Free Comic Book Day 2026 is finally here! And also Comics Giveaway Day! Huh? What? What’s happening? Okay, here’s the deal… As usual, the first Saturday in May is a time you can stop by your comic book shop, and participating locations will give you free comics. However, there are now two events happening simultaneously.
The reason? Diamond, which used to run the event, completely imploded. Now, two separate comic book distributors are doing the same thing, in the same places, at the same time, with different comic book companies. For you, the consumer, it means essentially the same thing: free comics. However, they are two different events, and subsequently stores may be a little more confused than usual.
Adding to that is our yearly reminder: these books are free for you, but not for stores. They actually pay money for them, so when you go in we highly recommend purchasing something if you are able, to support the store. In addition, do not just run in and start pulling things willy-nilly off the shelves. There are specific books that are free, and each store has its own rules. For example, some will give out a fat stack of comics; others will allow you to choose one book only; and others won’t participate at all.
Looking to find out if your Local Comic Shop (LCS) supports either/both events? You can check out the Free Comic Book Day store locator, or… Well, Penguin Random House, which runs Comics Giveaway Day, is a little more bare bones but you can peak at their all-in-one-page info sheet. Side-note: one big difference this year is Free Comic Book Day has expanded to game stores, with Upper Deck and Wizards of the Coast joining the fun.
That preamble out of the way, here’s our rundown of some capsule reviews of the different books available, and whether you should snag them first. We’ll keep updating this review rundown throughout the day, so keep checking back!
Energon Universe 2026 Special (Skybound/Image Comics)
Skybound’s Energon Universe Special is an annual treat, and this year’s is no different if you’re a fan of the universe. It contains four stories from the worlds of Transformers, G.I. Joe, Void Rivals, and new this year, M.A.S.K. While some of the tales might be a little obtuse for those who haven’t been reading the books regularly, you’ve got some great art throughout from Pye Parr, Jason Howard, Conor Hughes, and Tom Reilly, so it’s lovely to look at regardless. If you have been reading the books, while the M.A.S.K. story is mostly a prelude — writer Dan Watters told us the FCBD book was originally the beginning of issue #1 of the series — the Transformers short is eminently intriguing, the Void Rivals one is a lot of fun, and the G.I. Joe tale is downright great, explaining how master-of-disguise Zartan gained control of the Joes. An easy must-pick-up if your store has it in stock.
Comics Giveaway Day – Locke & Key #1 (IDW)
A no-frills reprint of the first issue of Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez’s Locke & Key #1, the good news is this is one of the best first issues of all time. The kick-off to the horror series about a family who moves into the childhood home of their father after his murder, only to discover the house is littered with mysterious, magical keys is brilliantly illustrated by Rodriguez and tightly written by Hill. This CGD book mostly serves as an incentive to buy the new IDW Classic Collection printing, but it’s a pretty good incentive.
Comics Giveaway Day – Sonic The Hedgehog #1 (IDW)
Another no-frills reprint, this time of Sonic The Hedgehog #1, this serves as a great introduction to the comics by iconic Sonic (sonic-iconic?) writer Ian Flynn, with art by Tracy Yardley. You’ve got Sonic and Tails on an adventure, and it’s fast, it’s funny… What more do you want? Nine pages of ads? Okay, this has that, too.
Minotaur: The Cold Open CGD 2026 (Ignition Press)
Ignition Press has been doing some interesting stuff, and that includes the upcoming Minotaur by Si Spurrier and Mike Dowling. The intriguing sci-fi premise finds an advanced AI locked away, but also somehow possibly communicating and manipulating events from the future. This “Cold Open” is very much that, featuring a lot of talking about what’s going on, and not a ton of showing, setting the stage for the series to come. Luckily, Dowling draws some beautifully bleak scenery through here to pair with an elongated scene that is mostly a woman talking to a masked man on a laptop; and one splash page showing a terrorist attack on Wall Street swimmingly shows off Sofie Dodgon’s colors. This is very much adult sci-fi, so may not be for the casual fan off the street. But if that’s your jam, definitely worth the pick-up.
DC Next Level Sampler (DC Comics)
Reprinting parts of three new titles from DC Comics, all three “books” are easy entry points for the characters Lobo, Batwoman, and Deathstroke. This is definitely a book not geared towards Wednesday Warriors, as the Next Level titles included are all available on stands now, and have been for months. But if you’re intrigued by Lobo in the upcoming Supergirl movie, want a high octane Deathstroke thriller, or just want a peek at some gorgeous art from DaNi (on Batwoman) this is a nice sampler to pass along to a friend to get them hooked. As a bonus there’s also some pages from Fury of Firestorm and Zatanna, as well as a first tease of Barbara Gordon: Breakout.
The Nice House on the Lake #1 (DC Vertigo)
One of the bigger titles from DC in the past few years, this reprint of the first issue of the horror series by James Tynion IV and Álvaro Martínez Bueno. is an intriguing and disturbing start to a series about a group of friends who think they’re on vacation, but are actually the last survivors of a global apocalypse, thanks to a mysterious entity. Weird, stunning to look at, and eminently fascinating, start your Nice House journey here, then get caught up in time for the second half of the sequel series, The Nice House By The Sea, which is currently out from DC Vertigo.
DC X Sonic #1 Special Edition (DC Comics)
Another reprint, this includes the first issue of this very fun crossover, right before the sequel series — DC x Sonic The Hedgehog: Metal Legion — hits this upcoming Wednesday. There’s nothing really new here, but if you’re a fan of DC and/or Sonic, get ready to have a blast as the two universes collide. As a bonus, there’s also an excerpt from Justice League vs. Godzilla. Vs. Kong 2.
Aquamanatee #1 Special Edition (DC Comics)
Another one? This all-ages reprint is an excerpt from the book about a manatee who dreams o being Aquaman. I feel like I’ve seen this one pop up three Free Comic Book Days in a row, so if you’re getting deja vu too, that’s why. Anyway, it’s cute, the graphic novel — aimed at ages 5-7 — is on stands now, so if your kids like this you can snag the book in stores. This also features an excerpt from Supergirl’s Zoo-Per Heroes, another all-ages graphic novel available now.
Amazing Spider-Man #1000 / Queen in Black #1 CGD 2026 (Marvel)
This series of three tales is led by an excellent story by Joe Kelly and John Romita Jr. that justifies the pickup alone. Spidey battles a baddie called The Answer, and Kelly infuses in with humor, heart, and a ton of very fun cultural commentary about our brain broken, podcast obsessed society (with at least one ominous tease for the future. The two other stories tease the symbiote powered Queen in Black event as well as the dark future of Infernal Hulk. Of the two, Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Nic Klein turn in a terrifying Hulk short with moody art while the goop event seems about what you’d expect: lots of goop.
Armageddon / X-Men #1 CGD 2026 (Marvel)
The lead story here is a discombobulated tease of the upcoming Avengers: Armageddon event that finds Red Hulk taking over the world, followed by a short X-Men story setting up September’s DNX crossover, and a setup for the evergreen Doomquest series that finds a Doombot traveling through time. Frank Alpizar and Delia Diaz’s art in the lead tale is appropriately huge, though it’s still hard to parse what this story is about. The X-Men tale is surprisingly light, while I’ll read anything Doom from Ryan North, so I’m pre-sold on that one. It also has the most theming to it, dealing with what it means to be a Doombot in the presence of Doom.
Alien, Predator, & Planet of the Apes #1 CGD 2026 (Marvel)
Marvel’s 20th Century line has been surprisingly strong and so is this collection of new stories. The lead tale set is set in the world of Saladin Ahmed’s Alien: King Killer, and is shockingly important to setting up the story of the series in a way the first issue purposefully avoids. The second, tying into Jordan Morris’s Predator: Bloodshed which pits MMA fighters vs the Yautja is great too, a dark almost Outer Limits style tale that stands on its own. And while the last one merely sets up the upcoming Predator vs The Planet of the Apes from Greg Pak, it’s a blast as well. The best thing Marvel put out today? Surprising!
Spidey & His Amazing Friends #1 CGD 2026 (Marvel)
For young readers only, this contains multiple stories featuring the characters from Spidey and His Amazing Friends, including Miles Morales, who they call Spin, which I hate. Just kidding. Maybe. Anyway, Jeff and Symbie stop by, so it’s pretty cute.
Stitch #1 (Dynamite Entertainment)
A reprint of the Dynamite book from last year, this charming tale from Connor Ratliff and James III features no Lilo, though it does have plenty of other related characters. It also has some delightful art from Greta Xella, so while it’s nothing new if you’re looking for one of two Stitch tales (there’s another later on), here you go.
Supernatural #1 (Dynamite Entertainment)
Another reprint, this kicks off the run from writer Greg Pak, set early in the adventures of Sam and Dean Winchester. It’s a good, solid tale that channels the spirit of those early episodes of the long-running TV series, so if you’re missing it and want more this is a fun one to pick up.
Mind MGMT/Fort Psycho Special (Oni Press)
If you really want to blow some minds, hand them this book, which features one of the twistiest, meta-est stories Matt Kindt has ever created for Mind MGMT — and that’s saying something. Featuring as usual stunning art from the creator, even better this shows off G.I. Joe riff Fort Psycho, also by Kindt (with art by Brian Hurtt) that is nothing like Mind MGMT. Basically a non-stop showcase the most innovative creator in comics, this two-header shows why Oni Press’ new Flux House imprint is one to watch.
Garfield CGD 2026 (BOOM! Studios)
Featuring a ridiculous, meta-comic book story about Garfield discovering a priceless comic book by Mark Evanier, this also includes one about him meeting a mouse, and a preview of Baby Garfield. The original fat cat may hate Mondays, but this book will make you love Saturdays! Because today is Saturday, and you’re reading this book.
Jem and the Holograms/My Little Pony Flipbook CGD 2026 (BOOM! Studios)
Bad news: despite snagging the license for My Little Pony and Jem and the Holograms, these are not new stories, a weird start for “hey we got these cool new books.” Good news? These include stories from two of the best runs of all time. For MLP that means some ridiculously charming and funny Katie Cook penned tales. For Jem it’s the first issue of the outstanding series by Kelly Thompson and Sophie Campbell. On the latter, it was a true pleasure revisiting this take which feels like Absolute Jem, several years early. Both tee up new compact comics editions, so while this is old material, if it’s new to you, you should snag the collections now.
Power Rangers #0 CGD 2026 (BOOM! Studios)
Full disclosure: I am not a Power Rangers guy. However, what BOOM! neatly does with this book works against one of my main criticisms of the franchise: that it’s very same-y. Previewing the new upcoming lineup, you’ve got a take that brings back the classic Rangers for a new mission, one that is basically Justice League Unlimited with every iteration teaming up, and a third that is essentially Old Man Logan but for the Green Ranger. Still not quite my bag but with three solid creative teams behind these, if you are a Power Rangers fan this is one not to miss.
Something is Killing the Children: Road to Slaughter CGD 2026 (BOOM! Studios)
While many FCBD books serve as ads for their lines, events or books, this one-shot teasing the return of Erica Slaughter in Something is Killing the Children and the Fall of the House of Slaughter event series plays like “just” another issue of the book. Which is to say gorgeously drawn, intriguingly plotted, but wastes no time with new readers. It’s get on board or get lost with this one, and I’d venture many casual readers will be lost.
Avatar: The Last Airbender – Legends / Minecraft: Heart of the Cobblestone CGD 2026 (Dark Horse Comics)
This is led by a neat Avatar: The Last Airbender story focusing on Avatar Roku (not to be confused with Avatar Amazon Fire TV Stick) learning to use his water-bending and earth-bending in conjunction with each other. The back-up is about Minecraft, and that’s very nice for anyone who understands what’s going on there because I do not.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe / Dungeons & Dragons CGD 2026 (Dark Horse Comics)
A very silly/fun classic He-Man story from Tim Seeley, and a dead serious tease of an upcoming D&D comic from Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing anchor this issue. In the former, Seeley leans into the goofiness as he recaps the story of his various miniseries, leading into the new ongoing series. Basically, if you like the OG cartoon, you’ll like this. The latter story sets up a dark sorcerer bereft of his power working to get it back. Seems intriguing, though as I don’t know the lore I was a little lost. Still: will read anything from Kelly and Lanzing so count me in.
Flash Gordon #1 (Mad Cave Studios)
Review coming soon…
Terrorbytes #1 (Mad Cave Studios)
What if current comics’ best satirist did Black Mirror? That’s maybe the idea of Terrorbytes, which finds an inventor teasing an invention that lets you see your final moments as you die, pain free. Smart, funny, incredibly dark and prescient, this black-and-whit presentation of Felix Ruiz’s art is a perfect done-in-one issues, which means it’s a perfect pickup for FCBD. Do not miss, though get ready for the bleakest read you’ll get all day.
Kodansha: Blue Lock Full Color Selection & Dragon Circus CGD 2026 (Kodansha Comics)
Not having any idea what Blue Lock is, I’m not sure that being dropped into Chapter 37 of the… Soccer manga? Is the best place to start, even if the colors are nice. The backup with part of Dragon Circus is also impenetrable, but the dragon looks cool! Perhaps this is my American comics prejudice showing, but I’m not sure I would pick up either of these based on the previews.
The Last Kids on Earth and the Zombie Parade: The Graphic Novel Sampler CGD 2026 (Penguin Young Readers)
The rare all-ages preview that’s actually previewing something (i.e. not an excerpt for something that came out a year or two ago), this focuses on a bunch of kids in a post-apocalypse fighting a giant worm. The graphic novel comes out this fall, and the FCBD issue presents a full chapter that is fast and funny and sets the stage, while ending with an intriguing tease that could make you pre-order the book, whether you’re already a Last Kids fan or not. Mission accomplished!
The Whole Wide World of Mabel Mulligan: A Graphic Novel Sampler CGD 2026 (Penguin Young Readers)
Full of heart and imagination, this book focuses on the Mabel of the title as she wrestles with changes in her family while hanging with her best friends: talking stuffed animals. This feels like vintage Judy Blume at its best, in graphic novel form (that’s a good thing, if you don’t get the reference).
Pizza and Taco CGD 2026 (RH Children’s Books)
The surreal adventures of two friends making a comic for Comics Giveaway Day who happen to be a taco and a slice of pizza, this is right in the Cat Kid Comics Club realm, and aimed for younger readers. Not quite my thing, personally, but there is a maze in the back and I do love a maze.
School Bus Graveyard CGD 2026 (RH Children’s Books)
A selection from the printed version of the WEBTOON, this could appeal to fans of Stranger Things as it features high-schoolers fighting a mysterious beastie. The art was a little rough for my tastes, and some of the panels seem to have lost their resolution in the translation from online to off. Perhaps it works better in the vertical scroll format?
Mister Magic: The Graphic Novel Sampler CGD 2026 (Ten Speed Graphic)
Review coming soon…
The British Are Coming: The Graphic Edition, Volume 1 Sampler CGD 2026 (Ten Speed Graphic)
This is the rare comic that could use more words, as the adaptation of Rick Atkinson’s history of the American Revolution is presented here as a series of montage-style snapshots. It’s an interesting project, but might work better side by side with the prose book so you can follow what’s going on.
Disney Manga: Stitch! Best Food Forever! CGD 2026 (Tokyopop)
Just a cute little manga story featuring Stitch and some soup, this is for younger readers only. Art is good, though!
WEBTOON Unscrolled Preview CGD 2026 (Wattpad Webtoon Studios)
Review coming soon…
The Cimmerian: The Pool of the Black One (Ablaze)
Review coming soon…
Greatest American Hero (AMP Comics)
An extremely serious take on the old TV show, this finds an older version of the titular character returning home to try and bond with his son and granddaughter, with his powers on the fritz. There are plenty of mysteries set up here, and while it might be missing the humor you might expect and takes a while to get to the premise, this is a solidly created issue that might make some new fans.
World of Archie One-shot (Archie Comics)
Classic Archie Comics might be tailor made for Free Comic Book Day, as they give you everything you need — gags, goofiness, complete stories — in a few short pages. Here we focus on some newer characters over the course of five stories. If you like Archie (and who doesn’t?) this is the perfect pick-up.
Preview of Ultimate Oz Universe Vol. 2: Into the Outerlands (AWA Studios)
An intense, action-forward retelling of the Oz series comes from writer Fred Van Lente and artist Mike Deodato Jr. While there’s a lot going on here, it does feature a jacked tiger man and a jacked lion man shirtless arm wrestling, if that’s your thing.
Spotlight 2026 (Keenspot Entertainment)
This is a surreal experience reading this if you don’t know what it is, which is a bunch of different things from the publisher in no particular order. Pinups, letters pages, some random previews, perhaps something will grab you in this hodge-podge in a way it did not grab me.
Toybox 2026 (Keenspot Entertainment)
Like with the other Keenspot book, there’s a little too much going on here to hook into. A bunch of (mostly) two-page previews, while folks likely know Pooh Bear, this is a strangely ominous take on the classic adventures. The rest is hit or miss, though perhaps you’ll find a (mostly) all-ages title to your liking.
Future Is ****** Annual 2026 #1 (REKCAH Comics)
Review coming soon…
Conan the Barbarian: Tides of the Tyrant King #0 (Titan Comics)
One of the bigger surprises this FCBD, though it shouldn’t be a big surprise: Jim Zub writes a killer Conan. Here he contrasts a typical barbarian adventure with that of a World War I soldier, all leading to a new event coming down the road. The perfect FCBD book, basically, as it gives you what you want, works as its own done-in-one story, and gets you psyched for more. Great stuff!
Gun Honey Doubles Down #0 (Titan Comics)
Review coming soon…
Mega Man Showdown Special #1 (UDON Entertainment)
If you’re looking for depth, look elsewhere because — as the title suggests — this is all Mega Man characters facing off against each other, and that’s it. Invested in that sort of thing? Climb on board.
Street Fighter Forever #0 (UDON Entertainment)
Look, I don’t ask for a lot, but there is no fighting on streets in this issue. That said, there’s a massively confusing story with Ryu jumping through various landscapes like he’s on a select screen, followed by a more straightforward one with Juri and Vixen teaming up in a restaurant. No streets, though. Sad!
Journey to the West (UDON Entertainment/Manga Classics)
Featuring a translation by Jim Zub, this full-color version of the classic manga presents a bulky chapter featuring your fave and mine, the Monkey King, with some great action and an engaging kick-off to the full volume. Good stuff!
Dungeon Crawler Carl #0 (Vault Comics)
I’ve completely missed the boat on Dungeon Crawler Carl, but I guess I have to rectiy that after reading this graphic novel excerpt, because I did not realize it was about the end of the world forcing a regular guy and a cat into a deadly dungeon situation. Funny, weird, incredibly dark… I’m hooked.
Inanna: The Name She Lost #0 (Vault Comics)
Review coming soon…
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