Chad Burdette
This week DC Comocs revealed its 2026 offerings for Free Comic Book Day, held on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Related:
- Marvel Comics Announces Selections For Comics Giveaway Day 2026
- Skybound, Image & Hasbro Announce Energon Universe Special 2026 for Free Comic Book Day
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.
Related: DC Comics All-In Era Begins Second Act In March 2026 With Lobo, Batwoman, And Deathstroke
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.
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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.
Comic Watch Review: DC x Sonic the Hedgehog #1: The Fast & The Furry-ious
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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Stay tuned for more Free Comic Book Day news
I have ZERO interest in Deathstroke – a character whose introduction featured him knowingly committing statutory rape. Deathstroke is a despicable character, and nothing DC does can excuse or make amends for that.
Even more appalling to me is that DC licenses Deathstroke for toys. “Here Billy and Sally… go have some fun playing with a sexual predator action figure!”
Example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/255277099445
I’m not saying Marv Wolfman and George Perez were wrong to create Deathstroke. It’s DC editorial and management personnel who have ignored the context of the character’s past and see him as just another interchangeable piece of IP that’s suitable for ages 3+.
Note: Perez himself said in 2007: “One of the primary things was that we had Deathstroke the Terminator have an affair with a minor—this is statutory rape…”
https://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2024/04/terra-incognita-how-dc-comics-has-failed-tara-markov/
Perez’s quote is also noted in this Bleeding Cool article, from 2021, which observed:
“DC Comics published The Other History Of The DC Universe, written by John Ridley, which explicitly described the character Slade Wilson, Deathstroke, as a “pedophiliac rapist” for his treatment of the character Terra, as well, as the way Terra has also been portrayed. I understand that the Deathstroke description was approved at the highest levels at DC, this wasn’t something that “slipped out”.”
https://bleedingcool.com/comics/george-perez-described-deathstroke-in-the-same-way-as-john-ridley/