Free Comic Book Day in Wilmington NC: Where to Go and What to Know
Free Comic Book Day happens every year on the first Saturday in May. Comic shops across the country give away specially published comics from Marvel, DC, Image, and dozens of other publishers. Not discount bin leftovers. Brand new books printed specifically for this event.
If you've never been, it's a great excuse to check out a local shop you've walked past a hundred times. If you have kids, this is one of the easiest free activities in Wilmington this weekend. Walk in, grab some comics, walk out. No tickets, no registration, no catch.
Wilmington Comic Shops to Visit
Memory Lane Comics
Where: 201 and 222 Princess St, Downtown Wilmington (two locations, same street)
Hours: 11 AM - 7 PM (Wednesday opens at 10 AM, Sunday 1 - 6 PM)
Phone: (910) 392-6647
Wilmington's original comic shop, open for over 40 years. Two storefronts on Princess Street in downtown - one focuses on comics and graphic novels, the other on vintage toys and action figures. If you're only hitting one shop, this is the one. They go all in for Free Comic Book Day every year.
- 5 free comics per person, over 50 titles to choose from
- Visit both Memory Lane locations for additional free comics
- They're taking over part of Princess Street for the event
- Bourgie Nights next door is being rented out for extra space and freebies
- Local creator alley with area artists and writers
- All-day sales at both locations
- Raffle with high-end items
Good to know: students and military get 15% off comics and 20% off graphic novels year-round.
Whatever Wilmington
Where: 117 Grace St, Downtown Wilmington
Hours: Thu-Sat 12 - 6 PM, Sun 10 AM - 2 PM
Phone: (910) 599-8072
Specializes in vintage comics, baseball cards, local film and TV memorabilia (this is Hollywood East, after all). Smaller shop, different vibe from Memory Lane. Worth a stop if you're already downtown, especially if you're into collectibles and one-of-a-kind finds.
Buried Under Comics and Toys
Where: 3908 Market St, Wilmington
Phone: (910) 660-8398
Off the downtown strip on Market Street. Big selection of vintage and modern toys plus comic back issues. If you've got kids who are more into Pokemon cards and action figures than superhero comics, this one might be the better fit.
How Free Comic Book Day Works
You walk into a participating shop, browse the Free Comic Book Day display, and pick up comics. That's it. Most shops limit you to a handful of free titles per person so everyone gets a shot. The selection usually runs 40+ titles ranging from Marvel and DC headliners to indie and all-ages books.
The free comics are not free for the shops to buy. They pay for them so you don't have to. If you grab some free books, consider buying something else while you're there. A graphic novel, a toy, whatever. It's the right thing to do and it keeps these shops open.
What's Available This Year
The 2026 lineup includes over 40 titles. Some highlights:
- Amazing Spider-Man #1000 - Marvel milestone issue
- DC x Sonic #1 - Justice League meets Sonic the Hedgehog (kids will lose their minds)
- Aquamanatee #1 - DC's all-ages book, great for younger readers
- Alien, Predator & Planet of the Apes - for the sci-fi crowd
- Archie Comics 85th Anniversary - classic all-ages fun
- Avatar: The Last Airbender - Dark Horse, another great kids pick
- Dungeons & Dragons / He-Man - Dark Horse, fantasy fans
- Supernatural #1 preview - Dynamite, for TV fans
- Garfield #1 - BOOM! Studios, all ages
Not every shop will have every title. Get there early for the best selection. Popular books go fast.
Bringing Kids?
This is one of the most kid-friendly free activities happening in Wilmington this weekend. Most of the giveaway comics have all-ages options (DC x Sonic, Aquamanatee, Archie, Avatar, Garfield). Shops are used to kids on FCBD and most have the kid-friendly titles separated out so you're not flipping through horror comics with a 6-year-old.
Memory Lane Comics on Princess Street is walkable from the Riverwalk if you want to make a morning of it downtown. Comics, then lunch, then the waterfront.
Tips
Go early. Popular titles run out. Memory Lane opens at 11 AM on Saturdays. Be there close to open for the best pick.
Hit more than one shop. Each shop orders different titles. Memory Lane and Whatever Wilmington are both downtown within walking distance of each other. Different inventory, same free comics.
Bring cash. If you plan to buy anything beyond the free books (and you should, to support the shop), some smaller shops still prefer cash for smaller purchases.
Don't be a hoarder. Take a reasonable number. Other people want free comics too. Most shops set a limit per person.
Check social media. Shops often post their FCBD plans, hours, and any extra events (signings, cosplay, sales) on Facebook and Instagram leading up to the day. Memory Lane's Facebook is a good follow.
Also Happening Saturday, May 2
Free Comic Book Day overlaps with the 36th Annual River to Sea Bike Ride this year. The bike ride starts at 7 AM and wraps up around 11:30 AM. If you're riding, you could finish the ride downtown and walk to Memory Lane for Free Comic Book Day right after. Not a bad Saturday.
For more things to do this weekend in Wilmington, check our events calendar or browse our local guides.
Bringing kids? Our Things to Do with Kids in Wilmington guide has more ideas.
