Free Comic Book Day in Michigan: What to know & where to go

Free Comic Book Day takes place on May 3, 2025. Learn how and where to celebrate all things comic books in Michigan. 

What’s more fun than a fresh stack of comic books? Well, how about a stack of comic books you just got for free?

Every year, comic shops across the nation mark the first Saturday in May as Free Comic Book Day. The event first began in 2002 as a promotional effort by the comics industry and has since spread throughout North America, becoming a beloved event for comic book enthusiasts, including those in Michigan. This year, the 23rd annual celebration of comics and the people who love them falls on May 3. All across the Wolverine State, comics newbies and longtime lovers will have plenty of opportunities to celebrate.

So, how can you get in on the fun? Check out these Michigan spots celebrating Free Comic Book Day, and see how you can join the festivities.

7 Free Comic Book Day events in Michigan

1. Baldwin Public Library — 300 West Merrill Street, Birmingham

You can’t say “comic book” without “book.” While Free Comic Book Day originated in comic book stores, in recent years, public libraries have also been joining in, including Birmingham’s Baldwin Public Library. Visitors of all ages can pick up a free comic book, with titles available for both children and adults. For kids, be sure to swing by the Youth Room for a comics-inspired “Star Wars” scavenger hunt, and pick up a free activity packet to enjoy at the library or at home.

2. Green Brain Comics — 13936 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn

Dearborn’s Green Brain Comics is kicking off its Free Comic Book Day festivities bright and early, with events running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All visitors are entitled to three free comics per person. However, you can receive additional comics if you come in costume, bring a non-perishable food item to donate, make a purchase in the store, or donate to Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit. You can also check out Green Brain’s side alley, where comics artists, illustrators, and other partners will be signing work, selling merch, and more.

3. Northville District Library — 212 W Cady Street, Northville

Another public library celebrating Free Comic Book Day, the Northville District Library’s event is short but sweet, lasting from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Drop in to collect free comic books at the front desk, but be sure to hurry, because it’s first come, first served. Once they’re gone, they’re gone!

4. State of Comics — 575 Forest Avenue, Plymouth

Starting at 11 a.m., State of Comics in Plymouth is preparing to welcome visitors to what promises to be its “biggest Free Comic Book Day yet!” Not only can visitors help themselves to up to three comic books entirely for free, but they’ll also have the option to purchase an additional two for only a dollar, which will go towards a local charity. While you’re there, State of Comics is playing host to wrestling-and-comics star Ethan Page, who will be signing comics all day. You can also enter the cosplay competition to win tickets to Motor City Comic Con, and enjoy face painting, free popcorn, Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering events, and more!

5. Tardy’s Underground Comics & Collectibles — 228 1/2 Trowbridge Street, Lower Level, Allegan

The Free Comic Book Day festivities at Tardy’s Underground Comics and Collectibles in Allegan are a highlight of the shop’s year, and if you drop by between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., you can not only get up to five free comics, but you can also pick up some art by Bill “Chino” Embil, enjoy tasty food trucks, and shop a variety of sales and specials. If you won’t be able to make it to Allegan, Tardy’s Underground’s sister shop, Tardy’s Collectors Corner in Grand Rapids, will also be stocking some free comics on the day.

6. Time Travellers — 3116 12 Mile Road, Berkley

Berkley comics mega-shop Time Travellers prides itself on its enormous selection of comics, cards, collectibles, and more, so it should come as no surprise that its Free Comic Book Day event promises to be massive. Animation legend Bill Morrison—whose art can be seen in MAD Magazine, on “The Simpsons” and “Futurama,” in Disney properties, and even in promotional materials from The Beatles—will be in attendance, signing materials and meeting with fans alongside Keith Pollard, Dave Acosta, and others. While you’re there, you can also enjoy Pokémon and other trading card game events.

7. Vault of Midnight — 2857 East Grand Boulevard, Detroit, as well as locations in Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids

At Detroit’s Vault of Midnight, Free Comic Book Day is more than a chance to pick up some cool comics. It’s a full-on party! Visitors to all three Vault of Midnight locations can pick up up to five free comic books while supplies last, but it’s the Detroit branch that takes it to the next level. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors can expect live music, cosplay, food trucks, comics merch from local artists, and, if your free comics aren’t enough to add to your collection that day, a sidewalk comic book sale for you to pick up some bargains.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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