International Free Comic Book Day is among us! For those who don’t know, May 3rd is the annual celebration where comic book fans can swing by their favorite local shops and snag free comics, it’s basically a holiday for nerds (and proud of it).

While the day is always a busy one for comic book stores, Vans Cards Comics and Games went above and beyond this year. To mark the occasion, they officially unveiled The Garage, a brand-new extension of their shop that doubles as a cozy hangout spot. Packed with even more comics, all neatly labeled in bins, this space is designed for fans to shop, chill, and dive into their favorite stories in a relaxed lounge-style setting.

We caught up with one attendee, Emmanuel, who shared his excitement: “Getting comics for free is great, and I was able to add to my collection.” "I appreciate that vans does this and love hanging out here regularly." That’s the beauty of Free Comic Book Day, it brings the community together and makes collecting more accessible.

The new addition feels more like a lounge than a store—perfect for browsing, reading, and just soaking in the good vibes with fellow fans.

Throughout the event, the vibe was electric. The store was filled with a wide selection of comics, and the atmosphere was fun and welcoming. There was food, drinks, and plenty of people to connect with. Whether you were there to hunt for your next favorite issue or just hang out, Vans made sure everyone had something to enjoy and let’s be real, who doesn’t love free stuff?

And if you missed it, no worries we captured a snippet on social media! Check out our Instagram to get a glimpse of the action. This event is a must-attend every year, and with additions like The Garage, Vans Comics and Cards is quickly becoming a community hub, not just a store.