National Comic Book Day

Celebrated on 09/25/2026

Quick Fact

National Comic Book Day is celebrated annually on September 25th, marking the date in 1984 when the first official comic book was published. Fans often participate by visiting local comic shops, attending conventions, or dressing up as their favorite characters.

Origins and Establishment of National Comic Book Day

National Comic Book Day was created in 2015 by a coalition of comic book retailers, publishers, and fans to celebrate the art form and its cultural impact. The date, September 25th, was chosen to commemorate the release of the first modern comic book, Action Comics #1 (featuring Superman's debut) in 1938, though the holiday's official start was decades later. The day aims to encourage reading, support local comic shops, and recognize the contributions of creators.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Initially a small grassroots event, National Comic Book Day has grown into a nationwide celebration with social media campaigns, special edition releases, and in-store events. Today, it is marked by retailers offering discounts, publishers releasing exclusive variant covers, and fans sharing their collections online. The holiday has also expanded to include digital comics, webcomics, and graphic novels, reflecting the medium's evolution.

Facts & General Observations

• Over 25 million comic books are sold in the United States annually, with National Comic Book Day accounting for a significant spike in sales.
• The most valuable comic book, Action Comics #1, is worth over $3 million, making it a prized collectible.
• Comic books have inspired a multi-billion dollar film industry, with superhero movies grossing over $25 billion worldwide since 2000.

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