Buying comics can be an expensive hobby. A lot of fans simply can’t afford everything they’re interested in, due to rising prices and the over-saturation of the market with superhero titles.
Every week Multiversity staffers get together to create pull lists with a $20 budget. But what if comics didn’t cost anything? What if you could walk into a shop and get free funny books? Well, it might look something like Free Comic Book Day! To celebrate tomorrow’s festivities we’ve put together a list of some of the comics we are most excited to pick up on this most joyous of comics holidays!
For more information on Free Comic Book Day, visit the official FCBD website. And if you missed it, Mike Romeo and Greg Matiasevich also chatted about their picks over on the Robots from Tomorrow podcast.
Matt Lune’s picks:
“Avengers / Captain America” (Marvel Comics)— I’m a sucker for a good Free Comic Book Day, and since there’s never been a bad one I’m always in luck. Last year’s Marvel output, however, was a prelude to “Secret Empire,” and seeing as I did not care for that event, it was a little disappointing. This year though, we’ve got Jason Aaron, Sara Pichelli, Leinil Francis Yu and Ta-Nehisi Coates, and no matter how you look at it that’s a superb line-up of talent, all for free.
“World’s Greatest Cartoonists” (Fantagraphics)— Twelve of Fantagraphics’ biggest authors join forces to provide an anthology series of brand new content that shows off not only their talents but teases their upcoming work. Last year’s FCBD book was excellent so I expect no less here.
“Berlin” (Drawn & Quarterly)— If you’ve not heard of “Berlin” or the work of Jason Lutes, this free first chapter of his seminal work is the perfect chance to experience a book nearly two decades in the making. There’s also an interview with Lutes looking back on his history with the series, now that the complete hardcover is coming out this year.
Kate’s picks:
“Doctor Who” #0 (Titan Comics)— It’s my first chance to see the new logo in print and the first chance to see the Thirteenth Doctor!
“Barrier” #1 (Image Comics)— I’m intrigued not only by the story, but the landscape format.
Mark’s picks:
“Shadow Roads” #1 (Oni Press)— I’ve been a big fan of “The Sixth Gun” for a while now, but when the series ended in 2016, I figured that would be it for quite some time. I know Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt had some ideas for something in the future, but it always seemed far off and vague. So a new series set in the same universe starting up two years later came as a bit of a surprise… but a welcome one.
If you know the publishing history of “The Sixth Gun,” then you’ll know that the first issue was a part of Free Comic Book Day 2010, so “Shadow Roads” #1 is continuing a tradition. Drawn by A.C. Zamudio, who previously worked on “The Sixth Gun: Valley of Death” with Brian Hurtt and “Death Follows” with Cullen Bunn, this simply had to be at the top of my list. The world of “The Sixth Gun” always seemed much bigger than the mythology of the Six, and I’m eager to see stories that delve into uncharted territory…
“Overwatch / Black Hammer” (Dark Horse Comics)— This is billed as a “Black Hammer” comic, but it seems it’s very much a prelude to “The Quantum Age” spinoff too (which kicks off in July). The art’s by Wilfredo Torres, and from the little snippets he’s shared on Instagram, this series looks like it’s gonna be a blast. Plus Dean Ormston’s on the “Black Hammer” segments. As for “Overwatch,” I’ve heard good things from those that’ve played the game, so this’ll be a good chance for me to finally check it out.
“The Legend of Korra / Nintendo Arms” (Dark Horse Comics)— The “Avatar: The Last Airbender” / “The Legend of Korra” comics are a must for me on Free Comic Book Day. They’ve had one every year since 2013, except for last year, which simply didn’t feel right. I’m glad to have it back this year. Jayd Aït-Kac (“Sfeer Theory”) is drawing this year’s offering with Avatarverse co-creator Michael Dante DiMartino writing.
Continued belowAs for Nintendo Arms… on this topic I’m completely ignorant. I do not own a Switch.
Ken’s picks:
“Shadowman Special” (Valiant Entertainment)— Not going to lie, Valiant’s in a weird place this last year. Them being bought out has seen a massive changing of the guard behind the scenes. This one’s a comic of intrigue to see how the company is going to go forward now.
“My Hero Academia & RWBY” (VIZ Media)— “My Hero Academia” is objectively the best superhero comic going on right now and people who disagree are Wrong (No Hyperbole Here!). Acquire this to give to someone you know that likes superheroes but can’t get into Marvel/DC. As for “RWBY,” it’s something I’ve heard of but have never dived into. No time like the present, eh?
Greg Lincoln’s picks:
“Ghost in the Shell: Global Neural Network” (Kodansha Comics)— Just a few of the listed from the upcoming anthology makes this a must if any are represented in the FCBD preview. Alex De Campi alone makes it something I want to read but adding the potential of Becky Cloonan, Brenden Fletcher, Max Gladstone, or David Lopez to the list piques my interest.
“My Hero Academia & RWBY” (VIZ Media)— Yeah, I do know this will be a reprint of something I may have seen already, at least with the “My Hero Academia” section. I happen to find Kouhei Horikoshi’s art very charming and having it in a form I can study without breaking a spine is too tempting. I’ve also been curious about “RWBY” … even if the animation is dubbed in English.
“Overwatch / Black Hammer” (Dark Horse Comics)— I’m in for this one because of the promise of a Zarya story. I don’t play Overwatch but, like so many people, I know I’ve fallen for a lot of the character designs and Zarya is kind of a favorite of mine right after Mei. The “Black Hammer” story is a nice added bonus.
Ramon’s picks:
“2000 AD Regened” (Rebellion Developments Ltd.)— Every year, Rebellion delivers one of the best issues of FCBD; now they went on a different path, making an all-ages anthology. It just will be fun to see how they managed to turn really dark characters into stories for kids.
“Amazing Spider-Man / Guardians of the Galaxy” (Marvel Comics)— I don’t follow “Amazing Spider-Man,” but I do love Nick Spencer’s work, especially his comedy books, so I’m thrilled to see how he’s going to give a new voice to the quirkiest character from Marvel. Plus, I want to see how Ryan Ottley performs after his long tenure on “Invincible.” Guaranteed quality.
“Unbeatable Squirrel Girl” (Marvel Comics)— At this point you most probably know, Fantagraphics has the best underground cartoonist in their ranks. This book is a safe bet: Great art, weird tales, and awesome voices.
Kevin’s Picks:
“Relay” #0 (AfterShock Comics)— Aftershock is building a stable of quality creator-owned books, and “Relay” has caught my eye. From Aftershock veterans Donny Cates (“Babyteeth”), Zac Thompson (“Her Infernal Descent”) and artist Andy Clarke, I’m sold. Bring on the space religion!
“Avengers / Captain America” (Marvel Comics)— Say what you will about Marvel (which we all do very publicly at this point), but they know how to do FCBD. The first “Avengers” issue of the Fresh Start era launched to a solid this week and this is prequel to that from Jason Aaron and Sara Pichelli. The real winner in this though is the “Captain America“ tale from Ta-Nehisi Cotes and Lenil Yu. That is a book I can’t wait for and this seems a must.
“Overwatch / Black Hammer” (Dark Horse Comics)— Look I don’t know shit about Overwatch (don’t @ me), but I love “Black Hammer.” We’re getting a preview of the third of the spinoffs from the main series, “The Quantum Age,” and I’m excited for this world to keep growing.
Vince’s Picks:
“The Tick” (New England Comics)— Thanks to the Amazon Prime series, “The Tick” is in right now. But was it ever out? Not if you ask me. I’m one of the biggest Tick fans in the world, and my heart grows three sizes just thinking about the fact that someone who’s watched the streaming show just may walk into a store on Free Comic Book Day and walk out with a new appreciation of the comics. That’s what FCBD is all about. Spoon!
“2000 AD Regened” (Rebellion Developments Ltd.)— “2000 AD” is reliably one of the top 3 anthology series at any given time and has been for as long as I’ve been reading comics. But for Free Comic Book Day, some absolute genius at Rebellion decided that they should be giving away an all-ages version of their comic, but with all the same hefty creative talents that would work on the actual series. Celebrate some weird comics with the youngster in your life, and then break the news to them that they’ll have to grow up a bit before reading more “Dredd.”
“Barrier” #1 (Image Comics)— Any time Marcos Martin has something on the stands, it’s an event. When it’s a premium book like “Barrier”, with a premium writer like Brian K. Vaughan, you know I’m slamming my money down on the counter twice as hard. What’s that? It’s free? The first issue of this gorgeous piece of speculative fiction is free? Wow, Free Comic Book Day is amazing. May we never lose it.
