Worldwide Free Comic Book Day Comes to Sandusky, Ohio – May 3, 2025 (Saturday)

The first Saturday in May is upon us, and while that sounds like the beginning to some kind of dire prophecy, it’s actually a very positive phrase!

For over 20 years (this will be the 23rd!) comic stores have been participating in Free Comic Book Day. “FCBD” has been celebrated in different ways as each store across the country arranges events, hosts special guests, and offers other promotions. However, the spirit of the event isn’t in the pageantry, it’s in perpetuating this medium of storytelling.

There has now been an entire generation of readers who have had the chance to be entertained and inspired by the stories and art contained in each issue given out! Despite circumstances from bad weather to a national pandemic interrupting these events time and again, fans and families still would get their books and have a chance to participate in this unofficially-official holiday.

It’s important to stores like POP! that our modern myths continue to be passed on through the ages. The POP! Shop is a generational “hubworld” to so many different people and hobbies alike. We always wish to be incubators of creativity and a platform from which a new and ambitious creator can dive through a portal in our hub to be fulfilled in myriad ways.

This year will be no different! Why would it be?

While you may have heard that the comic industry has been going through some changes, not the least of which being a tremendous upheaval at Diamond – a major distributor – we want to assure you that The POP! Shop is going to carry on the meaning of FCBD. For more years than this event has been around, comic and game stores have been shelters from the various storms that rage around us in life.

That will continue to be the case this coming Saturday May 3!

Take a moment to step away from the ceaseless drama that life holds and visit a place that both welcomes and challenges you. Come share your favorite heroes and stories with us. Pick up a new series you never thought about reading before. Find a new artist or writer who gets you to think about things in a compelling way. Enjoy your hobbies in good company.

To bolster this creativity and camaraderie, continue reading to see what we are doing to keep the spirit of Free Comic Book Day alive and well. Spread the word and bring a friend! Introduce a son, niece, or neighbor to the worlds that will open up to them by starting this journey.

We’re here for it, and more importantly, we’re here for YOU!

In addition to comic books, The Pop Shop will have a few special guest including local artists and cosplayers for photo ops.

Artists and Creators Guests

Zane M. Fannin – Local Commission Artist and Creator

Zane is a talented commission and concept artist with a focus on creating stunning comic book style artwork. With a lifelong passion for comics and graphic novels, he has been drawing since he first picked a pencil at 18 months old and has never stopped honing his craft. A Huron native, Zane, attended Ohio University where he further advanced his skills. Earlier this year Zane’s work was published by Zoop under the title Prodigy Comics. Currently, Zane is working on several independent comics, including an exciting superhero anthology that is set to be launched by the end of the year. His dedication to his art and love for storytelling is evident in every piece he creates. You can find Zane and his work on Instagram at… [ Click Here ]

Shawn Butler – Local Artist and Curator of Yesteryear Funland Traveling Toy Museum

Shawn Butler is a local artist who uses his ink and marker talent to create nostalgic works of art with a comedic twist. His work has been collected as commissioned work by private collectors. Shawn is also the Founder & Curator of Yesteryear Funland Traveling Toy Museum. With the help of his team Shawn tours with his private collections, delivering a one of a kind educational experience to fans. To promote his traveling museum, he writes articles for Yesteryear Pop Culture News, announcing upcoming themed tours, as well as nostalgic toy stories, and pop culture celebrations. To learn more about art by Shawn and his traveling toy museum Yesteryear Funland visit, [ YesterYearFunland.com ]

Steven Myers – Self Published Comic Writer / Artist

Steven Myers is an accomplished art teacher based in northern Ohio who applies his artistic talents to a variety of mediums. In addition to teaching, he channels his creativity into crafting polymer clay statues, painting, and drawing in both pastel and ink. With a keen interest in comics and pop culture, his artistic creations often revolve around these themes. Steven is not only a skilled artist but also a talented writer. He is the creator of his own mini-comic called the F.E.D.s and two webcomics, namely “Mutant Elf” and “Mutant Animals vs. Zombies Vs. Machines vs. Humans”. He is also a regular contributor to several anthologies, showcasing his ability to collaborate with others and produce outstanding works of art.

Learn more about Steven Myers by visiting his blog… [ Click Here ]

Costumed Performing Guests

Greg Lopez as Darth Vader

Embrace the power of the dark side when you discover Darth Vader awaiting your arrival at The POP Shop. When you enter the store on Free Comic Book Day you may find yourself face to face with the crushing might of the Galactic Empire’s most powerful enforcer, Darth Vader. Don’t worry too much though, if you undergo an interrogation in the presence of Lord Vader and give in to the dark side of the Force, you’ll discover Local Cosplayer Gregory Lopez, who looks and sounds just like Vader. Lopez is a fan favorite at The POP Shop, Star Wars fans young and old are awed by his presence. Bring your cell phone, you will want to get a photo of with Greg or should be say Darth Vader!

Eric Simmons as The Red Power Ranger

Feel the protection of the Super Morphed Red Power Ranger and join his squad for Free Comic Book Day at The POP Shop. Eric Simmons, who goes by the name Schrye both online and professionally, is an avid fan of pop culture, comic books, gaming, and all things geek/nerd-related. He hails from Ashland, Ohio and has been immersed in this culture his entire life. In 2012, Eric founded The Nerd Rave on Facebook, which has since become a go-to hub for nerd/geek content in a neutral space that everyone can enjoy. The Nerd Rave produces various forms of content, including videos of unboxings and interviews. Eric’s passion for nerd/geek culture has also led him to expand his presence online as a cosplayer, gamer, and streamer. The Nerd Rave has grown to nearly 3000 followers. Eric loves meeting new people and sharing his passion with the world, and he is excited to meet others who share his interests at the upcoming Free Comic Book Day. You can find more information about Schrye and his work at Linktree [ Click Here ], Facebook [ Click Here ], or Instagram [ Click Here ].

Kyle Davis as Spider-Man

Times are tough, but not so tough with Spider-Man around. Bring the kids and cellphones to take pictures with Ol’ Web-Head himself. Local Cosplayer, Kyle Davis, will be visiting The POP Shop on HCBE as Spider-Man. Kyle has been visiting our store on FCBD for eight years now and has always been one of the biggest attractions. You’ll be Amazed at how great his costume and antics mimic the real hero.

Vendors Guests

Crystal Tokyo Creations

Niki, the owner of Crystal Tokyo Creations, started her artistic journey as a hobby that eventually blossomed into a small business. She specializes in creating a wide range of unique items, including hair accessories, keychains, and jewelry made from various materials. Her creations offer a fun and creative twist to the typical offerings found at The POP Shop, giving customers the chance to find something truly one-of-a-kind for themselves or as a gift. With her talent and passion for creativity, Niki’s Crystal Tokyo Creations are sure to add a touch of whimsy and charm to anyone’s

Tyranno Treasures

Jen Davis of Tyranno Treasures has been a guest at The POP Shop’s Free Comic Book Day event for over ten years. With a specialization in creating top-notch vinyl decals, home signs, and mugs, the team boasts over 12 years of expertise in graphic design and regularly updates their design selection. Great for adults and kids, these vinyl decals are ideal for personalizing laptops, cars, and almost any surface, perfect addition to anyone’s decoration collection.