LIST: Where to grab free comics in Central Virginia for National ‘Free Comic Book’ Day

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — In honor of Saturday being National Free Comic Book Day, here are five comic book stores where you can grab a free comic book in Central Virginia.

May 3 is National “Free Comic Book” Day. For comic book lovers, this day is one of the biggest days in comic books, and retailers across Central Virginia and beyond participate. This annual event has often been cross-promoted with the release of a superhero film.

Richmond is home to several comic book shops.

Richmond Comix

In a brand-new location, Richmond Comix, located at 9209 Midlothian Turnpike in Midlothian, across the street from the Arboretum, will be offering free comic books from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

According to a social post from the store, the day will also feature local creators and guests, including Mary Terrani, David Hindelang, Geeky Pierre, Stephen Burks and more.

Some of the free comic books available on this day include "Fantastic Four," "Godzilla: The New Heroes," "Hulk Teach" and "The Amazing Superman."

Since specific comics that publishers sell to the store, a spokesperson from Richmond Comix said, "We give 4 to each person. We have a ton of local artists and craft vendors set up in our parking lot and we have a comicon feel to our event."

This year, the free comic book day is sponsored by Canada Dry.

Stories Comics

Stories Comix, located at 9040 West Broad Street in Henrico County, will be celebrating this popular national event. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with 20% off the entire store.

The day will feature prizes, giveaways and discounts, with goodie bags for your children, along with free stickers, door prizes and a drawing.

Third Eye Comics

Merchandise available at Third Eye Comics. (Photo: D'Andre Henderson)

Third Eye Comics offers an array of genres for comic books. (Photo: D'Andre Henderson)

Third Eye Comics started selling skateboards once the pandemic began. (Photo: D'Andre Henderson)

Third Eye Comics opened to the public on Nov. 21, 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event spans all five Third Eye stores, including the one located at 11575 West Broad Street in Richmond, and features sales, creator signings and of course free comics.

The day, which celebrates the 17th anniversary of Third Eye's Annapolis, MD, location, as well as free comic books, will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

According to a spokesperson with Third Eye, "We have over 50 different titles that qualify for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2025 -- these are special releases available this day only, and we have these laid out on tables, for folks to grab one of each, [even though] we recommend to only grab the ones folks are interested in, so there's plenty to go around."

The first 10 people in line will receive a Third Eye Free Comic Book Day 2025 by 17th anniversary shirt, along with a Third Eye tote bag with goodies.

Alpha Comics

Alpha Comics & Games, located at 1601 Willow Lawn Drive, in Suite 300 B in Richmond.

The store's website mentioned a few free comic book day books, including "Iron Man, Awesome Friends," the 20th anniversary edition of "BOOM," "I Hate Fairyland," "Thundercats: The Powerpuff Girls" "Superman's Good Guy Gang" and more.

Velocity Comics

Velocity Comics' doors opened at 10 a.m. and will be having sales and discounts.

According to the store's Facebook page, there will be 25% off storewide and $1 books for 50 cents until 6 p.m. There will also be free funny-books.

The store is located at 819 West Broad Street in Richmond and has been a part of Central Virginia's comic book culture since 2003.