They say the best things in life are free and for customers of Reading’s Crunch Comics, that’s Free Comic Book Day.
The annual event returns on Saturday, May 3, and is an opportunity for people to come in and select up to two free comic books.
There are several titles available and stocks are limited, each allows people to try something new without having to pay.
Titles on offer could include comics featuring Godzilla, Transformers, Mega Man, and Street Fighter.
One more unusual title is a team up between Thundercats and The Powerpuff Girls: two very different cartoon universes.
The exact selection of comics stocked in Crunch Comics remains a secret, and they won’t reserve copies for any customers – it’s strictly an on-the-day event, and once titles are gone they are gone.
Such is demand that they will open an hour earlier, from 9am, on Saturday. And in previous years people have been queuing up much earlier than that to get their hands on the freebies.
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The Harris Arcade based independent shop will have some special offers running across the day.
In addition to the free comics, selected back issues can be bought for the bargain price of £1, and Til Death Face Painting will be offering some face-based customisations in exchange for a donation towards medical support for her son Salem, who has Cerebral Palsy.
A fundraising page has been set up which will help pay for therapies, equipment and travel expenses: https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/get-involved/childrens-campaigns/salem-potts
The Crunch Comics team promise that there will be some surprises too.
Free Comic Book Day is a worldwide initiative held annually on the first Saturday in May.
“Each year, we aim to deliver a memorable Free Comic Book Day experience for fans everywhere,” says Ashton Greenwood, Free Comic Book Day spokesperson.
“We know comic book retailers are looking forward to treating their communities to a fun-filled day celebrating comic books, and we think this year’s title selection truly captures that spirit.
“There is something for every kind of fan, from long-time readers to the comic book curious.”
More about Crunch Comics, which is taking part in Free Comic Book Day 2025
Crunch Comics is based in the Harris Arcade, which is packed full of independent stores.
It specialises in US-based comic books and merchandise and offers an ordering system, known as a pull list. The team orders requested comics for customers and rather than sitting on a shelf and being available for anyone to purchase, they are kept behind the counter so customers don’t miss out.
The store also stocks a selection of Pokemon cards, graphic novels, books, posters and T-shirts.
Crunch Comics is open from 10am to 4pm Tuesdays to Saturdays.
For more on Free Comic Book Day, log on to its website: www.FreeComicBookDay.com
For more on Crunch Comics, call the store on 0118 950 7769, or log on to: https://crunchcomics.com/
It is also on Bluesky and Facebook.
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