Among all the glorious nerd holidays (May the Fourth, Alien Day, etc.) few are as exciting as Free Comic Book Day. FCBD is an annual promotional event sponsored by the comic book industry to attract readers to support their local independent comic book stores. Many brick and mortar stores have expanded celebrations to include giveaways, raffles, book signings, and more. It’s a great opportunity to not only pick up some free comics, but to enjoy your local shop and mingle with fellow comic book fans.
With 46 free comics and manga dropping tomorrow, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by what’s on offer. Let’s take a quick look at the issues we’re most looking forward to picking up.
The Big Two: Marvel and DC
Marvel is dropping three free one-shots, with something for everyone. MARVEL’S VOICES #1 will be a unique introduction to the groundbreaking and critically acclaimed Marvel’s Voices series, which includes seven Marvel’s Voices stories, spotlighting creators and characters from different cultures, communities, and identities. SPIDER-MAN/VENOM #1 will feature a story from writer Zeb Wells and legendary artist John Romita Jr., previewing their AMAZING SPIDER-MAN run. The issue also includes Al Ewing, Ram V, and Bryan Hitch’s new take on VENOM. Finally, AVENGERS/X-MEN #1 will feature writers Kieron Gillen and Gerry Duggan and artist Dustin Weaver in a major cossover event.
DC is also offering three one-shots for FCBD. Dark Crisis #0 from from Joshua Williamson and Daniel Sampere, which sees the Justice League face off against the Great Darkness. Teen readers will enjoy a preview of the gender identity-themed graphic novel Galaxy: The Prettiest Star by by Jadzia Axelrod with art by Jess Taylor. And kids can gear up for the upcoming DC League of Super-Pets film with DC League of Super-Pets: The Great Mxy-Up, written by Heath Corson with art by Bobby Timony.
Crossover Episode: Comics Based on TV Shows
Fans of Netflix’s Stranger Things won’t want to miss Eleven and the gang’s trip to a drive-in movie theater, along with a Resident Alien story from writers Michael Moreci and Peter Hogan, along with artists Pius Bak and Steve Parkhouse. Fans of Boom’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer series can pick up a Sunnydale yearbook commemorating 25 years of everyone’s favorite slayer, by writers Jeremy Lambert and Jordie Bellaire with artists Dan Mora, Marianna Ignazzi, cover artist Christa Miesner and more. And Whovians won’t want to miss Doctor Who #1, which leads into an epic new Doctor Who story arc by writer Jody Houser and artist Roberta Ingranata.
Diverse Voices: Original Stories from Inclusive Creators
Hollow #1 features a queer romance about teens uncovering the legend of Sleepy Hollow, by writers Shannon Watters and Branden Boyer-White with artists Berenice Nelle and Naomi Franquiz. Primos #1 follows Latinx heroes, two Mayan brothers who travel through space and time to protect their family, from writer Al Madrigal and artists Carlo Barberi and Brian Reber. It Won’t Always Be Like This is an intimate graphic memoir about an American girl growing up with her father’s new Egyptian family, from writer and artist Malaka Gharib.
Game Time: Comics Based on Video Games
Get your game on with Ash and Pikachu in Pokémon Journeys and an excerpt from Pokémon Adventures: XY, from writers/artists Machito Gomi andSatoshi Yamamoto. Sonic the Hedgehog fans will dig writer Ian Flynn and artist Adam Bryce Thomas’s new adventure featuring Knuckles and Tails. And Street Fighter Masters focuses on Blanka on a new one-shot written by Matt Moylan with artwork by Genzoman.
Best of the Rest: More One-Shots We’re Excited About
Guardian of Fukushima is a French graphic novel from Fabien Grolleau and Ewen Blain, which follows the 2011 Japanese tsunami and the farmer who refused to abandon his animals. Clementine #1 debuts a new young adult story in the world of The Walking Dead by author/artist Tillie Walden, along with an extended look at Everyday Hero Machine Boy (by Irma Kniivila and Tri Vuong) and Sea Serpent’s Heir (by Mairghread Scott and Pablo Tunica). And don’t miss two all-new stories from Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, from writer/artist Meredith McClaren and artist Kicking Shoes.
For a complete list of all the free comics available on FCBD click here. And you can find your local participating comic book shop HERE. Free Comic Book Day is TOMORROW, May 7th, everywhere comics are sold!
(via FCBD, image: DC Comics)
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