Free Comic Book Day will take place on Saturday 6th May 2023 this year, and many comic shops across the UK and Ireland, as well as internationally, will be taking part. The FCBD titles on offer a great mix of both expected superhero teasers and unexpected independent comic treats, and include material from Rebellion and Titan Comics.
To find out which shops are taking part in your area, use this international store locator on the official Free Comic Book Day website.
If you’re an American downthetubes reader, use the Official Free Comic Book Day Store Locator to find a list of participating shops close to you. Simply input your zip code and hit enter, and the Locator will generate a list of comic shops near you that are participating.
Free Comic Book Day happens once a year involving many comic publishers – most American, including Dark Horse, DC, image and Marvel, but British 2000AD publisher Rebellion and Titan Comics are involved, too.
Once a year, these publishers release one or two comics specifically to give away for free, and late last year, the Free Comic Book Day Retailer Selection Committee selected over 40 comic book titles for the industry’s most anticipated annual event.
This year’s selection of comics includes franchises such as Star Wars, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Animal Crossing, Smurfs, and Street Fighter.
Other notable titles are available from ABLAZE, Gemstone Publishing, First Second Books, Rebellion, TOKYOPOP, and more.
Free for you, an important promotion opportunity for your Local Comic Shop
The free comics either represent their range, such as 2000AD Regened, or promote an upcoming comic or storyline, such as Titan Comics new Conan comic.
How many free comics can I have?
The whole philosophy behind this international venture is to encourage people to visit their local comic shop. That said, it’s generally expected you’ll buy something to get one of the free comics on offer. Don’t expect to be able to walk into your Local Comic Shop and grab a free comic – these promotional items may be free to you, but not for the retailer, or publisher.
Different stores have different approaches to their FCBD event, some on a sliding scale, depending on how much you spend in their shop on FCBD. The more you spend, the more FCBD comics you’re likely to be able to take away. Which FCBD titles are on offer in your Local Comic Shop in return for your valued custom will depend on the size, regular customer base, and availability of the promotion.
Many stores also run special discounts on some of their titles, comics and magazines, on the day, making the event one of the busiest days of the year for the retailers involved.
Be ready for potential crowds
Don’t be surprised if stores limit the number of people allowed in their shop, especially if they’re hosting a creator signing, too.
Up early and at them!
Be aware stock of FCBD comics will be limited. Our advice – get to your nearest participating store early as most shops won’t let you reserve FCBD comics.
• If you’re an American downthetubes reader, use the Official Free Comic Book Day Store Locator to find a list of participating shops close to you. Simply input your zip code and hit enter, and the Locator will generate a list of comic shops near you that are participating.
• For more FCBD news and updates, visit freecomicbookday.com and subscribe to the FCBD newsletter. You can also follow FCBD on social media on Facebook (also, see #FCBD2023 on Facebook), Twitter and Instagram
• Check out the downthetubes British and Irish Comic Shop Map – Do note that not every shop takes part in Free Comic Book Day
2023 FREE COMIC BOOK DAY COMICS
Be aware that some titles are graded differently in terms of intended audience. The FCBD team, and the publishers involved, want to make sure everyone gets a comic book that is right for them, and have used a colour-coded logo system to make it easy to identify the age rating of each title on event day. On the front cover of each book, there is a colour-coded Free Comic Book Day logo that corresponds to the books age rating.
GREEN: All Ages/ Everyone – Appropriate for children, teens, and adults
BLUE: Teen(+): Appropriate for teens and readers 13+
RED: Mature – Appropriate for mature audiences or 18+ only
Make sure you take note of the logo on the front to better understand what kind of content to expect in the pages of the comic!
FROM REBELLION
ALL AGES – 2000AD Regened Presents: The Best Comic Ever (Rebellion)
2000AD are bringing the thrill power this spring with their #FCBD23 title, The Best Comic Ever! Check out an interview with series creators Ramzee and Korinna Mei Veropoulou.
(W) Alex De Campi, Ramzee, Roger Langridge (A) Eduardo Ocana, Korinna Mei Veropoulou, Brett Parson (CA) Neil Googe
Give your summer some extra thrill-power in this collection of All Ages stories from the wildest comic in the universe: 2000 AD Regened! Featuring fan-favourite characters like Pandora Perfect, and starting points for new stories like Full Tilt Boogie, this issue is the perfect introduction to the incredible world of comics for rookie readers, or gateway to a whole new array of stories and characters for comic book readers looking for their next reading adventure!
Exclusive Original Material | Rating: All-Ages
FROM TITAN COMICS
MATURE – Conan the Barbarian FCBD 2023 Special (Titan Comics)
– Read our news story
(W) Jim Zub (A/CA) Rob Delatorre
Created by team behind the new ongoing series – Jim Zub, Roberto De La Torre & Jose Villarrubia.
On the eve of his first major battle, young CONAN OF CIMMERIA pictures a life beyond the borders of his homeland and yearns for a life of adventure undreamt of in his small village. Visions of future allies and unspeakable evils he will eventually encounter throughout his fabled career fill his mind as he makes the choice to take his first fateful step into the HYBORIAN AGE!
Exclusive Original Material | Rating: Mature
TEEN – Runescape: Untold Tales Of The God Wars (Titan Comics)
Jgex and Titan Comics are releasing a brand new, four-part series set in the iconic medieval fantasy realm of Gielinor launch in June, kicking off exclusively on FCBD23
(W) Ryan O’Sullivan (A) TBD (CA) Dave Barker
After more than 21 years of setting world records (300M+ accounts and counting!), Jagex and Titan Comics are bringing out a brand new, comic series; the first to be set in the iconic medieval fantasy realm of Gielinor which is home to humans, elves, dwarves and dragonkin alike. Filled with vibrant characters, daring adventure and mysterious magicks, the series will kick off in an epic Free Comic Book Day issue.
Exclusive Original Material | Rating: Teen
FROM BOOM! STUDIOS
ALL AGES – Mech Cadets FCBD Special (Boom! Studios)
A free special issue of Mech Cadets with a cover by series artist Miyazawa, by highly acclaimed writer Greg Pak (Darth Vader, Stranger Things), artist Takeshi Miyazawa (Ms. Marvel, Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider), colourist Triona Farrell, and letterer Simon Bowland. The exclusive free reprint of the very first MECH CADET YU issue, soon to be a television show on Netflix.
(W) Greg Pak (A/CA) Takeshi Miyazawa
Ahead of the highly anticipated premiere of the Netflix animated series, return to Sky Corps Academy in this exclusive reprint of the first issue of Mech Cadet Yu. It’s the perfect time to revisit this iconic story.
Reprint Material | Rating: All-Ages
ALL AGES – Ranger Academy (BOOM! Studios)
(W) Maria Ingrande Mora (A) Jo Migyeong (CA) Miguel Mercado
Morphin’ time, but make it extra bold! It’s time to enroll in a bold new take on the Power Rangers mythology in this Free Comic Day Special! Class is in session for the start of an epic saga that is sure to delight longtime Rangers fans, and provide an excellent jumping on point for brand new readers.
Preview Material | Rating: All Ages
FROM DARK HORSE
ALL AGES – Star Wars/ Avatar: The Last Airbender (Dark Horse Comics)
(W) Daniel Jose Older, Amy Chu (A) Harvey Tolibao, Kelly Matthews, Nichole Matthews (CA) Daniel Jose Older
Get set for adventure with stories from the farthest reaches of a galaxy far, far way; as well as the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender! In Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures the galaxywide conflict between the Jedi Order and the Nihil intensifies, and a shuttle full of younglings gets caught in the crossfire!
In Avatar: The Last Airbender, Aang and his friends come across a village decimated by the Fire Nation. One survivor-a young child named Luumi-refuses to open up to anyone except fellow Earth Kingdom native Toph.
Exclusive Original Material | Rating: All-Ages
MATURE – Umbrella Academy/The Witcher (Dark Horse Comics)
(W) Bartosz Sztybor, Gabriel Ba, Gerard Way (A) Fabio Violante (A/CA) Gabriel Ba
Presenting fan-favourites for FCBD: a squad of superpowered siblings and the infamous monster hunter! In The Umbrella Academy “Safe,” Hargreeves and Abhijit embark on an interdimensional journey and find a cosmic horror that will have repercussions for our heroes and the universe. Then, in The Witcher “Frog Kiss,” Geralt must uncover why the young women in Novigrad are turning into frogs!
Exclusive Original Material | Rating: Mature
FROM DC COMICS
Dawn of DC Knight Terrors Free Comic Book Day Special Edition (DC)
Dawn of DC: We Are Legends Special Edition (DC)
Dawn of DC Primer (DC)
Clark & Lex / Fann Club: Batman Squad Free Comic Book Day Special Edition (DC)
Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story Free Comic Book Day Special (DC)
FROM DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT
ALL AGES – Madballs Vs. Garbage Pail Kids (Dynamite Entertainment)
(W) Sholly Fisch (A) Jason Crosby
The heavyweight champions of gross meet again in this all-ages title as we will pull the best stories from Madballs Vs. Garbage Pail Kids for this special FCBD comic that’s sure to appeal to consumers age 5 to 50.
Reprint Material | Rating: All-Ages
TEEN – Red Sonja: She-Devil With A Sword #0 (Dynamite Entertainment)
W) Torunn Gronbekk (A) Walter Geovani (CA) Nick Bradshaw
The 50th Anniversary of Red Sonja begins here, with all-new adventures! With a new film on the horizon, Dynamite Entertainment opens the flood gates of Red Sonja: She-Devil with a Sword!
Exclusive Original Material | Rating: Teen
FROM IDW
TEEN – Star Trek (IDW)
(W) Christopher Cantwell, Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly (A) Mike Feehan (CA) Malachi Ward
To boldly go, join us for the exclusive prelude to IDW’s FIRST Star Trek Summer Crossover Event as STAR TREK and STAR TREK: DEFIANT collide in STAR TREK: DAY OF BLOOD!
But that’s not all! Join the crew of STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS as they take to the holodeck, enjoying some much-needed recreational time-until a bloodthirsty visitor joins in on their games…
Exclusive Original Material | Rating: Teen
ALL AGES – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (IDW Publishing)
(W) Erik Burnham (A) Chad Thomas (A/CA) Tim Lattie
In 1987, the world at large was introduced to the TMNT by way of a catchy theme song and an action-packed cartoon, shell-shocking the world into an era of Turtlemania! Since then, the characters have appeared in countless comics, a multitude of animated series, and several motion pictures.
Turn the nostalg-o-meter up to 11 this FCBD and revisit two fan favorite eras of TMNT animation in comic book form with this special presentation of stories from IDW’s smash-hit Saturday Morning Adventures and the recent small-screen venture Rise of the TMNT!
Preview Material | Rating: All-Ages
FROM IMAGE COMICS
MATURE – Fishflies #1 FCBD 2023 Preview Edition (Image Comics)
(W) Jeff Lemire (A/CA) Jeff Lemire
The newest series from New York Times bestselling and Eisner Award-winning writer/artist JEFF LEMIRE (THE BONE ORCHARD MYTHOS, LITTLE MONSTERS, GIDEON FALLS, Sweet Tooth, Essex County). The town of Belle River is infested with fishflies and the streets are carpeted with tiny insects… but that’s just the start of the strange happenings and bad omens!
When Franny Fox runs away from home, she befriends a strange, silent monster and sets off a chain of events that will unite the entire town in terrible ways.
FISHFLIES #1 will clock in at an expanded 64 pages and land in stores this June-so don’t miss out on this exclusive Free Comic Book Day preview issue for an early look!
Exclusive Original Material | Rating: Mature
TEEN – The Sacrificers #1 FCBD 2023 Preview Edition (Image Comics)
(W) Rick Remender (A) Max Fiumara (CA) Julian Totino Tedesco
Tomorrow is a harmonious paradise thanks to the careful oversight of five families who make everything perfect… for the price of one child per household. Now, as that bill comes due, a son expected to give everything for a family that never loved him, and an affluent daughter determined to destroy utopia, must unite to end one generation’s unnaturally protracted reign.
Bestselling writer RICK REMENDER (LOW, DEADLY CLASS, Uncanny X-Force) joins forces with the insanely talented MAX FIUMARA (Amazing Spider-Man, FOUR EYES, Lucifer) to take you through the dark science fiction world of THE SACRIFICERS. Get an advance look at 2023’s most stunning new ongoing series with this Free Comic Book Day special.
Preview Material | Rating: Teen
FROM MARVEL COMICS
TEEN – Amazing Spider-Man/Venom and Ultimate Invasion (Marvel Entertainment)
The symbiotes might be headed for extinction…
(W) Zeb Wells, Al Ewing (A) CAFU (A/CA) Patrick Gleason
For years, the symbiote family in the Marvel Universe has grown, and the latest smash-hit run on VENOM is no exception. With the violent and dangerous Meridius readying for war, the stage is set for catastrophe and this year’s Free Comic Book Day will mark the beginning of the end of the symbiotes…
Exclusive Original Material | Rating: Teen
TEEN – Avengers/X-Men (Marvel Entertainment)
(W) Gerry Duggan, Jonathan Hickman (A) Joshua Cassara, Various (CA) Garron, Javier
This issue features a pair of all-new stories that set the stage for the next evolution in mutant adventures, FALL OF X, and introduces an uncanny new lineup for a new team book launching next year. PLUS: a preview of Jonathan Hickman and Valerio Schiti’s upcoming mystery project.
Exclusive Original Material | Rating: Teen
TEEN – Marvel Voices #1 (Marvel Entertainment)
(W) Various, John Jennings (A) Paris Alleyne, Various (CA) Chris Allen
This issue invites readers to the groundbreaking and critically acclaimed Marvel’s Voices series, which spotlights creators and characters across Marvel’s diverse and ever-evolving universe. This includes a range of stories from previous Marvel’s Voices issues, as well as a brand-new one!
Reprint & Original Material | Rating: Teen
ALL AGES – Spidey And His Amazing Friends #1 (Marvel Entertainment)
(W) Various (A) Various
SWING INTO ADVENTURE WITH SPIDEY!
Spidey, Ghost-Spider, and Miles will face off against Green Goblin, Doc Ock and more in this FREE spectacular special. Filled with easy-to-read comic stories based on the hit Disney Junior show, this book is perfect for the youngest readers aged 5-7. Young fans will even be able to test their wall-crawling skills with thrilling interactive activity pages! Kids will love this not-to-be-missed comic: the perfect primer for the newest generation of Spider-Fans!
Exclusive Original Material } Rating: All-Ages
FROM OTHER PUBLISHERS
TEEN – Animal Castle FCBD Edition (Ablaze)
(W) Xavier Dorison (A) Felix Delep
The Animal Castle FCBD edition will include an all-new 12-page excerpt from Animal Castle Vol. 2 #1, as well as an 18-page excerpt from Animal Castle Vol. 1, so you will be able to see what’s come before and what’s coming next…
Animal Castle Vol. 2 picks up shortly after the events of Vol. 1 with Miss B trying to convince the animals not to give in to violence in order to put an end to Silvio’s reign… At the castle, the dictatorship continues. Thanks to the efforts of Miss B and her friends, the animals attempt remobilise the pacifist movement of the Daisies. But Silvio the bull dictator is trying to keep them under his hoof to keep his power. Helped by his cruel canine militia, he decides to have the rebellious animals imprisoned in the dungeon. But Miss B and her friends will respond once again with trickery…and solidarity!
Reprint & Preview Material | Rating: Teen
TEEN – Seismic Stories (AfterShock Comics)
Honestly, who among us hasn’t accidentally awakened a centuries-old darkness to wreak havoc on humanity…
(W) Alex Segura, Rex Ogle, Marguerite Bennett (A) Joe Eisma, TBD
In the small town of Arcadia Heights sits an abandoned house with an open door, daring anyone to enter it. Soon a ragtag band of teenage misfits will do just that and return with a darkness the likes of which this world has never seen.
Featuring an original prologue to THE DARKNESS WE BROUGHT BACK, a YA OGN from the minds of Alex Segura, Rex Ogle and Joe Eisma, plus an all-new story from the critically acclaimed and much loved world of ANIMOSITY, written by series creator, Marguerite Bennett! A perfect blend of fun, suspense, adventure and intrigue, SEISMIC STORIES breaks new ground in the AfterShock FCBD tradition.
Exclusive Original Material | Rating: Teen
TEEN – Tom Holland’s Fright Night (American Mythology Productions)
(W) Tom Holland, James Kuhoric (A) Jason Craig (A/CA) Neil Vokes
Welcome back to the world of Tom Holland’s Fright Night! The 1985 film delivered a world full of horror, humor, and heart that captivated audiences and became an instant vampire classic.
American Mythology is proud to celebrate the story of Fright Night with this incredible issue that continues the tale after the original screenplay ends and gives a first look at the brand-new Fright Night Origins series!
Origins is written by Holland and delves into the official history of our favorite sweater-wearing, apple-eating vampire, Jerry Dandrige! Adapted by James Kuhoric and illustrated by legendary comics artist Neil Vokes, this new series is the perfect addition to every Fright Night fan’s collection!
The issue will also feature behind-the-scenes extras and artwork only available in the pages of the Free Comic Book Day special edition! Let Free Comic Book Day introduce you to the terror of Fright Night comics!
Reprint & Preview Material } Rating: Teen
ALL AGES – Kotto Kotorra (Arcana Comics)
Empanadillas? Count us in!
W) David Alvarez, Sean Patrick O’Reilly (A) Dave Alvarez (CA) David Alvarez
The book follows Kotto, an average Puerto Rican who runs an empanadilla food truck. His daily life is always an adventure,thanks to his boisterous friends.
Exclusive Original Material | Rating: All-Ages
TEEN – Archie Horror presents: The Cursed Library (Archie Comics)
Looks like we’re finally getting to the bottom of why Riverdale is off the rails at all times…
(CA) Robert Hack
Throughout the years, we have seen ChillingAdventures and gruesome outcomes emerge more frequently in various versions of Riverdale. As creatures gathered and teens were corrupted, the town became a hotbed for cruel and unusual events. Yet the question remains – why have Archie Andrews and his friends faced such terrifying tales? Who is responsible for creating these dark worlds, and how is babysitter Jinx Holliday at the center of it all? A story years in the making starts here! Beware the Cursed Library and all the horrors within!
Exclusive Original Material | Rating: Teen
ALL AGES – Mexikid (Dial Books)
(W) Pedro Martin (A) Pedro Martin
Pedro Martin is an American-born Mexican kid who’s always felt not quite Mexican and not quite American. Now, he and his family are piling into their Winnebago to bring his mysterious, Mexican-Revolution-era Abuelito home to live with them. This graphic memoir details Pedro’s road trip of a lifetime, full of laughs and heartaches, and a new understanding of his abuelito and himself.
Preview Material | Rating: All-Ages
TEEN – The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers (Fantagraphics Books)
(W) Gilbert Shelton, Paul Mavrides, Dave Sheridan (A) Dave Sheridan, Paul Mavrides (A/CA) Gilbert Shelton
It’s a Fabulous Furry Free Comic Book Day from Fantagraphics! Fanta’s new hardback series collecting the full run of Gilbert Shelton’s stoner-comedy-turned-social-satire is the first time that the globally millions-selling most popular underground comix characters ever have been collected in North America for over three decades. Classic cartooning, timeless comedy, and trend-setting cat comics, for semi-mature readers.
Preview Material | Rating: Teen
ALL AGES – Investigators: All Tide Up (First Second Books)
(W) John Patrick Green (A/CA) John Patrick Green
Get a sneak peek at book 7 in the bestselling InvestiGators series! When a cruise captain is found drifting at sea, super-sleuths Mango and Brash begin the search for his missing ship and passengers! Did it sink? Was it boat-napped? Are supernatural forces at play? And can the InvestiGators unravel this maritime mystery before a second cruise befalls a similarly unfathomable fate?
Preview Material | Rating: All-Ages
ALL AGES – The Over street Guide To Collecting Comics (Gemstone Publishing
Read an interview with the creator behind the legendary Overstreet Guide to Collecting Comics, J.C. Vaughn! And it’s all about finding that *thing* you love, collecting it, and finding the joy in that.
(W) J. C. Vaughn, Various (A) Brendon Fraim, Brian Fraim, Various (CA) Brendon & Brian Fraim
Before all the fantastic movies, TV shows, and video games, there were comic books (And just saying, where would Hollywood be without us?). Take a look at the world of comic book collecting through a comic book centered on that very topic! Includes contributions from Mark Wheatley (Breathtaker), Joe James (Dark Dominion), and Daniel Krall in addition to J.C. Vaughn, Brendon Fraim, and Brian Fraim (Vampire, PA).
From the team that brings you The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide. 48-page Free Comic Book Day special
Exclusive original material | Rating: All Ages
ALL AGES – Baby-Sitters Little Sister: Karen’s Haircut (Graphix)
(W) Ann M. Martin (A/CA) Katy Farina
Another graphic novel in this fun series spin-off of The Baby-sitters Club, featuring Kristy’s little stepsister!
Karen feels like an ugly duckling. She already has to wear glasses, and now her baby teeth are falling out, too. Fortunately, she knows exactly what will make her look glamorous – a new haircut.
But the beauty parlor lady cuts Karen’s hair all wrong! Karen is devastated and worried about what the kids at school will say. Can Karen get back to feeling like her usual confident self?
Preview Material | Rating: All-Ages
ALL AGES Dog Man and the League of Misfits (Graphix/Scholastic)
(W) Dav Pilkey (A/CA) Dav Pilkey
Dog Man and the League of Misfits is a short comic featuring the beloved characters from Dav Pilkey’s #1 worldwide bestselling Dog Man and Captain Underpants series.
Filled with hilarity, hijinks, and heart, this supa epic action-packed comic features fan favorite Petey the Cat before his transformative journey began.
Celebrating 25 years of laughs and inspiring kids to love reading, Dog Man and the League of Misfits featured in the Captain Underpants 25 Anniversary Edition, released last month.
Reprint Material | Rating: All-Ages
TEEN – All Ages Gold Sampler (Kodansha Comics)
TEEN – Shaman King Flowers & Welcome To Demon School Iruma-Kun (Kodansha Comics)
(W) Osamu Nishi, Hiroyuki Takei (A) Osamu Nishi, Hiroyuki Takei
Two of the hottest new shonen manga in one sampler! The ghosts, gods, spirits, and zombies return in SHAMAN KING: FLOWERS, the sequel to the smash hit SHAMAN KING. In Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun a boy sold into the Netherworld must survive a demon’s education.
Preview Material | Rating: Teen
TEEN – Crimebuster Season 1 #1 (Lev Gleason Publications – Comichouse)
Like Harriet the Spy, but make it darker, gritty, and with a sci-fi twist!
(W) WTS Keith Morris, Sam MacDonald (A) Giulia Gualazzi (CA) Guy Perez, Mariano Morales
Chuck Chandler grew up under the wings of his loving parents. His father was an amazing investigator, and his mother an equally brilliant chemical engineer. While Chuck didn’t have as much time with his father as he would have hoped, the skills he learned coupled with a keen eye for mystery have become a part of his very DNA. That’s why when the Borealis attacked earth and his mother was declared missing, something just didn’t sit right with him. Now, with the help of some young allies, Chuck Chandler plans to unravel the mystery by pulling on every thread, let’s just hope everything doesn’t unravel before he solves it!
Exclusive Original Material | Rating: Teen
ALL AGES – Punch Up! Preview (Oni Press)
The FCBD Team asked Zach Sterling, creator behind Oni Press’s #FCBD2023 comic book what part of the story was the most fun to write. His answer?
“I probably had the most fun drawing all of the fight scenes. My book is full of the weirdest characters, and they all have weird attributes or powers.”
Check out the full interview on the FCBD web site here
(W) Zachary Sterling (A) Crank! (CA) Zachary Sterling
The Wide Plains Fighting Tournament is finally here, and orphan Pitch will do whatever it takes to convince his idol-and possible father-fighter Sonny Han to compete alongside him in the Free Comic Book Day sneak peek of Zachary Sterling’s upcoming shonen manga adventure Punch Up! Vol. 1.
Preview Material | Rating: All Ages
MATURE – Frazettaverse #0 (Opus Comics)
W) Mitch Iverson, Tim Hedrick, Jody Houser, Eric Campbell (A) Leonardo Manco, Diego Yapur (CA) Frank Frazetta
An all-new adventure of Death Dealer headlines this fantastic voyage into the FrazettaVerse! The War of the Horsemen has arrived! You will also witness the rise of Dawn Attack in the far reaches of space. Then, the weirdness of Mothman unfolds in an excerpt from the limited series debuting this month!
Exclusive Original Material | Rating: Mature
ALL AGES – Smurfs 65th Anniversary FCBD Special (Papercutz)
The Smurfs are celebrating their 65th Anniversary and this comic is set to be quite the celebration!
(W) Peyo (A) Peyo
2023 marks the 65th Anniversary of the Smurfs! To celebrate their smurf-tastic anniversary, Papercutz continues to publish the hit graphic novel series THE SMURFS TALES.
These stories are three times bigger than previous titles, and that means even more Smurf fun. Join Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Brainy Smurf, Hefty Smurf, and so many smurfy others for fun and adventure in the comics that inspired the cartoons, toys, Nickelodeon series and upcoming new movie.
Exclusive Original Material | Rating: All-Ages
ALL AGES – Sweet Valley Twins: Teacher’s Pet (Random House Children’s Books)
(W) Francine Pascal, Nicole Andelfinger (A) Claudia Aguirre
Get ready for an exclusive sneak peek into the all-new Sweet Valley Twins: Teacher’s Pet! It’s Elizabeth’s turn in the spotlight… but does Jessica deserve it more? The Wakefield twins return in this graphic novel adaptation of the New York Times best-selling Sweet Valley Twins!
Jessica knows she’s the better dancer – but their teacher only seems to have eyes for her sister Elizabeth! No matter how hard or perfectly she dances she’s not getting recognized – which becomes a huge problem when it becomes clear that her sister is going to get the main role of Swanilda instead of her. Even worse, Elizabeth refuses to believe that their teacher is favouring her!
With Jessica’s attitude rapidly souring and Elizabeth slowly realising that Jessica might actually be right, will they be able to find a way to get Jessica her leading role?
Francine Pascal’s beloved Sweet Valley Twins series continues with Claudia Aguirre offering her fresh and modern artwork just right for today’s contemporary middle-grade graphic novel.
Preview material | Rating: All-Ages
ALL AGES – I Am Stan (Ten Speed Press)
Stan Lee’s legendary life is being explored in the most fitting way possible… as a graphic novel!
(W) Tom Scioli (A) Tom Scioli
A graphic novel biography of the legendary Stan Lee, co-creator of Marvel’s many superheroes including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Black Panther, Black Widow, Doctor Strange, and more, from Eisner-nominated artist Tom Scioli. I Am Stan gives Lee’s life the comic book treatment and reveals the inner workings of the legendary creator.
Preview Material | Rating: All-Ages
ALL AGES – The Nightmare Before Christmas: The Battle For Pumpkin King #1 (Tokyopop)
(W) Dan Conner, Dj Milky, Shaun McLaughlin (A) Deborah Allo (CA) Yishan Li
How did Jack Skellington become the Pumpkin King?
Explore Jack and Oogie Boogie’s early days in Halloween Town and learn how their infamous friendship turns sour as they battle to become the next Pumpkin King. Discover the mastermind who’s pulling the strings and relive the fantastic world of The Nightmare Before Christmas in this all-new manga adaptation!
Preview Material | Rating: All-Ages
TEEN – Street Fighter 6 #0 (Udon Entertainment)
If you’re excited for the new Street Fighter 6 game, then you’ll be pleased to hear UDON’s #FCBD23 book is a prequel to the video game and ties directly into the game’s plot!
(W) Capcom, Matt Moylan (A) Genzoman (A/CA) Edwin Huang
It’s a whole new generation of World Warriors! In this issue, mixed martial artist Luke puts his special forces training to use against a group of art thieves, while sadistic kickboxer Juri faces off against graffiti ninja Kimberly!
It’s all out action in this official prequel to the new Street Fighter 6 video game. Pick this special one-shot up before the Street Fighter 6 four-issue miniseries, also launching in May.
Exclusive Original Material | Rating: Teen
TEEN – Shadowman Dark Legacy FCBD Special (Valiant Entertainment)
(W) Bob Hall, Becky Cloonan, Michael Conrad (A) Bob Hall, Liam Sharp
From legendary SHADOWMAN creator Bob Hall, Valiant’s FCBD SHADOWMAN new story delves into the secret past of Valiant’s premier horror character.
Includes an inside look at the 2023 series X-O MANOWAR UNCONQUERED from the acclaimed writing team of Becky Cloonan and Michael W. Conrad and award-winning artist Liam Sharp!
Exclusive Original Material | Rating: Teen
MATURE – West Of Sundown #1 (Vault Comics)
Tim Seeley, Aaron Campbell, and Jim Terry, the creators behind Vault Comics’ #FCBD2023 title, West of Sundown, share where they draw inspiration from, their favourite part of working in comics, and more – read the interview here
(W) Tim Seeley, Aaron Campbell (A) Jim Terry
A beautiful vampire must flee monster slayers in New York City and reclaim the ancestral soil that restores her undead flesh. But the world has changed since she was reborn in the New Mexico desert, and now Constance der Abend and her loyal assistant Dooley must adapt to life in the rough frontier town of Sangre de Moro, where all sorts of monsters have settled. A western tale of survival starring a cast of literary horrors from the diabolical minds of Tim Seeley, Aaron Campbell, and Jim Terry.
Reprint Material | Rating: Mature
ALL AGES – The Last Comics On Earth (Viking Books)
(W) Max Brallier, Joshua Pruett (A) Doug Holgate, Jay Cooper
The Last Kids on Earth are creating THEIR OWN COMIC BOOK
From worldwide bestselling author Max Brallier comes a full-color graphic novel spin-off series based on the #1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling Last Kids on Earth!
In this series opener, Jack Sullivan, Quint Baker, June del Toro and Dirk Savage decide to carry on the legacy of their favorite comic book character by writing the next volume in the collection. What could go wrong? Just about everything!
Reprint Material | Rating: All-Ages
ALL AGES – Animal Crossing/ Kirby Manga Mania (Viz Media)
Tom Nook might own your house, but at least you can get this comic for free!
(W) Kokonasu Rumba, Hirokazu Hikawa (A) Kokonasu Rumba, Hirokazu Hikawa
Animal Crossing: Read the gag-filled adventures of four goofy residents living among the Animal Crossing: New Horizonscharacters!
Kirby Manga Mania: Jump into Dream Land with Kirby and gobble up some fun! Everyone’s favorite pink puff teams up with his friends to keep arch-frenemy King Dedede in line. Fans of all ages can enjoy this sampling of a classic Kirby comic; just take a deep breath and hop on in!
Reprint & Preview Material | Rating: All-Ages
TEEN – Choujin X/Rooster Fighter (VIZ Media)
(W) Sui Ishida, Shu Sakuratani (A) Sui Ishida, Shu Sakuratani
Choujin X: Best friends Tokio and Azuma do everything together, even if most of the time it feels like Tokio is just stumbling along in Azuma’s cooler, more talented footsteps. But when they’re attacked one night by a superhuman mutant called a choujin, Tokio finally has a chance to shine-by turning into a choujin himself!
Rooster Fighter: In a world where terrifying monsters walk the earth, one heroic rooster is destined for greatness. When giant demons threaten the innocent, he’s going to show them who’s boss!
Preview Material | Rating: Teen
WITHDRAWN
Princeless (Action Lab)
This title no longer features in the Free Comic Book Day catalogue online. Last year, Smash Pages reported that Princeless creators Jeremy Whitley and Emily C. Martin said they were just as surprised as fans to see Action Lab solicit new ‘Princeless’ material.
In a statement, they said the release of “brand new” Princeless material was a surprise to them, especially considering they are engaged in “a protracted legal battle with Action Lab regarding a number of issues that we feel should have voided our publishing contract.” The statement goes on to say the creators have stopped working on new Princeless material and have not been asked to approve any pages for the FCBD release.
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
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