FCBD ‘25: Disney's Ultimate Weekend
For many, especially Blerds, nerds, and geeks, the first weekend in May marks the unofficial start of summer. Yes, Memorial Day may be the official kickoff—but the real celebration begins earlier with the ultimate nerd holiday: Free Comic Book Day (FCBD).
This day is special because it gives the many, and I mean many, comic book fans a chance to land at their local comic store to gather comics, score free issues, and celebrate their love of comic book culture. Depending on where you live, depending on where you go… Free Comic Book Day can feel like a mini convention: cosplayers, long lines filled with fans buying their favorite books, watching local artists sketch and sign books for fans.
Additionally, FCBD is a celebration of storytelling, fandom, and community. It is also a day where veteran collectors and first-time readers rub elbows with each other discussing superhero topics, where indie gems are discovered alongside Marvel and DC, and where your local comic shop becomes the hottest nerdy club in town.....even if it’s just for a day.
But this year is different. This year, Disney has Free Comic Book Day and its entire weekend on lock. The stars have aligned, the planets are in sync, and Marvel/Star Wars has blessed us with the ultimate weekend for fans of pop culture.
If you live in the Essex County, NJ and party in the NYC area, Marvel has unconsciously cornered the May weekend with a lineup of activities that will bless the fandom with an unforgettable FCBD ’25.
Let’s get into it.
Marvel’s ThunderBolts
Marvel Studios has dropped a game-changing chapter in the MCU with Thunderbolts, and it’s got fans buzzing with theories, hype, and a whole lot of questions. In this movie, some of Marvel’s most morally gray characters: Yelena Belova, U.S. Agent: John Walker, Ghost (Ava Starr), Taskmaster (Antonia Dreykov), Red Guardian (Alexei Shostakov), and Bucky Barnes, are brought together under shady government orders.
What starts as a covert mission under the direction of CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine quickly spirals into betrayal, backstabbing, and survival mode as the team is ensnared in a deadly trap meant to erase them and all evidence tied to de Fontaine’s dark dealings.
Forced to confront the darkest parts of their pasts and rely on one another in ways none of them expected, this team of antiheroes battles their way through secret compounds and even the legendary Avengers Tower where a powerful new figure emerges, one whose abilities threaten to outshine Earth’s Mightiest Heroes
With Thunderbolts, it asks the big question: will this broken team implode under pressure, or rise from the ashes as the MCU’s most unexpected new protectors? As with any Marvel Movie, stay for the entire event…..those end credits will surprise you.
FCBD’25
If you live in the North Jersey area, there are a few comic bookstores offering specialized deals for the eager collector. Game cards, collectibles, comics from indie titles, IMAGE, DC, and Marvel, expect a discounted price for some of that great magic. While there are many comics book shops out there in Essex County, NJ, these are the two I visited and I promise, you won’t be disappointed.
Disclaimer: The magic will vary based on comic book shop....
Fortress of Solitude: “Where the Heroes Go.”
53 University Avenue, Suite 101 - Newark, New Jersey 07102 - 973) 242-3725
Located in the heart of Newark, NJ, this comic book shop is a hidden gem where the staff’s top-tier knowledge and passion for comics truly shine. Whether you're a veteran collector or just getting into the world of comics, this store has something for everyone. As comic book gems, best sellers, and collectibles line the walls, Fortress offers an amazing trip through comic book history with past issues and new adventures with the latest and most popular series. For Fortress, this spot is more than a comic shop, it’s a full-on experience for every type of fan.
For FCBD, expect up and coming artists, new releases and discounted comics that will have you reliving your pop culture fantasies all over again.
East Side Mags “Essex County’s #1 Toy and Hobby Shop”
491 Bloomfield Ave Suite 102 - Montclair, NJ 07042 (862) 333-4961
Winner of the Suburban Essex, Readers’ Choice Awards for the last 8 years (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2023, 2024) East Side Mags has blessed fans with food, cosplayers, discounted merch, amazing finds and offering a wide assortment of new and classic single-issue comics, trade paperbacks, graphic novels, action figures, games, cards, collectibles, and more.
This shop has something for every kind of fan. From statues and busts to T-shirts, posters, and exclusive indie art from both local and national artists, the selection here is as diverse as the fandom itself. Expect a lot of magic.
Pop Culture Celebrated Events
Sexy Nerds - May 3, 2025
Tailor Public House - 505 8th Ave, New York, NY 10018- 9:30 PM - TBD
The Sexy Nerds are back and bringing the heat for FCBD ’25 with a celebration that’s bigger, bolder, and nerdier than ever! This isn’t just about free comics—it’s a full-on fandom takeover. Make sure you’re rocking your best cosplay or repping your favorite anime, because the Sexy Nerds are returning fresh off their legendary Blockbuster ’25 event to shine bright in NYC once again!!!
Expect nonstop dancing, eye-popping art, unforgettable cosplay, and video game vibes that’ll keep you coming back. FCBD ’25 is the day to let your fandom flow and they’re making sure this event is one to remember. For Tickets – Click Here
SonicBoomBox – May the Fourth be with You Cantina Party - May 4th, 2025
SPIN Times Square - 1626 Broadway, New York, NY 10019 - 6pm – 12am
This May the 4th, get ready to party in a galaxy not so far away—SonicBoombox is throwing the ultimate Star Wars Day bash in the heart of Times Square, and it’s sponsored by none other than Disney’s ANDOR Season 2! Step into 10,000 square feet of non-stop fun, with a live DJ, themed drinks, dancing, free ping pong, and an automated bathtub that’s perfect for capturing those intergalactic vibes.
Snap memories at the photobooth with free prints, snag a free Andor mini-poster (while supplies last), and meet special guests, fellow cosplayers Carrinnnaaa, Pearllhime, and more!
Whether you’re rocking Jedi robes or just showing up to vibe, cosplay is encouraged but never required just make sure you’re 21+ and ready to party. Tickets are $10 in advance or $25 at the door, so grab yours now and save your credits! For Tickets – Click Here
Final Thoughts
FCBD ’25 isn’t just a day—it’s a holiday celebrating everything we love about comics, fandom, and community. From exclusive comic drops and indie artist gems to high-energy parties and unforgettable moments with fellow fans, this weekend is set to deliver something for everyone. With Marvel dominating the conversation with Thunderbolts and Disney’s Star Wars' Andor Season 2, and epic events like Sexy Nerds and SonicBoombox turning up the vibes, the first weekend in May proves once again that pop culture is alive, thriving, and more powerful than ever.
Also, let’s not forget the real MVPs....#shoutout to the local comic book shops, the lifeblood of the fandom. These are the places where stories come alive, where community is built, and where the next generation of heroes and collectors is born.
Happy FCBD ‘25 everyone. Enjoy the Positive Vibes.
Respect.
