This year, it’s time to start a new Christmas tradition – going to your local comic shop for new comics

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Every week, new comic books are sent around the world and end up in these lovely places called comic shops. It’s not some massive chain – it’s an independent, slightly anachronistic place owned by over 2,000 families across the world that serves as the lifeblood of everything from the big and blustery superhero fiction you read from DC and Marvel, as well as the more mainstream (read: less superhero-y) stories from other publishers and creators (and oftentimes, some of those same creators you know from your superhero comics).

Every week, there are new comics – sent like gifts from Santa Claus, but unlike that relative slacker, comic creators (and the publishers, and those retailers) get it for you every week – usually on Wednesdays. But this year Christmas Day falls on a Wednesday, which for some might put a damper on getting weekly installments of basic necessities like milk, bread, and, you know, comics. But this year, Christmas isn’t canceling New Comic Day…

…because this year, Christmas is New Comic Day.

Whereas in previous years where Christmas has fallen on a Wednesday and publishers skip a Christmas day release day (such as in 2019), Marvel Comics has announced they’re plunging ahead and keeping a Wednesday release date for Christmas week. This means after you wake up, open your presents, then see what the rest of the family is up to, you can get dressed and get in your car/truck/Spider-mobile/sleigh and head to the comic shop to begin spending your hard-earned Christmas cash on even more gifts.

Of course, we can’t presume your local comic shop will be open. They too have families, and need to make the best choice for themselves if they are open. Ask them ahead of time – and if you don’ have a comic shop, find one over at comicshoplocator.com.