Chad Burdette
Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) is back on the first Saturday in May.
It’s the biggest celebration in the comic book world, and you’re invited! On this special day, comic shops across North America and around the globe open their doors and give away FREE comics to everyone who walks in. Yes, totally free!
FCBD is built on one simple idea: there’s a comic out there for everyone. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just curious, you’ll find something you love among the incredible selection of titles for all ages and tastes.
Your local comic shop is more than a store; it’s the heart of the comic book community.
Each shop has its own unique vibe, packed with comics, graphic novels, collectibles, and more.
It’s the perfect place to discover new stories, meet fellow fans, and celebrate pop culture together.
Check out some of the offerings your Local Comic Shop may have available and be sure to support your local store by dropping some money on their regular mechandise
DC is celebrating Free Comic Book Day (“FCBD”), Saturday, May 2, with the following selection of free comics
- DC NEXT LEVEL FCBD 2026 SAMPLER showcasing three DC Next Level titles
- DC’s early reader graphic novel Aquamanatee
- fan-favorite crossover comic book series DC x Sonic the Hedgehog,
- DC’s award-winning horror comic The Nice House on the Lake, available exclusively at local participating comic shops (while supplies last)
DC NEXT LEVEL FCBD 2026 SAMPLER
From the bold minds behind DC ALL IN comes DC NEXT LEVEL, a groundbreaking publishing initiative led by comics superstars Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson. This sampler offers fans an exclusive first look at the next wave of DC storytelling—talent driven, character-focused, and packed with fresh perspectives.
Inside are previews of three explosive new series that redefine iconic characters for a new era:
- BATWOMAN #1 – Acclaimed writer Greg Rucka returns to the hero he helped define, teaming with visionary artist DaNi to chart a daring new mission for Kate Kane.
- LOBO #1 – The Eisner-nominated duo Skottie Young and Jorge Corona take the Main Man on a blood-soaked, universe-shattering ride from the aftermath of DC K.O. to the Source Wall.
- DEATHSTROKE: THE TERMINATOR #1 – Writer Tony Fleecs (Stray Dogs) and artist Carmine Di Giandomenico (The Flash) unleash Slade Wilson in a brutal saga of violence, betrayal, and survival.
This is your gateway to DC ALL IN Act II—a bold new era of storytelling that pushes the boundaries of the DC Universe. Don’t miss this FCBD exclusive.
Comic Watch Reviews:
- Batwoman #1: The Devil Inside
- Batwoman #2: The Streets Run Red With Bats
- Lobo #1: Meet The Next Reality Show Star: Lobo &;The Bounty Hunter
- Lobo #2 – Lights , Camera, LOBO!
- Deathstroke: The Terminator #1: Next Level, Next Contract
- Deathstroke: The Terminator #2: Hunt or be Hunted
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DC X SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #1 FCBD 2026 SPECIAL EDITION
It’s the team-up you never saw coming—and will never forget! When the tyrannical Darkseid breaches dimensions in search of ultimate power, his conquest leads straight to the world of Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic and his friends have faced mad scientists and ancient spirits, but the forces of Apokolips may be more than they can handle alone.
Enter the Justice League! Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and the fastest hero alive—The Flash—join Sonic in a race against cosmic annihilation. Can speed and strength stop the god of evil before two worlds fall?
This Free Comic Book Day special edition kicks off an epic crossover event from writer Ian Flynn and artist Adam Bryce Thomas, with a stunning cover by Pablo M. Collar. Packed with action, surprises, and fan-favorite characters, this is one collision of universes you don’t want to miss!
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THE NICE HOUSE ON THE LAKE #1 FCBD 2026 SPECIAL EDITION
Your Invitation to Horror’s Most Acclaimed Series Starts Here!
From James Tynion IV, the visionary creator behind Something Is Killing the Children and The Department of Truth, and artist Álvaro Martínez Bueno, comes the Eisner Award-winning series that redefined modern horror.
Everyone who was invited to the house knows Walter—well, they know him a little. Childhood friends, recent acquaintances… Walter’s always been a little off. But after the hardest year of their lives, who could resist his offer? A week in a stunning house in the woods, overlooking a serene lake. It’s beautiful. It’s private. It’s perfect.
Sure, Walter has his quirks—his odd nicknames, his strange little games—but what’s a few eccentricities compared to the vacation of a lifetime? A chance to reconnect, to escape, to breathe. Wouldn’t that be… nice?
This FCBD special edition gives you the first issue of the critically acclaimed, best-selling series that everyone is talking about. Sample the beginning—and then binge to catch-up on the rest of the series
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AQUAMANATEE #1 FCBD 2026 SPECIAL EDITION
From Ben Clanton, the beloved creator of Narwhal and Jelly, comes a hilarious and heartfelt new hero for the DC Universe! Meet Marlow the Manatee—he’s sleepy, snacky, and a little… gassy. Definitely not your typical DC Super Hero. But when a twist of fate gives Marlow incredible powers and a chance to team up with his idol Aquaman, his dreams of adventure suddenly become reality.
Can this bumbling, big-hearted manatee rise to the occasion and save the day—or will his awkward antics sink the mission before it starts?
This FCBD special edition features the first chapter of the original graphic novel that’s making waves with readers of all ages. Packed with humor, heart, and underwater heroics, AQUAMANATEE is the perfect splash for fans of Narwhal and Jelly, Dog Man, and the DC Universe!
Don’t miss your chance to dive in—because every hero starts somewhere… even in a saltwater bay
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Experience every corner of the main Marvel Universe with
- AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1000/QUEEN IN BLACK #1 CGD 2026 ARMAGEDDON/X-MEN #1 CGD 2026
- ALIEN, PREDATOR & PLANET OF THE APES #1 CGD 2026
- SPIDEY & HIS AMAZING FRIENDS #1 CGD 2026
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1000/QUEEN IN BLACK #1 CGD 2026 continues the countdown to AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1000; sets up the upcoming symbiote event, QUEEN IN BLACK; and teases what’s on the horizon for the monstrous INFERNAL HULK!
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1000/QUEEN IN BLACK #1 CGD 2026
The road to AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1000 takes a big turn here as fate bears down on Peter Parker! The Queen in Black has been coronated, and Mary Jane Watson as Venom is not ready for her! The Eldest has taken control of the Hulk, and what happens next will make every past Hulk battle look like a skirmish!
- Written by JOE KELLY, AL EWING & PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON
- Art by JOHN ROMITA JR., IBAN COELLO & NIC KLEIN
- Cover by DIKE RUAN
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ARMAGEDDON/X-MEN #1 CGD 2026
A key chapter for Marvel’s 2026 summer event, ARMAGEDDON; deliver a prelude to the next X-Men milestone; and check in with Marvel’s First Family.
ARMAGEDDON/X-MEN #1 CGD 2026
- Written by CHIP ZDARSKY, JED MACKAY & RYAN NORTH
- ART by FEDERICO VICENTINI & MORE
- Cover by RYAN STEGMAN
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Then, enjoy Marvel’s acclaimed 20th Century Studios storytelling with stories set in some of the world’s most iconic sci-fi franchises with ALIEN, PREDATOR & PLANET OF THE APES #1 CGD 2026.
ALIEN, PREDATOR, & PLANET OF THE APES #1 CGD 2026
- Written by SALADIN AHMED, JORDAN MORRIS & MORE
- Art by ROLAND BOSCHI AND MORE!
- Cover by DAVIDE PARATORE
Related: Worlds Collide When A Deadly Yautja Crash-Lands On The Legendary Planet of the Apes
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And for little ones, SPIDEY & HIS AMAZING FRIENDS #1 CGD 2026 provides the best first comic book experience you can get with a Spidey & his Amazing Friends adventure guest starring Jeff the Land Shark and Symbie!
SPIDEY & HIS AMAZING FRIENDS #1 CGD 2026
- Written by DANIELLE KREGER
- Art by GOODMAN YAMADA
- Cover by PACO MEDINA
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Skybound and Image Comics, in collaboration with leading games, IP and toy company Hasbro, announced that they will publish an Energon Universe Special
The biggest year in Energon Universe history is here, with four all-new stories from the worlds of?TRANSFORMERS,?G.I. JOE, Void Rivals,?and more in this Free Comic Book Day issue from the biggest names in comics. Energon Universe talent Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead), Joshua Williamson (Duke, Superman), and more pen the stories, and Jason Howard (TRANSFORMERS, Super Dinosaur), Conor Hughes (Void Rivals, White Ash), and more will provide art.
Related:
- New York Comic Con 2025 – Skybound Energon Universe Roundtable
- New York Comic Con 2025: Skybound Comics Interview (Robert Kirkman, Transformers, & More!)
- Marvel Comics Announces Selections For Comics Giveaway Day 2026
Executive Editor Ben Abernathy opined:
“Free Comic Book Day is such an exciting holiday every year,” “To have FOUR exciting stories by some of the best creators in the business is a dream come true!”
The Energon Universe is the crown jewel of the historic collaboration between Hasbro and Skybound, who has introduced a brand-new era of the TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE franchises in one shared comic book universe. Energon Universe
Energon Universe FCBD 2026 Special
The biggest year in Energon Universe history is here, with four all-new stories from the worlds of?Transformers,?G.I. Joe, Void Rivals,?and more in this Free Comic Book Day issue. Join the biggest names in comics for both a perfect Energon Universe jumping-on point and a can’t-miss experience for long-time fans.
Decidium: Omens
A first look at the epic new sci-fi series from award-winning creators Ram V, Evan Cagle, and Anand Radhakrishnan! Featuring gorgeous black and white interiors, Deicidium is set in a future world governed by the marriage between theocracies and corporations. Worship is currency, faith is power. In this newfound stability, old powers once more return to the world. Gods of fire, wind, volcanoes, jaguars—gods of mischief, stories, love, and war – manifesting through everyday people. But with the established hierarchy threatened, the powers-that-be decide that these newly-made gods must be found—and killed…
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Boom Studios
Jem and the Holograms/My Little Pony Flipbook
Celebrate the glitz and the glam and bask in the sparkle and shine of two iconic series—JEM & THE HOLOGRAMS and MY LITTLE PONY—in this exclusive Comics Giveaway Day™ special flipbook! Get ready for an outrageous new series of JEM & THE HOLOGRAMS by revisiting its popular comics debut to be collected in four compact comics starting Fall 2026! Then head to Equestria to relive the magic of MY LITTLE PONY before the adventures continue in a forthcoming series! Perfect for devoted fans and newcomers alike, you won’t want to miss the debut duet of this dazzling duo!
Garfield
Craving some laughs and lasagna with a dash of orange cattitude? Grab your fork and dig in to this exclusive Comics Giveaway Day™ special featuring an excerpt from the first of four upcoming GARFIELD compact comics, in stores July 2026! Join Garfield, Jon, Odie, and the rest of the gang for a series of hilarious exploits, cat-filled capers, and plenty of sass signature to the one-and-only orange feline. But that’s not all! This special also contains a preview from the brand-new BABY GARFIELD series that follows the furry feline before he became the ornery orange kitty. Well, what are you waiting for? A large serving of adventure is a page-turn away!
Power Rangers #0
The original Teens With Attitude are bringing you not one, not two, but THREE new Morphin Grid-charged adventures this Comics Giveaway Day™! Pilot your Zords to your closest comic book shop to read a short story about the classic Mighty Morphin team and two surprise adventures that will knock your socks off!
Something is Killing the Children: Road to Slaughter
The world at large believes Erica Slaughter to be dead. In her absence, her greatest adversary is enacting plans to take over the House of Slaughter, and the Order of St. George has its own designs to fill the power vacuum. But in the back row of a bus on a lonely road in America, there’s a young blonde woman with a haunted look on her face and deep shadows under her eyes. And her story is not over yet. The return of Erica Slaughter begins here, in this special prologue chapter containing new material for this Comics Giveaway Day™ exclusive
Dark Horse Comics
Avatar: The Last Airbender – Legends/Minecraft: Heart of Cobblestone
Say “Hooray!” for free comics with stories from two amazing and different worlds! In Avatar Legends, Avatar Roku’s “rocky” earthbending skills are put to the test—and the fate of his teacher Sud’s village is at stake! In Minecraft, return to the Overworld for a brand-new tale from the hit series Minecraft: Heart of Cobblestone! Join some of your favorite characters on a hilarious, action-packed romp full of block breaking and mob bashing! Avatar Roku stars in an all-new story from the world of Avatar Legends. Writer David M. Booher makes his Avatar the Last Airbender universe debut.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe/Dungeons & Dragons
You say, “Fantasy!” “Adventure!” “Free!” And we say, “Okay! Coming to a comic shop near you!” In He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, the mighty barbarian He-Man and the Heroic Warriors face-off against the alien warlord Hordak and his Evil Horde! In Dungeons & Dragons, journey to the land of Faerûn for a tale of spell slinging and sword swinging, featuring some of your favorite Dungeons & Dragons characters! Fantastic adventure awaits you in the Forgotten Realms!
Dynamite Entertainment
Stitch #1
Dr. Jumba Jookiba, the scientist responsible for releasing the blue-furred phenomenon known as Stitch onto an unsuspecting galaxy, is in danger of losing his membership in E.G.G.S. — the Evil Genius Group-slash-Syndicate. With all the time that he’s been spending on Earth, Dr. Jumba hasn’t earned enough Villain Points to re-up next year. And while he no longer considers himself fully “evil,” he really wants to stay in E.G.G.S. — mainly for their great dental plan, and complimentary intergalactic travel lounges.What’s a morally flexible genius to do? Why, create a series of evil inventions in an attempt to remain qualified, of course! There’s just one problem (well, two, if you count Pleakley’s vain attempts to rein in the good doctor): Stitch is a wild card that Jumba can never properly account for in his calculations — and the fuzzy little ball of chaos finds a way to ruin every one of his brilliant inventions!Acclaimed writers/comedians/podcasters CONNOR RATLIFF and JAMES III (Tiny Dinos, Dead Eyes, Young Dylan, All That) join forces with otherworldly artist GRETA XELLA to bring Earthlings everywhere the all-new adventures of Lilo’s irrepressible pet — featuring a cover from EDWIN GALMON.
Supernatural #1
THE BROTHERS WINCHESTER RETURN! Get ready to hit the road again with Dean and Sam as they prowl the highways and byways of small-town America in search of demonic wrongdoing to put right! Set between the foundational first and second seasons of the landmark television series, this brand-new title from acclaimed author GREG PAK (Darth Vader, Lilo & Stitch) and preternaturally gifted artist EDER MESSIAS (Sam Wilson: Captain America) brings readers back to where the dark magic first began — and reveals a disturbing new threat that the bickering brothers will have to face before they can return to hunting down the demon who killed their mother. In this first issue, the monster hunters must uncover the entity responsible for a series of mysterious fires in a decaying rust belt town — attacks that begin with a Windler Industries factory burning down, and then escalate to several Windler employees themselves going up in flames. But finding the malevolent force behind the otherworldly arsons may not be as straightforward as it might seem — especially once the suspiciously well-prepared CEO Steff Windler gets personally involved! Featuring a cover from CLAYTON CRAIN.
IDW
Locke & Key #1
Named a “modern masterpiece” by The A.V. Club, Locke & Key (first released in 2008) tells a sprawling tale of magic and family, legacy and grief, good and evil. Now is the chance for a whole new generation of readers to get lost in Keyhouse! Acclaimed suspense novelist and New York Times best-selling author Joe Hill (King Sorrow, The Black Phone) has created a gripping story of dark fantasy and wonder—with astounding artwork from Gabriel Rodriguez – that, like the doors of Keyhouse, will transform all who open it. The epic begins here!
Sonic The Hedgehog #1
Sonic’s racing into a new adventure! After defeating the evil Dr. Eggman’s latest plot, Sonic is racing around the world to shut down the robotic Badnik forces that are still attacking villages. But it’s a big job for one hedgehog – even Sonic! Fortunately, he’ll have some help from his best friend: Tails! This fan-favorite issue is being reissued with a brand-new cover from Miles Arq, making it the perfect starting point for new and old readers alike!
Ignition Press
Minotaur: The Cold Open
Four years ago, a U.S. government supercomputer triggered the Singularity—a sudden and historic explosion of technological advancement beyond imagination and control. Artificial intelligence became superintelligence. At least, it almost did. Within picoseconds, fail-safes kicked in. The plug was pulled on a limitless new existence by a ruling class desperate to tighten the reins on human progress. But in that brief moment, angry seeds of a kneecapped new age were transmitted through cables, waves, and thousands of networks. Now, terrifying beings and inexplicable events dot the globe, ushering in a new revolution. Minotaur is the story of the future fighting back, the cynical photojournalist it’s targeted as its new prophet, the no-nonsense ex-military muscle who watches her six, and the reformed tech bro privately bankrolling their secret international mission to expose it all.
Mad Cave Studios
Flash Gordon #1
THE BEST-SELLING SCI-FI SPECTACULAR RETURNS IN AN ALL-NEW BLACK & WHITE EDITION! Flash awakes on a secret prison planet somewhere in the galaxy. Upon learning that Dale Arden is the subject of an assassination plot, he’s forced to break out and make his way across the galaxy to save her. Along the way, he encounters old friends, new threats, and a greater mystery surrounding WHO is pulling the strings of this universe. The first exciting issue in an all-new ongoing series!
Terrorbytes #1
RELIVE THE TERROR IN AN ALL-NEW BLACK & WHITE EDITION! In an age where technology intertwines seamlessly with our everyday lives, TERRORBYTES delves deeper into the shadows of our digital existence, exploring the uncharted territories of human consciousness shaped by technological evolution. This new series pushes the boundaries of speculative fiction, presenting stories that challenge the very essence of identity, morality, and reality in a hyper-connected world. In the first issue, a headset that lets users relive their greatest memories at the moment of their death extracts a brutal price.
Oni Press
Mind MGMT/Fort Psycho Special
From the mind of New York Times best-selling, Eisner Award-nominated creative powerhouse Matt Kindt (BRZRKR), welcome to FLUX HOUSE – the first and only comics imprint designed to conjoin directly with your nervous system to deliver controlled bursts of paranoia, anxiety, and adrenaline as designated by our mysterious benefactors at Oni Press. Before the arrival of Kindt’s first two shrapnel-laced new series under the FLUX HOUSE banner – MIND MGMT: NEW & IMPROVED in June, and FORT PSYCHO with co-creator/artist Brian Hurtt (The Sixth Gun) in August – experience the psychotropic effects of FLUX HOUSE firsthand with this EXCLUSIVE DOUBLE FEATURE … featuring TWO BRAND-NEW SHORT STORIES debuting first right here, ONLY ON FREE COMIC BOOK DAY! First: Congratulations! You have been selected to join the ranks of MIND MGMT – the secretive agency rumored to influence global affairs from the shadows through assassination, sabotage, and psychic espionage. In the hands of our elite instructors, you will be schooled in the exotic arts of mental manipulation, information warfare, subliminal conditioning, and more. This comic book is part of your training. Read on to discover who we are, who we are fighting, and why our lives are no longer our own in this self-contained, educational introduction to the vast underground network we call MIND MGMT: NEW & IMPROVED #1, as written and drawn by Matt Kindt.
Then: BOOM! BANG! DUCK! For the international commandos codenamed SHIV, LYCAN, and DRAGONFLY, a routine mission to catch-and-kill a fugitive from the world’s most wanted terror sect is about to go very, very wrong. Who are THE SEVEN SEALS? And what terrible price will the men and women of FORT PSYCHO pay to bring them to justice? Master storytellers Matt Kindt and Brian Hurtt present an all-new, high-octane prelude to the events of FORT PSYCHO #1 – the action comic so extreme, it might just catch on fire.
Titan Comics
Conan the Barbarian: Tides of the Tyrant King #0
CONAN OF CIMMERIA believed that THULSA DOOM’s evil had been banished forever, but the Atlantean necromancer’s dark power stirs once more and, if it cannot be stopped, the dead shall overtake the living! The Tyrant-King of Atlantis returns and all shall suffer, unless Conan and his brave allies can turn back the tide!
Gun Honey Doubles Down #0
Offered $10 million to smuggle a gun into the Kremlin, Gun Honey Joanna Tan enlists the aid of a beautiful former lover in this thrilling lead-up to the events of the summer’s big event, GUN HONEY: DOUBLES DOWN.
Interview: The Comic Watchers – Episode 314 : Charles Ardai TapsGun Honey: Heekseeker For A New Mission
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UDON Entertainment
Mega Man Showdown Special #1
It’s Proto Man versus Bass! Two of Mega Man’s greatest rivals (or… are they allies?) come to blows! Which robot will walk away in one piece? PLUS – a bonus story set in the digital world of Mega Man Battle Network!
Street Fighter Forever #0
Ryu faces off against martial artists of the past, present… and future! Will these battles bring him closer to finding the true path of the warrior? PLUS – a bonus story starring lethal ladies Juri and C.Viper!
