Marked on the initial Saturday of May, Free Comic Book Day serves a triple purpose. It expresses gratitude to existing comic book enthusiasts for their continuous support, introduces newcomers to the pleasures of comic book reading, and extends a welcoming call to those who may have once cherished comic books but have been distant from them.

This annual promotional event, pioneered by the North American comic book industry, plays a crucial role in attracting fresh readers to local comic book stores. The idea for this celebration was initially conceived in an August 2001 column and officially inaugurated in 2002.

Coordinated by Diamond Comic Distributors, one of the industry's major distributors, this holiday, although originating in North America, has transcended borders and spread to numerous countries worldwide, encompassing regions in Africa, Australia, Asia, and Europe.