Heroes before it closed last year. When he found out Heroes was closing, he had to do something about it.
“We were really sad to see heroes go specifically for days like this Saturday where they would have events where they could bring the community together like that. and that was a big reason for opening his store and keeping that going,” Martinez said.
Comic bookstores also use the day to raise money for several charities in their community.
Secret Identity Comics is partnering with Project Wish Upon A Star, which raises money for kids with illnesses such as cancer, helping families pay medical bills as well as donating money to research.
“Everyone who comes that day will get a selection of free books, but if you donate to charity, you’ll get even more free books, and then we also have multiple raffles for people to enter to really encourage everyone to donate,” Martinez said.
You can look forward to local comic book creators coming out to sign comic books. Sal’s Mexican Restaurant will also be selling breakfast burritos, and Clash Coffee will also be selling Star Wars-themed drinks in honor of Star Wars Day on May 4.
Doors open at 9 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on Saturday.
