An All-Inclusive Free Comic Book Day

Books With Pictures Eugene is stirring up excitement for Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 3 — as well as a major new announcement. The local comic shop is offering free comics for readers of all ages starting 10 am Saturday. The event also features hands-on workshops, a cosplay contest, zine-making, DIY crafts and a prize raffle. Owner Andrea Gilroy says this year’s event is extra special: During the 5 pm raffle drawing, Books With Pictures will officially announce the launch of the Comic Art Festival of Eugene (CAFE), a fall festival celebrating comics, cartooning and storytelling. The first CAFE is scheduled for early October, supported by the University of Oregon’s Comics and Cartoon Studies program. “We’re so excited to share our love of comics with the community,” Gilroy says. “Free Comic Book Day is always one of our favorite days of the year, and this year it’s even more special with the announcement of CAFE. We hope this will become a new tradition for comics lovers in Eugene and beyond.” Leading up to the big day, Books With Pictures will host a crafting night May 1 and a signing with local writer Justin Richards May 2. Comics are for everyone — and this spring, so is the celebration.

Free Comic Book Day is 10 am Saturday, May 3, at Books With Pictures Eugene, 296 East 5th Avenue, suite 224. For a full schedule, visit Books-With-Pictures-Eugene.myshopify.com. FREE.

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!