Adelaide
November 2-3, 2024
Adelaide Showground
Free Comic Book Day is coming to comic book stores this Saturday, May 4, with heavyweights like Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Image, Vertigo and more showcasing some of their latest offerings, free of charge! It’s the best time of the year to grab free previews of the hottest new comics, stock up on your favourite titles, and check out some amazing cosplay.
This year, IDW is releasing its TMNT: Casualty of War comic, a must for fans excited to see Arrow and TMNT: Out of the Shadows Supa-Star Stephen Amell, this June. Dark Horse will also be issuing a Stranger Things and Black Hammer double-feature (fans who met Supa-Star Millie Bobby Brown in April should definitely get onto this!).
With the upcoming Spidey film right around the corner, Marvel comes bearing an all new Spider-Man offering, featuring fan-favourite creators Tom Taylor, Saladin Ahmed, Cory Smith, Ryan Stegman, along with June Supa-Star Donny Cates! Loved Endgame? Fans can also pick up a FCBD issue of Avengers, featuring stories by Jason Aaron, Stefano Caselli, Gerry Duggan and Mike Deodato.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly fans can also rejoice, as Boom! Studios presents its Welcome to the Whedonverse comic, while Whovians won’t want to miss an introductory issue of Doctor Who: The Thirteen Doctor.
It’s going to be a superhero-packed Saturday, and here’s where you can catch all the action in our major cities:
KINGS COMICS
403 George St
Whether you’re a seasoned FCBD pro or new to the game, Kings Comics is a great place to start your journey. Kings is well organised, well stocked, and they have a great selection of popular titles, as well as independent publishers.
Jam-packed with fun and activities; not only do the staff dress up, but almost everyone visiting the store does as well. If you’re into cosplay, this is the place to visit and sign up for the ever-popular Kings cosplay competition.
Kings Comics will also be hosting some industry legends, this weekend, including Supanova alumnus Nicola Scott, along with April Supa-Stars, Dean Rankine and Andrew Constant!
KINOKUNIYA
Level 2, The Galleries, 500 George Street
One of the biggest and best book stores in the Southern Hemisphere, Kinokuniya has an unparalleled collection of graphic novels, manga, as well as some great collectibles. They’re well organised and stocked, and have introduced a queue registration system to make sure fans aren’t stuck in line for hours.
This year’s Kinokuniya FCBD showbag will include a selection of four free comics. They’ll also be running a number of activities, including a cosplay competition, artist alley, Nanoblock building competition and Star Wars trivia. A wide selection of graphic novels and manga will also be on sale.
MINOTAUR
121 Elizabeth Street
THE pop culture megastore, this is the Aladdin’s cave of comics, collectibles, anime and manga, and has something for nearly every fandom. If you’re in Victoria, this should be your first stop on the FCBD trail.
From 9am, Minotaur will be handing out five free comics per person, with spot prizes throughout the day. Make sure to set those alarms, too, as gift bags will be given out to the first 30 people through the door!
ALL STAR COMICS
53 Queen Street
Winner of the 2014 Spirit of Retail Eisner Award, All Star Comics is a two storey comic book mecca, with a chill-out area, all the popular publications, a healthy collection of independent comics, as well as collectibles, posters, and extremely knowledgeable staff.
In addition to all the free comics, All Star Comics have an exclusive ‘family only’ first hour of trading from 9am, so if you’ve got young ones, it’s a great way to beat the rush and score kids-only free comic showbags. Plus, they’ll have the usual cosplay competitions and artist alley showing off Melbourne’s established and up-and-coming artistic talent!
COMICS ETC
Shop 5, 81 Elizabeth Street
Brisbane city’s premiere pop culture retailer, Comics Etc has an impressive collection of graphic novels, comics, figurines and video game merch, with friendly and knowledgeable staff that definitely make it worth the trip!
They’ll have five free comics available per person, this Saturday, as well as in-store sales across a wide range of stock. Cosplayers, make sure to suit up for the occasion – this is a cosplay-friendly event!
ACE COMIC AND GAMES
Shop 18, Annerley Arcade, 478 Ipswich
Ace Comics and Games is more than just a comic book store – it’s a local meet-up for Brisbane geeks, boasting an impressive list of events, ranging from Friday night Magic: the Gathering sessions, drawing groups, and special release preview nights.
In addition to picking up your free comics, there’ll be a back issue sale, local artists, a comic book swap-meet, as well as mystery boxes available throughout the day.
ADELAIDE COMICS CENTRE
Shop 6G Gays Arcade, Arcade, 111-117 Rundle Mall
The go-to comic book store in Adelaide since 1989, the Comics Centre has all the major new releases and back issues, as well as action figures and art books.
What it lacks in size it makes up for in activities – don’t miss your chance to hit the cosplay runway on Saturday at 11:30am for the chance to win a ‘comic brick’ containing all of the free comic books on offer this year!
QUALITY COMICS
926 Hay Street
Quality Comics is one of Perth’s most popular comic book stores, with a loyal and active fanbase.
This FCBD, Quality Comics will be giving away four free comics per person, with a full list of their offerings available on their Facebook page.
COMICZONE
81 Barrack Street
Another fan-favourite destination, Perth collectors can stop by Comiczone for more Free Comic Book Day goodness! While you’re there, keep an eye out for cosplayers, who’ve been known to visit for the event.
For a full catalogue of this year’s free comic books, visit the Free Comic Book Day website. Availability may differ between stores.