A few years ago, the folks behind Free Comic Book Day (first Saturday in May) decided that one day of free comics a year simply wasn’t enough. So they started Halloween ComicFest, falling on the Saturday before Halloween. It’s a little more kid-focused than FCBD, but there is still a good range of comics to choose from.

Just like FCBD, HCF is held at comic shops across the country (find a local one here). A lot of shops even go the extra mile, with Halloween decorations, candy for the kids and costume contests. Plus, it’s often a great excuse for a sale too! And publishers release special mini-comics for kids, in addition to the full size variety.

This year there’s a good range of comics from large and small publishers. Titles include Archie, TMNT, Rocky & Bullwinkle, Battle Angel Alita, Hellboy, Goosebumps, Hellblazer, Lady Mechanika, Ms. Marvel, Spider-Man and more. Like FCBD, some of the comics will be previews, while others are reprints of full stories and a few have something new. It’s a good time to discover a title you haven’t tried yet.

So dress up in your favorite costume, grab a trick or treat bag and head to your local comic shop. Considering so many neighborhoods actually have trick or treating on Saturday, it’s a great place to stop before heading out house to house! Find the full list of available comics on the Halloween ComicFest website.