Comic books are a fantastic way to read thousands of great stories.
From memoirs and gritty crime dramas for adults to sci-fi and fantasy stories for younger readers and yes, even superheroes, the sheer variety of options can at times seem daunting.
Fortunately, there’s a perfect way to try before you buy – Free Comic Book Day.
Each year, select local comic book stores open their doors on the first Saturday in May for old fans and newcomers alike to enjoy a sampling of free comics
Here in the Triad, we have no less than five local comic book stores that will celebrate the occasion on Saturday, May 6, 2023. This includes Parts Unknown, Ssalefish Comics Greensboro, Eastgate Comics, Acme Comics and Ssalefish Comics Winston-Salem.
Each local comic book store has their own unique spin on the occasion, so to help break it all down, we have created the Triad’s ultimate guide to Free Comic Book Day.
Parts Unknown
Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Address: 906 Spring Garden St, Greensboro, NC, United States, North Carolina Website: https://www.facebook.com/PartsUnknownComics
Phone Number: (336) 272-7060
What’s The Score?
Based in Greensboro’s College Hill area near UNCG, Parts Unknown is your friendly neighborhood comic book store. From behind the counter, owner John Hitchcock spins great yarns about the secret histories of comic creators and pro wrestlers of yore. For Free Comic Book Day, Parts Unknown will give customers up to five free comics per customer while offering 20% off on all back issues.
Ssalefish Comics Greensboro
Hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Address: 1622 Stanley Road, Suite 118, Greensboro, NC 27407 Website: https://www.ssalefish.net/greensboro
Phone Number: (980) 258-0198
What’s The Score? Located near the Best Buy in Greensboro, Greensboro’s newest comic book store will let customers pick up to eight free comics from the 47 titles available. They will also feature face-painting, free hourly raffles, in-store appearance by comic book artists Chris Giarrusso and Brian Smith and a ‘Buy 2, Get 1 FREE’ sale on everything in the store except comic supplies, posters and new unbagged comics.
ACME COMICS
Hours: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Address: 2150 Lawndale Dr, Greensboro, NC 27408 Website: https://acmecomics.com/
Phone Number: (336) 574-2263
What’s The Score?
As per usual, Greensboro’s oldest comic book store will most likely celebrate Free Comic Book Day in a big way. Details are still TBA, but they promise to feature local vendors, artists, prizes, and more.
EASTGATE COMICS
Hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Address: 204-C Eastchester Dr, High Point, NC 27262 Website: https://www.eastgatecomics.com/
Phone Number: (336) 887-2455
What’s The Score?
The Triad’s first Black-owned local comic book store will be giving away free comic books while featuring sales on almost everything in the store, including action figures, collectible statues, and Pops! Vinyl Figures in addition to a 20% sale on all regularly priced comics, excluding new books and $2 books. A TBA roster of guest artists will be in attendance as well to show off their amazing work. P.S. Don’t forget to attend the store’s annual Eastgate Comicon in Greensboro on Sunday, May 21!
Ssalefish Comics Winston-Salem
Hours: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Address: 3232 Silas Creek Parkway, Suite 20, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 Website: https://www.ssalefish.net/winstonsalem
Phone Number: (336) 760-9851
What's The Score?
The Triad’s biggest local comic book store will be expanding into a special Free Comic Book Annex from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the shopping center at the nearby spot beside Elizabeth’s Pizza. There, attendees can grab free comics, meet with local artists, scan the store’s massive back issue inventory and take advantage of deals on Pokemon and Sports Cards, while snacking on Dewey’s cake squares. There will also be a ‘Buy 2 get a 3rd FREE’ sale on everything in the store and a special deal on regular priced Pops! Vinyl Figures where customers can purchase as many as they want after purchasing one for its listed value.