How can I verify if a 'free comic website' is legitimate and legal?

To verify legitimacy, check if the website clearly states it has permission to distribute the comics, often through partnerships with publishers or creators. Look for terms of service, privacy policies, and contact information. Be wary of sites with excessive pop-up ads, broken links, or that require suspicious downloads. If a site offers mainstream comics for free without clear authorization, it's likely infringing copyright.