Oh, the Comics You'll Read! Free Comic Book Day 2025 at Packrat Comics

Oh, the Comics You'll Read! Free Comic Book Day 2025 at Packrat Comics

 

Mark your calendars and grab your hats—Free Comic Book Day is back at Packrat Comics, and this year, we're bringing the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss to life!

Date – Saturday, May 3, 2025 10am-7pm
Location – Packrat Comics
Free Comics – Because who doesn’t love free stuff?
Cosplay Encouraged – Dust off those capes and cowls!
Surprises – You won’t want to miss out!
Artist Alley – Shop unique collectibles, art, and crafts!

Step into a world of imagination and adventure as we celebrate our favorite day of the year with free comics, fantastic activities, and a Seussian twist on all the fun! Whether you're young or young at heart, there's something for everyone at this free, family-friendly event!

CREATORS:

Dirk Manning - Dirk Manning is the writer/creator of comic series such as the supernatural noir Tales of Mr. Rhee and the genre-bending horror anthology Nightmare World. More of Dirk’s comic work includes: Buried But Not Dead (Nominated for a Ringo Award as "Best Original Graphic Novel" of 2021), Twiztid Haunted High-Ons (Nominated for three Ringo Awards in 2020, including "Best Humor Comic"), Butts in Seats: The Tony Schiavone Story (#1 Best-Selling Graphic Novel on Amazon), Hope, Love Stories (to Die For), and  The Adventures of Cthulhu Jr. & Friends. Meet the man of mrrhee himself.

  

 

Joel Jackson - Joel Jackson still wants to be a Transformer when he grows up, or possibly He-Man. For the moment, he’s an artist! Hidden in his secret underground fortress, surrounded by his plastic articulated army, Joel's creations jump off the finished page fueled by caffeine, boundless imagination, and a flair for pop culture. Jackson has been self-publishing and cartooning for over 25 years and is the artist on such comic books as Stealth Hammer, Radio Free Gahanna, and Cashout to name a few. Check out more of his work, both comics and illustration at  www.joeljackson.design

 

Matthew Spurlock - Although his original career goals both included constructing a lightsaber and joining the rebellion against the Empire, Matthew Spurlock turned down adventure and decided to go to art school. Since earning his BFA at the Columbus College of Art and Design, Matthew made a career as a freelance illustrator and spends his time creating alternative movie posters. He now sets his sights upon the world of tabletop gaming, aspiring to get his foot into the door of Magic the Gathering.

 

 

Natalie Haines - Join us in giving Natalie Haines a warm welcome for her return to Packrat. As a recent CCAD graduate, she has since become a freelance artist and her most current work can be found on the covers of Sonic the Hedgehog and My Little Pony from IDW.  We're super excited and hope you are too.


Tom Williams - 

This year, Tom won’t be able to join us as he focuses on his health after being diagnosed with a cancerous tumor on his liver. We know how much Tom means to our Packrat family, and we’re keeping him in our thoughts as he takes on this challenge.
If you’d like to support Tom on his journey, please consider donating to his GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/01d0b394

 

Crypt of MADness - Crypt of MADness is a MAD-mag and EC Comics focused fanzine, featuring interviews, rare artwork, and much more!  They will be at Packrat Comics’ 2025 Free Comic Book Day event with back issues and special editions! Toppestpower Designs is here to bring you the finest horror comix lifestyle swag you could ever want… stickers, posters, and a lil’ bit more! (Boo!)


Cutthroat Comics - Representing Cutthroat Comics will be owner, author, and letterer Josh Nealis. Since it's inception in 2015, Josh has written and published 13 plus books and comics under the Cutthroat Comics brand. Cutthroat Comics is based out of Findlay, Ohio and brings an offbeat attitude to the industry. Nothing is off limits and everything is fair game.

    Nick Arganbright - Co-creator of Excavator alongside artist Nil Carmona.  Nick is a writer, occasionally writing for radio plays (It's All Been Done Radio Hour), local theater (MadLab Theatre), and acting/directing too.  When he isn’t being creative, you can find him relaxing by playing board games, reading comics, listening to music, and watching movies and television shows. He currently lives in Columbus, Ohio with his wife Sarah.

     

    COSPLAY

    Squared Circle Cosplay - Squared Circle Cosplay a group of Ohio based wrestling cosplayers who band together to cosplay some of their favorite wrestlers and hopefully some of yours too! Get ready to get your picture with them and replica championship belts.

    Central Ohio Ghostbusters - Professional Paranormal Investigations and Eliminations! With an Ecto 1 and Stay Puft, who you gonna call?

    FuzzyFrogFurSuits - Fuzzy Frog FurSuits is a fursuit making and art producing company where we take your characters and bring them to life whether in art or suit form!

     

    FOOD

    The Tasty Good -  The Tasty Good will be bringing their chicken finger creations to Packrat for FCBD.

     

    OUTDOOR ACTIVITY FUN FOR THE KIDS - BOUNCE HOUSE INFLATABLE  FROM 10-5PM

     

    COSTUME CONTEST

    Free Comic Book Day Costume Contest starts at 1pm and prizes to be awarded to kids 13 & under and adults 14 & up.  Packrat gift cards for first, second, and third place.  

     

     

    SENSORY FRIENDLY 6-7pm

    Lights will be out in the comic shop and in each of the rooms with FCBD books.

    We will keep noise to a minimum by turning off the radio and request guests keep noise to a minimum.

    There will be signs around the store detailing our efforts for the afternoon crowd to make them aware of our objective.

    If there is anything else you can think of to improve this effort, please contact me and we will make as many accommodations as possible.

    Thank you all for your understanding as we work to create this special event for those needing a sensory friendly option.


    And don't forget about the FREE COMICS!

    FREE COMICS? Yes, free comics on Saturday, May 3. Each person may select up to 3 free comics from the selection of FCBD comics we purchased from the publishers. You will then be able to 'purchase' additional comics by donating non-perishable food items to our food drive. Thank you as always for your continued generosity!

    Join the Fun!

    Prepare for a day full of colorful surprises, rhyming delights, and comic book magic. Whether you're a longtime collector or picking up your very first comic, Oh, the Comics You'll Read! is an event you won’t want to miss!

    Stay connected for updates and sneak peeks! Follow us on social media and check back for more event details as we count down to Free Comic Book Day!

     

    ONLINE FRIENDS

    Celebrate Oh, the comics you'll read and Free Comic Book Day with us from anywhere!

    If you can't make it to our store this Saturday, May 3rd, you're still in for a treat.

    Enjoy an exclusive 15% off your entire order at Packratcomics.com using the discount code SEUSS, plus receive a free Dr. Seuss comic while supplies last!

    While we welcome requests for specific Free Comic Book Day titles, we can't guarantee availability, but we will do our best to fulfill your wishes.

    Don’t miss out on your chance to save and celebrate with us—


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