By Andrew A. Smith
Tribune Content Agency
If you like free stuff, mark May 7 on your calendar. That Saturday is Free Comic Book Day 2016, when 2,300 participating comic shops will give out … well, free comics.
The rules vary from shop to shop, with some requiring a purchase, and others setting limits per customer. (To find a participating comic shop, go to freecomicbookday.com and enter your zip code in the Comic Shop Locator app.) But with 6 million copies ordered and 50 different titles available, it’s likely you’ll find something you like.
Marvel Comics, the largest comics publisher in North America, reports that retailers have ordered nearly a million copies of their two Free Comic Book Day editions – which is a good thing, as both are integral to Marvel’s major upcoming storylines.
Civil War II #1 kicks off Marvel’s second Civil War storyline – not the one in the May 6 Captain America movie, but one setting Iron Man and his supporters against Captain Marvel and her allies for reasons we have yet to learn. Superstar writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Jim Cheung provide what Marvel describes as a “snapshot of the conflict” that will rage in many Marvel titles later this year. In a backup story, writer Mark Waid and artist Alan Davis introduce a new version of Ant-Man’s erstwhile partner, The Wasp. As of this writing, Marvel hasn’t revealed who it will be, or even if she will be friend or foe.
Captain America #1 re-introduces Steve Rogers as the Star-Spangled Sentinel. Yes, Cap’s always been Rogers in the movies, but a recent storyline in the comics had Sam Wilson, the Falcon, take his place (and his shield). A new series, Captain America: Steve Rogers, is to launch May 25, while the title Captain America: Sam Wilson will continue. The backup feature is “Dead No More,” by writer Dan Slott and artist Jesus Saiz, which sets the stage for an upcoming Spider-Man storyline about his many dead friends and family with the cryptic line, “If you got the chance to bring someone back, would you?”
The No. 2 publisher, DC Comics, also brings two books to the table this year, both tying into multimedia franchises.
Suicide Squad #1 reprints the first issue in the graphic novel collection Suicide Squad Vol. 1: Kicked in the Teeth, by writer Adam Glass and artist Marco Rudy. This version of the team stars Harley Quinn and Deadshot, two characters slated to appear in the Suicide Squad movie premiering Aug. 5, and King Shark, who recently had a star turn on The WB’s Flash show.
DC Super Hero Girls: Finals Crisis #1 features young versions of heroes and villains such as Batgirl, Cheetah, Poison Ivy, Supergirl and Wonder Woman, attending classes at Super Hero High. In this adventure, it’s the day before finals and nothing goes right, and Supergirl goes missing. These versions of the characters can be found in their own animated adventures on the DC Comics website, and will star in an original graphic novel arriving June 29.
Other publishers have plenty to offer as well:
* Customers who were kids in the 1970s – and maybe some younger ones – will be thrilled by IDW’s Rom the Spaceknight #0, re-launching a title starring the popular LED-driven action figure of years agone. Marvel Comics leased the franchise years ago, but it’s been 30 years since the Spaceknight has fought his bitter foes, the Dire Wraiths, in print. The FCBD book, co-written by IDW’s Editor/Chief Creative Officer Chris Ryall and comic book/TV writer Christos Gage, with art by David Messina, will feature an introductory 10-page story of Rom’s arrival on Earth, an incident that sets up an ongoing Rom series launching in July 2016. The rest of the issue will contain additional content including character sketches, creator interviews and a look at Rom’s future.
“It’s no hyperbole for me to say that launching a new Rom comic is one of the things we’ve most wanted to make happen for fans,” Ryall said in a press release. “I know this because I’m one of them. The character has been absent from comics for too long and we can’t wait to introduce this all-new version to the world.”
* Valiant Comics is coming in big with the 40-page Valiant: 4001 A.D. FCBD Special, with looks at a number of Valiant properties.
The cover story is a prelude to Valiant’s summer crossover event, in which the hero Rai travels the ravaged Earth of the 41st century looking for forgotten heroes for the war on New Japan. (Spoiler: He finds future versions of Eternal Warrior, X-O Manowar and Armstrong) The four-issue 4001 A.D. launches on May 4, so the first issue will already be out when the FCBD Special arrives. The FCBD story, written by Matt Kindt (Mind MGMT) and drawn by Clayton Henry (Harbinger Wars), gives you a look at Rai before his recruitment drive.
Following the 4001 A.D. story, the book features a look at three previous Valiant launches. If you missed A&A: Adventures of Archer and Armstront #1, Divinity II #1 or Faith #1, here’s a chance to sample them.
* Image’s Camp Midnight stars Skye, a youngster who is accidentally sent to the wrong summer camp, one where everyone is a monster. Talk about trouble fitting in! Camp Midnight is written by Steven T. Seagle (Ben 10, Big Hero 6) and drawn by New Yorker cartoonist Adam Katzenstein, and is suitable for all ages. A Camp Midnight graphic novel ships April 27, so if the FCBD book tickles your inner monster, the full book will already be on the shelves.
* Oddly Normal is another all-ages book from Image, and stars another young girl, this one a ten-year-old half-witch with pointed ears and green hair. Oddly – yes, that’s her name – makes a disastrous wish on her birthday, and as a result must travel to the magical land of Fignation to solve the mystery of her parents’ disappearance.
* Dark Horse Serenity/Hellboy/Aliens FCBD 2016 Edition is exactly what it sounds like, with three stories from three different franchises. Hellboy is depicted learning an “unforgettable” lesson in 1954, courtesy of the all-star team of Mike Mignola and Richard Corben. Writer Chris Roberson and illustrator Stephen Byrne bring an update on the crew of the Serenity, while a third story (by writer Brian Wood and artist Tristan Jones) offers a peek into the new “Aliens: Defiance” series.
* Dark Horse All-Ages Sample FCBD 2016 Edition is also three stories, these set in the fantasy worlds of The Legend of Korra, How To Train Your Dragon and Plants vs. Zombies. Unlike the other DH book, this one is specifically meant for kids.
And, as the late-night commercials always say, there’s more! FCBD 2016 will offer books with familiar faces from comics, TV and video games like Adventure Time, Archie, Assassin’s Creed, Bob’s Burgers, Doctor Who (actually, four Doctors), Pink Panther, The Simpsons, Sonic the Hedgehog, Strawberry Shortcake and The Tick. There are probably just as many titles featuring characters you haven’t heard of – yet.
“This is a very exciting time for Free Comic Book Day as we celebrate our 15th anniversary, and we couldn’t be more thrilled at the selection of Gold level comics this year,” said Dan Manser, FCBD Marketing Director.
It certainly is. But even if you don’t like the comics, get a commemorative T-shirt. (Even though that’s not free.)
For more FCBD news and updates, visit www.freecomicbookday.com and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/freecomicbook and follow on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/freecomicbook or Instagram at freecomicbookday.
For a complete roundup of all FCBD PR, info, Gold & Silver lists and cover art, GO HERE.
Reach Captain Comics by email (capncomics@aol.com), the Internet (captaincomics.ning.com), Facebook (Captain Comics Round Table) or Twitter (@CaptainComics).
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