Free Comic Book Day may be split in two this year, but DC Comics ended up in the regular ol’ Free Comic Book Day portion in the Diamond Divorce of ’25. Or, put more simply: DC has announced the four books they’ll be giving out in stores on Free Comic Book Day 2026, including a look at three highly anticipated Next Level title.
The four samplers are: DC: Next Level, Aquamanatee, DC x Sonic the Hedgehog, and The Nice House on the Lake. In addition to being available in shops (where participating), the four sampler issues will also be available on the DC Universe Infinite service on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
What can one expect in the issues? The DC Next Level FCBD 2026 Sampler includes looks at three upcoming series: Batwoman by Greg Rucka and DaNi; Lobo by Skottie Young and Jorge Corona; and Deathstroke: The Terminator from Tony Fleecs and Darmine Di Giandomenico. Of note, while those series are currently upcoming, they’ll already be on stands and into their runs by the time FCBD rolls around: all three will release first issues in March.
Similarly, all three of the other issues are reprints, as well. Aquamanatee is an adorable graphic novel that came out last September. DC x Sonic the Hedgehog is the hit crossover, and this will reprint the first issue. And Nice House on the Lake is a reprint of the first issue of that series, with the sequel Nice House by the Sea returning for the second half of its run under the new Vertigo imprint in February.
To be clear, these are all interesting comics well worth your time; but it does point to a revised strategy given — as referenced above — FCBD is now paralleled by an event called Comics Giveaway Day happening the same time. Perhaps there’s a reticence to release new material until the whole thing figures itself out (though of note, Marvel doesn’t seem to feel the same way about CGD).
Preamble out of the way, here’s a look at the books, via PR from DC.
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.
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!
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!
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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