Universal Distribution CEO Angelo Exarhakos had some Free Comic Book Day news for the retailers at ComicsPRO: The distributor is adding TCGs this year, with free giveaways to retailers who purchase $100 worth of comics bundles.
“We wanted to evolve the program so we are bringing new people into your shops,” Exarhakos said, displaying a slide with the logos of Pokemon, Wizards of the Coast, Ravensburger, Riftbound: League of Legends, and Upper Deck. “So if you are going to be participating and buying up to $100 worth, you are going to get lots of packs from all of these companies absolutely free to give away and do what you want with them.”
Exharakos told ICv2 last year that he sees games as a logical way to bring new customers into comic shops (see “ICv2 Interview: Angelo Exarhakos”).
Universal acquired Free Comic Book Day from Diamond Comic Distributors purchaser Sparkle Pop (see “Universal Announces More Free Comic Book Day Details”) and has scheduled the event for May 2, 2026. The Canadian comics and games distributor purchased Alliance Game Distribution from Diamond in the bankruptcy auction last year and has rebranded it (see “Alliance Game Distributors Rebranded to Universal”).
Source: ICv2
