Celebrate Free Comic Book Day in West Virginia

In an era of big box stores and online shopping, the neighborhood comic shop has stood the test of time, remaining a popular gathering place for friends to hang out and play their favorite game or chat about comics and movies.

Sure, everyone knows comic books aren’t just for kids. But did you know comic shops are more than just comics? You can find everything from serial comics and graphic novels to a wide variety of gaming supplies, collectibles and more.

If you’re new to the comic scene, Free Comic Book Day makes a great ice breaker. The annual nationwide event takes place the first Saturday in May. Snag a free comic (or two) at participating shops throughout West Virginia and escape to a whole new world. Available titles cover a range of genres and characters, from superheroes to literary characters to anime. All comics are age-rated to help you make the right selection for yourself or your favorite youngster.

As a bonus, in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Marvel Comics character Venom, official mini “Venom” movie posters and a limited run of signed art prints will be available at many participating comic shops.

Here are a few of the West Virginia shops participating in Free Comic Book Day. You can also visit the site and type in your zip code to find a participating store near you.

  • Lost Legion Games & Comics, The Rifleman in South Charleston is the place to be for game nights. If you’ve never played Magic: The Gathering—one of the most popular fantasy series card games—drop in for a live demo and a complementary starter deck.
  • Comic Paradise Plus, with locations in Morgantown and Fairmont, is West Virginia’s oldest comic shop serving North Central West Virginia and surrounding states.
  • Four Horsemen Comics and Gaming in Morgantown features 7,000 feet of gaming and retail space. On Free Comic Book Day the shop’s Clarksburg location will host a Key Issues podcast with trivia contests and prizes.
  • Gary’s Comics and More in Morgantown carries a wide selection of comic books, trade paperbacks, graphic novels and comics collectibles.
  • Your Hobby Place in Martinsburg serves the Tri-State area with comics, collectibles and a wide selection of board, card and role-playing games.
  • Purple Earth Comics stocks a bit of everything, including monthly series, trade paperbacks, statues, collectibles, plush toys, apparel, film memorabilia and storage supplies for your comic collection.
  • Comic World Huntington has the distinction of being the longest running female-owned and operated comic shop in the world. The store specializes in old and new comics.
  • Multiverse Comics in Parkersburg specializes in comic books, role-playing games, fine art, CosPlay and collectibles.

If you really want to immerse yourself in the scene, you might want to check out some of the creative pop-culture conventions held annually in West Virginia, like Tricon in Huntington, WV Pop Culture Con in Morgantown, Parkersburg Pop Con.

This post was last updated on March 17, 2022