Albany Comic Book Shop Hosts Fundraiser for Local Refugee Center

Earthworld Comics partners with creators to support West Hill Refugee Welcome Center on Free Comic Book Day.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:19pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of an 'Abolish ICE' t-shirt worn by a wrestler, repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the comic shop's fundraiser for a local refugee organization.A pop art-inspired illustration celebrates the partnership between a local comic shop and refugee organization, using the power of comics to drive social change.Albany Today

Earthworld Comics, a longtime comic book shop in Albany, New York, is using Free Comic Book Day as an opportunity to raise funds for the West Hill Refugee Welcome Center, a local non-profit that helps refugees transition and resettle in the city's West Hill neighborhood. The shop is selling exclusive tote bags featuring artwork by local creator Michael Kingston, with all proceeds going directly to the refugee organization. They are also hosting a silent auction for an original piece by veteran Marvel artist John Hebert, with those funds also benefiting the Welcome Center.

Why it matters

This fundraiser highlights how comic book shops can leverage major industry events like Free Comic Book Day to support their local communities. Earthworld Comics has been a fixture in Albany for over 40 years, and the owners believe it's important to give back, especially to marginalized groups like refugees who are new to the area. The partnership with creators like Michael Kingston and John Hebert also showcases the comics community's ability to use their talents for social good.

The details

For this year's Free Comic Book Day on May 6, Earthworld Comics is selling an exclusive tote bag featuring artwork by local creator Michael Kingston of Headlocked Comics. The bag depicts AEW wrestler Brody King wearing an 'Abolish ICE' shirt. All $20 proceeds from the bag sales will be donated directly to the West Hill Refugee Welcome Center, a non-profit that has been helping refugees resettle in Albany since 2005. Earthworld is also hosting a silent auction for an original piece of art by veteran Marvel artist John Hebert, with those funds also going to the Welcome Center.

  • Free Comic Book Day is the first Saturday in May, which this year falls on May 6, 2026.
  • Earthworld Comics has been in business in Albany for over 40 years.

The players

Earthworld Comics

A long-running comic book shop in Albany, New York that is hosting a fundraiser for the local West Hill Refugee Welcome Center on Free Comic Book Day.

West Hill Refugee Welcome Center

A local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Albany that works to help refugees with their long-term transition and relocation to the city's West Hill neighborhood.

Michael Kingston

A local creator from Albany who provided the artwork featured on the exclusive tote bag being sold by Earthworld Comics to benefit the Refugee Welcome Center.

John Hebert

A veteran Marvel artist who will be creating an original piece of art for a silent auction at Earthworld Comics, with proceeds going to the Refugee Welcome Center.

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What they’re saying

“Earthworld has been in business for over four decades because this community has looked out for us. It's a core tenet that our father, JC, instilled in us, to return that favor, especially to our marginalized neighbors. When we see people in our immediate circle being targeted, we don't just stand by. We use the platform we have—and the incredible talent of the comics community—to help organizations like the West Hill Refugee Welcome Center continue their vital work.”

— Glindmyer, Earthworld Comics Owner

What’s next

On Free Comic Book Day, May 6, 2026, customers can visit Earthworld Comics in Albany to purchase the exclusive tote bag and bid on the original art piece, with all proceeds going to support the West Hill Refugee Welcome Center.

The takeaway

This fundraiser demonstrates how comic book shops can leverage major industry events like Free Comic Book Day to give back to their local communities. By partnering with creators and supporting organizations like the West Hill Refugee Welcome Center, Earthworld Comics is using its platform to make a positive impact on marginalized groups in Albany.