Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) is the biggest event in the comic book industry — a single day when participating comic book specialty shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their shops! Founded on the belief that for every person out there, there’s a comic book they’ll love, the annual event offers a huge selection of free titles designed to appeal to a broad range of age levels and their tastes.

Organized by Jetpack Comics & Games, Rochester FCBD encourages businesses to participate and distribute free comics books all over downtown. Although the event traditionally happens on the first Saturday of May, Rochester FCBD was rescheduled to August 14, due to the pandemic. 

“For a nominal fee, reduced this year thanks to the City of Rochester, downtown businesses can purchase comic books to give away, as part of the Downtown Comic Book Scavenger Hunt,” said Ralph DiBernardo, owner of Jetpack Comics. “The purchase places their business on the map with dozens of other businesses giving away free comic books.”

Event attendees walk from business to business, taking advantage of a variety of special offerings and the opportunity to collect one free comic book per family at each stop.

“With the help of the Rochester Main Street program, the Rochester event is one of the biggest in the world,” said DiBernardo. “The event draws thousands of people to downtown Rochester.”

Jetpack will also be setting up an event hall where visitors can meet local & nationally known comic book creators as well as comic book vendors. A Comic Book Scavenger Hunt will take place from 10am to 4pm with a costume contest and after-party to follow at The Garage, at the Governor’s Inn.

“People were bummed that the Pandemic ruined everything, including FCBD 2020,” DiBernardo continued. “We’re excited that our FCBD committee postponed it to later in the summer, in time for the world to open up. The event would not be possible without the support of Anthony Ejarque and The Governor’s Inn, Rochester Main Street, and the City of Rochester.”

According to organizers, current Covid-19 guidelines will be followed and posted on the Jetpack Comics FCBD webpage. Mask wearing, along with a cool costume, is always encouraged. Businesses wishing to participate should contact Ralph DiBernardo at jetpackcomics@gmail.com or download the registration form at www.jetpackcomics.com.