Jetpack Comics & Games will be hosting Free Comic Book Day, in downtown Rochester, on Saturday, August 14th, starting at 10am.

Guest of honor Daniel Warren Johnson will be in attendance. DWJ, as he’s come to be known as, works include Marvel Comics: Beta Ray Bill, DC Comics: Wonder Woman, Dead Earth, and his creator-owned Image Properties Murder Falcon 7 Extremity.

“Being able to host Daniel Warren Johnson for the Rochester Free Comic Book Day Festival is a dream come true for us,” said Ralph DiBernardo, Jetpack owner. “His work is so good that he is the guy top creators name as their favorite. His latest work Beta Ray Bill from Marvel comics is reminiscent of the comic series of days gone by. His work is fast-paced, fun, and exciting. We’re thrilled to have him for the day.”

Other guests include Rich Woodall, cover artist for Master’s of the Universe, TMNT Last Ronin, creator and artist of Electric Black & Johnny Raygun as well as being co-publisher for Black Caravan; Jim Lawson, classic Mirage Studios TMNT creator, Vampirella cover artist; Matt Smith, Hellboy artist; Craig Rousseau, Young Hellboy artist, and creator, artist of Perhapanauts; Thomas Sniegoski, Young Hellboy writer, Vampirella co-writer; Jeannine Acheso, Vampirella Co-Writer; Christopher Golden,  writer for Hellboy, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Lady Baltimore, and The Golem.

“Keep an eye on our website as we’ll be adding more guests,” said DiBernardo.

Rochester Free Comic Book Day is officially organized and hosted by Jetpack Comics & Games, however, the event includes a number of neighboring businesses and organizations. 

Participating businesses currently include Red Alert Skate Shop, Union Street Antiques, Collectiques, The Garage at The Governor’s Inn, Fallen Leaf Bistro, Skeletone Records. Other locations include The First United Methodist Church, The Rochester FD Local 1451 (sponsored, with a generous donation, by Porters Pub), Rochester Performance & Arts Center (RPAC), and Rochester Public Library.

“Families have the opportunity to leave the day with over a dozen free comic books,” continued DiBernardo. “Unfortunately, the pandemic has left many businesses short on staff… While they’d like to participate in the event, they just don’t have the people to help. We’re hoping to expand to more locations next year.”

The Event Hall (at The Governor’s Inn) and a Comic Book Scavenger Hunt will run from 10am to 4pm, followed by a costume contest at 4:30pm, on stage at the Garage at The Governor’s Inn.

“FCBD is traditionally a May event, we’re not really sure what to expect as the pandemic forced the worldwide event to move to August,” said DiBernardo. “No matter what, there will be plenty of Free Comic Books at the Rochester Free Comic Book Day Festival.”

Visit www.jetpackcomics.com/fcbd to learn more about Free Comic Book Day and to see more information as it’s added.