Free Comic Book Day 2015: The Q&A!
By Andrew A. Smith
Tribune Content Agency
Saturday, May 2, is Free Comic Book Day, an event which has become a first-Saturday-in-May tradition at most major comic shops since the first one in 2001. If you haven’t ever been to one, it’s time to start, and here’s a Q&A to help you acclimate:
Q: Are the comics really free?
A: Yes, they’re really free.
Q: They don’t just form out of the ether. Who pays for them?
A: “It really is a shared cost between retailers, publisher and Diamond as the distributor,” said Deborah Moreland of Diamond Comic Distributors Inc., a firm that distributes the vast majority of comics in North America. “Retailers pay a nominal fee for each comic they purchase -- usually the cost to print the comic. They also handle all their costs in management and marketing of the event locally. Publishers create the comics with no compensation, other than for the printing costs, and they help to market the event. Diamond, as the distributor, donates all of its processing time to get retailers the comic books, and help oversee the overall management and the national marketing and PR for the event.”
Q: Do all comic shops participate?
A: No. To find out if a shop near you is giving away free comics, go the comic shop locator on www.freecomicbookday.com to find a shop near your zip code and ask them. With more than 2,340 shops participating this year, you should be able to find one close by.
Q: What else is going on at the shops besides free comics?
A: Wait, free comics isn’t enough? Tough crowd!
But as it happens, most shops – like my local retailer, Comics & Collectibles in Memphis, Tennessee – hold sales on non-free merchandise. Lots of fans show up in costume, and according to Moreland, it’s not unknown for couples brought together by the love of comics to get married at FCBD.
Elsewhere: Flying Colors Comics and Other Cools Stuff in Concord, California, where FCBD got its start, will host creators Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Matt Hawkins (Tales of Honor), Liam Sharp (Tales of Honor) and Tom Beland (Chicacabra) for signings and sketches. Collector’s Paradise in Canoga Park, California, makes FCBD a month-long event, with sales every Saturday, and more free goodies if you get your ticket punched weekly.
One of the most elaborate events will be at Collectors Corner in Baltimore. They’re giving away Avengers: Age of Ultron movie tickets, gift certificates and bags of swag; plus hosting professional cosplayers and an amateur cosplayer contest; plus bringing in comics creators in double figures for signings and sketches; plus holding a sale throughout the store and stretching out to a tent in the back!
Other big partiers, according to Moreland, are Midtown Comics (New York City), Austin Books and Comics (Texas), Star Clipper (St. Louis), Kingdom Comics (Birmingham, Alabama), The Destination (Louisville, Kentucky) and Third Eye Comics (Annapolis, Maryland).
Q: Do I have to wear a costume?
A: No. However, if you’re skipping work to go, a full Darth Vader face mask or Magneto helmet isn’t a bad idea in case your boss is there, too.
Q: Will there be enough books to go around?
A: That depends on the shop you’re at, and how many they ordered, and how many people show up. But your odds are good for a large selection, as retailers have set a record with orders this year – more than 5.6 million free comics will be available nationwide, a 21 percent increase over 2014.
Q. I keep hearing that comics aren’t just for kids any more. But are there still comics for kids?
A: Don’t worry, there’s plenty to keep the youngsters occupied. Among the more than 50 free books available May 2, many are all ages fare, many of which may be familiar from TV: Bob’s Burgers, Bodie Troll, Bongo Free-For-All (starring The Simpsons), Chakra the Invincible (written by Stan Lee), Cleopatra in Space, Dark Horse All-Ages Sampler, Pokemon, Rabbids, Spongebob Freestyle Funnies, Supermutant Magic Academy/Step Aside Pops! Combo Special, Teen Titans Go/Scooby Doo Team-Up, Terrible Lizard (a girl and her T-Rex) and The Tick.
Q. What if I'm in the teen+ age range?
A. There’s plenty for you, too. Publishers use FCBD to showcase upcoming events or titles:
- Archie’s Dark Circle Comics #1 gives a sample of the line’s quirky new superheroes: Black Hood, The Fox and The Shield.
- Dark Horse’s Fight Club/The Goon/The Strain features the titles found in its name.
- DC’s Divergence previews upcoming Batman and Justice League storylines.
- IDW’s Transformers: Robots in Disguise #0 and TMNT: Prelude to Vengeance showcases two of the publisher’s biggest franchises.
- Image is promoting two properties, Savage Dragon: Legacy and Tales of Honor.
- Marvel will preview the All-New All-Different Avengers (with three teens on the team), Secret Wars and Uncanny Inhumans with titles of the same name. Plus, they’ll combine all three in a Spanish language “Dia del Comic Gratis” edition.
- Titan’s Doctor Who Special has three adventures by three different Doctors.
- Valiant launches a months-long celebration with the 25th Anniversary Special, featuring all its major characters.
And there’s plenty more, from Hip Hop Family Tree to Neil Gaiman’s Lady Justice to a return of the classic Phantom. For covers and a description of all 51 comics offered, go to freecomicbookday.com or my website, captaincomics.ning.com.
Q. And you’re sure this is all free?
A. (Sigh.) Yes, it’s all free. But I may start charging if you ask that question again.
Reach Captain Comics by email (capncomics@aol.com), the Internet (comicsroundtable.com), Facebook (Captain Comics Round Table) or Twitter (@CaptainComics).
Free Comic Book Day 2015: The Comics!
GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS
Archie Comic Publications
Dark Circle COMICS PREVIEW—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) Duane Swierczynski, Mark Waid, Dean Haspiel, Various
(A) Michael Gaydos, Dean Haspiel, Various
(CA) Francesco Francavilla
THE BLACK HOOD! THE FOX! THE SHIELD! Get in on the ground floor of Dark Circle Comics and experience the cinematic and creator-driven reinventions of these iconic properties. Who is the new Shield? How did the Black Hood come to be? Can things get more unpredictable for The Fox? Learn the secrets of the Dark Circle universe from the creators themselves via sneak peeks at the new series, creator interviews and a first glance at the next Dark Circle series — all held together by an eye-popping cover from Afterlife with Archie artist, Francesco Francavilla!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Bongo Comics
Bongo Comics Free-for-All!—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W/A) Matt Groening, Various
Get in line for the foremost Free Comic Book Day four-color giveaway of the year! When Bart brings one of Professor Frink’s recent discoveries to school, it leads to some hair-raising hilarity! Then, Lisa finds a doorway to an ancient past, Comic Book Guy gets a hip new girlfriend, and Homer tries his hand at some home improvement... and much more!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Boom! Studios
BOOM! Studios Tenth Anniversary SPECIAL—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W/A) Various (CA) TBD
2015 is BOOM! Studios’ Tenth Anniversary year, and to help us celebrate we’ve gathered short stories from several current and new all-ages titles for Free Comic Book Day. From Archaia’s Mouse Guard, Jim Henson’s Labyrinth, and new title Iscariot; KaBOOM!’s Garfield, Peanuts, Regular Show, and a new Adventure Time with Fionna & Cake story; and BOOM! Box’s Lumberjanes, Munchkin, and Help Us! Great Warrior, there’s something in this free, 48-page issue for everyone!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Dark Horse COMICS
Fight Club/The Goon/The Strain—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) Chuck Palahniuk, Eric Powell, David Lapham
(A) Cameron Stewart, Eric Powell, Mike Huddleston (CA) David Mack
Dark Horse Comic’s most thrilling FCBD to date! Chuck Palahniuk and Cameron Stewart premiere Fight Club! Eric Powell serves up an all-new tragedy in The Goon! And Guillermo del Toro presents an all-new chapter from The Strain! Need we say more?
32pgs, FC FREE!
DC COMICS
DC COMICS DIVERGENCE — FCBD 2015 EDITION
W/A: Various
A first look at upcoming storylines! DC Comics: Divergence features three 8-page previews for the June releases of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman, as well as Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok's launch of the "Darkseid War" within Justice League featuring the biggest villains in the DCU - Darkseid and the Anti-Monitor, and Gene Luen Yang's DC Comics debut with celebrated artist John Romita, Jr on Superman.
32pgs, FC FREE!
Dynamite Entertainment
Bob's Burgers—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) Mike Olsen, Justin Hook, Chad Brewster
(A) Brad Rader, Tony Gennaro, Hector Reynoso, Frank Forte
(CA) Frank Forte
Bob's Burgers, the hit TV show created by Loren Bouchard, is now a comic book! The Belcher family — parents Bob and Linda, and their children Tina, Gene, and Louise — appear in this special Free Comic Book Day edition that collects the "Best Of" in-canon stories from Dynamite's first-ever Bob's Burgers comic book series. Thrill to Tina's “Friend Fiction”, Louise's “Unsolved Mysteries and Curious Curiosities”, “Gene Belcher Presents: The Musical”, and more! It's an all-ages extravaganza that captures the feel of Bob's Burgers perfectly — because it's a comic 100% created by show writers and animators!
32pgs, FC FREE!
IDW Publishing
Transformers: Robots in Disguise #0—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) John Barber, Tom Scioli (A) Priscilla Tramontano, Scioli
(CA) Priscilla Tramontano
Optimus Prime is gone — and Decepticons are on the loose! It’s up to Bumblebee and an elite crew of Autobots to track them down before their rampage spreads across Earth! Transformers comics have never been hotter, and the excitement spreads to this all-original comic inspired by the all-new animated series! Plus: previews of IDW and Hasbro unbelievable publishing slate for 2015, including an exclusive Transformers vs. G.I. Joe strip!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Image Comics
Savage Dragon: Legacy #1—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W/A/CA) Erik Larsen
The generational saga of Savage Dragon reaches a new milestone as Malcolm Dragon graduates high school and follows his father’s footsteps to the Chicago Police Department. Every young new officer has a lot to live up to, but for the son of a world famous figure as renowned as he is reviled, navigating the world of law enforcement is especially challenging. The cost of failure is high in a city becoming more dangerous by the day: Can Malcolm step out of his father’s shadow and become the hero Chicago needs, or is he doomed to make the same mistakes?
32pgs, FC FREE!
Marvel Comics
SECRET WARS #1 — FCBD 2015 EDITION
Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN & HAJIME ISAYAMA
Art by PAUL RENAUD & GERARDO SANDOVAL
Cover by ALEX ROSS
Prepare yourself for the final days of the Marvel Universe as you know it as the march to the biggest comic event of the year continues! From the ashes of a decimated cosmos rises… Battleworld! Amid the strange, patchwork realm, refugees from thousands of obliterated universes struggle for survival. Even if they can endure the horrors of Battleworld — the home they knew has been destroyed! Time has run out, and the opening salvo of Secret Wars has been fired. But can anything restore the Marvel Universe that once was?
32pgs, FC FREE!
Titan Comics
DOCTOR WHO: FREE COMIC BOOK DAY SPECIAL (ONE-SHOT)
Writer: NICK ABADZIS, AL EWING, ROBBIE MORRISON, ROB WILLIAMS & TBA
Art: ELENA CASAGRANDE, ARIANNA FLOREAN, SIMON FRASER, GARY CALDWELL, DAVE TAYLOR, LUIS GUERRO & TBA
32 pages / FC / $0.00
Take a blistering trip through time and space with three stunning ALL-NEW short stories featuring Tenth Doctor, Eleventh Doctor and the brand-new Twelfth Doctor by the ongoing DOCTOR WHO creative teams -- PLUS a sneak peek of the TOP SECRET Summer 2015 event! Be the first to get a hint of the epic that will shake the Doctor to his core! It's an unmissable read for fans, and the perfect primer for anyone looking to jump on board the TARDIS!
United Plankton Pictures
Spongebob Freestyle Funnies—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W/A) Graham Anable, Various (CA) Gregg Schigiel, Rick Neilsen
This year's SpongeBob Comics FCBD offering features a 22-page story by Boxtrolls director and Grickle cartoonist, Graham Annable! In "Tangy!" Plankton's new special sauce made from jellyfish jelly has strange effects on SpongeBob and the rest of Bikini Bottom's residents. The only one unaffected, the only one who can save them all, is a very reluctant Squidward! Plus, more undersea sequential stories by James Kochalka, Maris Wicks, Gregg Schigiel. and other awesome aquatic artists!
32pgs, FC FREE!
VIZ Media/Perfect Square
Perfect Square Presents: POKÉMON — FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) Hidenori Kusaka (A) Various
All your favorite Pokémon game characters jump out of the screen and onto the pages of this action-packed Free Comic Book Day edition comic! Legendary Pokémon Xerneas and Yveltal ‘s battle against each other is destroying Vaniville Town. Can X and Y save the town in Pokémon X*Y?! Bonus Feature: More action in Pokémon Adventures and Pokémon Adventures Black and White!
32pgs, FC FREE!
SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS
Action Lab
Gronk and Friends—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W/A/CA) Katie Cook
Gronk is a monster… and not a very good one! Follow Gronk’s continuing adventures as she learns about the world around her from her “teacher”, Dale, in this all-new Gronk story from fan favorite Katie Cook!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Antarctic Press
Steampunk Goldilocks—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W/A/CA) Rod Espinosa
This new Goldilocks may find that the Three Bears' boilers run “too hot” or “too cold”, that their armor plating is “too big” or “too small”, or that their mechs' piston-cycling is “too hard” or “too soft”. But when Rod Espinosa brings you yet another classic fairy tale spun Steampunk-style, the results will most certainly be “just right”!
24pgs, FC FREE!
Archie Comics
Sonic/Mega Man: “WORLDS UNITE” FLIP-BOOK—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) Ian Flynn (A) Various (CA) Evan Stanley, Various
WORLDS UNITE: Prelude—It’s TWO Free Comic Books in ONE! Just in time for the start of the All-New epic Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man crossover event, "Worlds Unite," comes a primer issue exclusively for Free Comic Book Day! The road to "Unite" began in the history-making "Worlds Collide" storyline, continued in 2013's “Dawn of X” storyline, and once again our heroes must meet — Mega Man's journey chronicled on one side, and Sonic the Hedgehog's on the other! This is the must-have primer for the biggest comic book event of 2015, as two video game icons must come together… or risk dying alone! Featuring art from both Sonic and Mega Man comic book fame!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Aspen MLT
Worlds of Aspen 2015—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W/A) J.T. Krul, Vince Hernandez (CA) Alex Konat
Two all-new FATHOM and SOULFIRE series begin right here! Michael Turner’s Fathom: Blue features a brand new cast of Blue outlaws from under the surface, coerced together by the U.S. Government for a covert war against their own kind — but if they fail their mission — their lives are over! Meanwhile, in Michael Turner’s Eternal Soulfire, a new wielder of magic emerges! Cassidy, a young girl with a huge power hidden within her, must place her trust in one of the Soulfire universes’ most fierce warriors, Miya, in order to escape not only those seeking to kill them—but also their own demons from the past!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Automatic Publishing
Hatter M: Love of Wonder #1—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) Frank Beddor, Liz Cavalier
(A) Sami Makkonen
(CA) Vincent Proce
Looking Glasses shatter as heroes and villains from Wonderland arrive to aid or block Hatter in his quest to find Alyss. Hatter’s reunion with his brother Dalton leads to an epic showdown as savior meets assassin in the struggle for Wonderland’s future!
32pgs, FC FREE!
AVATAR PRESS
MERCURY HEAT DEBUT—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) Kieron Gillen (A) Omar Francia
Kieron Gillen blasts into Free Comic Book Day with an exclusive preview introduction to his all-new Sci-Fi series, Mercury Heat! Mercury: A slow-turning planet where you can outrun the sunrise and the blistering heat it brings… a new frontier, where humanity's insatiable need for energy is fed by a harsh environment worked by a rough crowd. And since she's just a bit too intense to be a cop on Earth, Luiza is bringing her own brand of heat to this inhospitable world! This special issue features the first chapter of this ongoing saga, a special introduction to the world of Mercury Heat, and a look at the ships, designs, and making of this epic!
MATURE THEMES
32pgs, FC FREE!
Beguiling Books
Comics Festival! 2015 #1—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W/A/CA) Various
Comics Festival! 2015 continues the tradition of featuring all-new short stories by some of the greatest comics creators in Canada! It’s a wonderful showcase for existing and forthcoming comics and graphic novels! Not to be missed!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Capstone
March Grand Prix—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W/A/CA) Kean Soo
A Free Comic Book Day 2015 sneak peek of the new, turbo-charged graphic novel by Kean Soo, author of the award-winning series Jellaby! March Hare wants to be the fastest and furriest racecar driver around. But first this rabbit racer must prove his skills at the speedway, on the streets, and in the desert! With pedal-to-the-metal illustrations and full-throttle action, March Grand Prix is sure to be a winner! Featuring a full tank of bonus materials: creator Q & A, pin-up art, and much more!
32pgs, FC FREE!
CBLDF
Defend Comics—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W/A) Various (CA) Dean Tripp
For over 25 years, the CBLDF has fought to protect your right to read, and that crusade continues with this light-hearted look at a serious topic. Defend Comics is a sampler of the great YA comics available, and explores the censorship of comics with some of today’s most talented creators!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Chapter House
Captain Canuck #0—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W/A) Kalman Andrasofszky, George Freeman, Ed Brisson
When Tom Evans and his brother Michael gain superpowers from an alien artifact, they both must work through a lifetime of differences to ensure their gifts are used for the betterment of mankind. Thrust into battle by fledgling intervention agency Equilibrium, Tom becomes figurehead and hero Captain Canuck, fighting to not only save humanity, but his brother's soul, from the evil forces that lurk in the shadows. The classic Canadian comic book hero is reborn in this #0 issue for FCBD!
32pgs, FC FREE!
ComixTribe
And Then Emily Was Gone #0—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) John Lees (A) Iain Laurie (CA) Ryan Stegman
A chilling prelude to the cult horror sensation, And Then Emily Was Gone! Bonnie Shaw is a terrifying creature of Scottish folklore who would grant parents their hearts' desire... in exchange for their child. Young Billy McTaggart has nothing to fear from Ol’ Bonnie, as his mother and father love him, don't they? DON’T THEY?! Featuring a cover by superstar artist Ryan Stegman (Inhumans).
32pgs, FC FREE!
Dark Horse Comics
DARK HORSE AlL-AGES SAMPLER—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) Gene Luen Yang, Paul Tobin
(A) Carla Speed McNeil, Ron Chan, Colleen Coover
(CA) Carla Speed McNeil
All-ages action, fantasy, and humor! All-new stories that make great entry points to new worlds! Gene Luen Yang and Carla Speed McNeil deliver an Avatar: The Last Airbender adventure! Dr. Zomboss and Crazy Dave clash in a new Plants vs. Zombies battle! And the crafty Bandette stars in a tale of her own!
32pgs, FC FREE!
DC Comics
DC COMICS SILVER BOOK—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W/A/CA) Various
DC Entertainment's all-ages FCBD special edition has two tales for readers of all ages! The Teen Titans are back in Teen Titans Go! Chapter 10, and Scooby Doo Team Up! #6 features the Super Friends! Readers will want to follow the adventures of the Teen Titans in Teen Titans Go! Volume 1 (DEC140400), and Scooby Doo's adventure with the Super Friends will continue in the forthcoming collected edition of Scooby Doo Team-Up! Super-hero adventures for readers of all ages have never been so much fun!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Drawn & Quarterly
SuperMUTANT Magic Academy/STEP ASIDE, POPS! COMBO Special—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W/A/CA) Jillian Tamaki, Kate Beaton
Drawn & Quarterly celebrates its 25th year in publishing with this all-ages FCBD edition previewing two of its biggest books for 2015! Kate Beaton is back with Step Aside, Pops! her follow-up to her best-selling debut, Hark! A Vagrant, with more irreverent and hilarious comics on history and literature. Sharing the billing is Jillian Tamaki, co-creator of Skim and This One Summer. SuperMutant Magic Academy, which Jillian has been serializing online for the past four years, paints a teenaged world filled with just as much ennui and uncertainty, but also with a sharp dose of humor.
32pgs, FC FREE!
Fantagraphics Books
Hip Hop Family Tree THREE-in-One FEATURING COSPLAYERS—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) Ed Piskor, Dash Shaw (A) Ed Piskor, Dash Shaw, Various (CA) Ed Piskor
Featuring Ed Piskor’s Hip Hop Family Tree series and Dash Shaw’s Cosplayers! Piskor’s half features excerpts from all three existing HHFT volumes, plus the Rob Liefeld/Spike Lee commercial adaptation and exclusive pinups by R. Crumb, Scottie Young, Jim Rugg, Ben Marra, and more! Shaw’s side delivers an all-new, 24-page issue of his thoughtful and funny exploration of human endeavor and social interaction as seen through the lives of two cosplayers. Enjoy the works of two of the great contemporary graphic novelists of their generation!
56pgs, FC FREE!
Gemstone Publishing
Overstreet's Comic Book Marketplace—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) Robert M. Overstreet, Various
When Action Comics #1 sells for $3.2 million, Incredible Hulk #1 sells for $326,000, the original art for Wolverine's first brief appearance sells for $657,000, and when cosplay has exploded to unparalleled heights, it's time for a look inside the market! The Free Comic Book Day 2015 issue of Overstreet's Comic Book Marketplace — from the team behind The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide and the new Overstreet "How To" series — is a perfect introduction to the fun and history of comic book collecting!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Graphix/Scholastic Inc.
Graphix Spotlight: Cleopatra in Space BooK ONE—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W/A/CA) Mike Maihack
When a young Cleopatra (yes, that Cleopatra) finds a mysterious tablet that zaps her to the far, really far future, she learns of an ancient prophecy that says she is destined to save the galaxy from the tyrannical rule of the evil Xaius Octavian!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Hermes Press
The Phantom Special—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W/A) Bill Lignante, Don Newton, Jim Aparo, Sal Velluto
The Phantom, the grand-daddy of costumed heroes celebrates Free Comic Book Day 2015 with a volume showcasing stories by some of the greatest artists to ever create tales for this ground-breaking title featuring The Ghost Who Walks. This 32 page book will feature work from the Gold Key and King Phantom comics created by Bill Lignante; from the Charlton Phantom comics created by Jim Aparo and Don Newton and will offer samples of the newest Phantom story created by Peter David and Sal Velluto. Hermes Press' Phantom FDBD issue will also offer bonus material and tons of surprises!
32pgs, FC FREE!
IDW Publishing
TMNT: Prelude to Vengence—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) Tom Waltz, Bobby Curnow (A/CA) Mateus Santolouco
The Turtle's final battle with Shredder begins here! This book will take us inside the minds of key characters in the TMNT universe, revealing the epic moments that have led to the present, as well as setting the stage for the biggest storyline yet with all new material!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Image Comics
Tales of Honor #0—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) Matt Hawkins (A) Linda Sejic
An original Honor Harrington story! Set in the universe of the best-selling military science fiction novels by David Weber, this self-contained zero issue is the lead-in for the new ongoing series also launching in May. On patrol in the Silesian Confederacy, Honor and her crew chase a pirate vessel, only to have it eject its human cargo of slaves into space! Horrified at the callous disregard for life, the crew of the HMS Fearless investigates and uncovers a vast conspiracy by the planet Mesa to provide genetically-enhanced slaves to the seedy underbelly of the various Star Kingdoms.
32pgs, FC FREE!
Kodansha Comics
Kodansha Comics Sampler—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W/A) Various (CA) Hajime Isayama
If you aren't reading Attack on Titan, you're missing out on the biggest manga and anime phenomenon to sweep the world in years! But don't worry. Now you have the chance to see what all the fuss is about with an excerpt from the first volume, along with samples from other top manga series, including Fairy Tail, The Seven Deadly Sins, Noragami, and more!
SC, 5x7, 96pgs, B&W FREE!
Legendary Comics
Legendary Comics Preview—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W/A) Various
Working with industry-leading talent such as Grant Morrison, Frazer Irving, Matt Wagner, Simon Bisley, Judd Winick, Geoff Shaw, Jonathan Hennessey and Shane Davis, we've created an ever-growing library of thrilling sagas including Annihilator, Epochalypse, A Town Called Dragon, The Harvester, The Tower Chronicles: DreadStalker and more, alongside cinematic tie-ins such as Godzilla: Awakening and the best-selling Pacific Rim: Tales from Year Zero. Join us this Free Comic Book Day as we unveil an exclusive first look at the exciting next chapter of Legendary Comics!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Liquid Comics
Stan Lee's Shakra the Incredible—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) Stan Lee, Sharad Devarajan, Ashwin Pande, Dean Trippe
(A) Jeevan J. Kang, Dean Trippe, Brittney Williams, Dave Bardin
(CA) Jeevan J. Kang
Based on the animated shorts seen on Angry Birds ToonsTV, Stan Lee’s Chakra The Invincible is the latest superhero creation from the legendary co-creator of Spider-Man, X-Men, The Avengers, Iron Man, and more! This all-ages comic features short tales of Chakra the Invincible for kids and superhero fans of all ages!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Marvel Comics
ALL-NEW, ALL-DIFFERENT AVENGERS — FCBD 2015 EDITION
Written by MARK WAID & CHARLES SOULE
Art by MAHMUD ASRAR & BRANDON PETERSON
Covers by JEROME OPENA & NICK BRADSHAW
What better way to celebrate Free Comic Book Day then by assembling Earth’s Mightiest — and most popular — Heroes?! Iron Man! Captain America! Thor! Black Widow! Hawkeye! Hulk! The Vision! Everyone’s favorite heroes take on a dangerous new threat in this FCBD spectacular!
Marvel is proud to officially peel back the curtain on one of Marvel’s can’t-miss Free Comic Book Day offerings! Saturday, May 2nd, meet the new roster of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and prepare for the next epic chapter of Charles Soule’s Inhumans saga in ALL-NEW, ALL-DIFFERENT AVENGERS FCBD!
Get a look into the Avengers of tomorrow with the All-New, All-Different Avengers! Eisner-award winning writer Mark Waid (Daredevil, S.H.I.E.L.D.) and All-New Young Guns artist Mahmud Asrar (All-New X-Men) take this new squad for their very first spin! Newcomers Nova, Miles Morales, and Ms. Marvel join Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and the Vision for a team of Avengers unlike any you’ve ever seen before!
Then, blockbuster Death of Wolverine scribe Charles Soule joins artist Brandon Peterson (Age of Ultron) to lay new groundwork for the future of the Inhumans. As the Terrigen Mists continue to awaken new Inhumans across the globe – it’s up to Medusa and her squad to protect them from a world that would use their new powers for evil. And why is Johnny Storm, the Human Torch now counted among their ranks?
Plus, don’t miss Marvel’s other exciting FCBD offering, Secret Wars #0 – the epic prelude to the biggest comic event of the year, just in time for the release of Secret Wars #1 the very next Wednesday!
The future of Marvel begins on FREE COMIC BOOK DAY! Be there as the All-New, All-Different Avengers assemble for the first time and the Uncanny Inhumans embrace the Marvel Universe of tomorrow! No fan can afford to miss both of Marvel’s Free Comic Book Day titles – in stores on May 2nd!
32pgs, FC FREE!
New England Comics
The Tick—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) Jeff McClelland (A) Duane Redhead (CA) Duane Redhead
The Tick returns for FCBD 2015 with 32 pages of full-color comic book fun! In the all-new lead story, The Tick and Arthur’s apartment is haunted by a ghost from The Tick’s mysterious past — an entity who claims to be The Tick’s first sidekick — and it won’t rest in peace until... well, we can’t give away everything, can we?! Plus, still more full-color fun featuring The Tick! Great for fans new and old!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Oni Press
Terrible Lizard #1—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) Cullen Bunn (A/CA) Drew Moss, Ryan Hill
The touching story of a girl and her T-Rex… with a healthy dose of collateral damage and kaiju fighting on the side! When the scientists of Cosmos Labs punch a hole through spacetime, they pull a ferocious dinosaur into the present! The dinosaur imprints on teenager Jessica, proving to be more mischievous than vicious. But he is not alone, as transdimensional monsters begin attacking our world! Now Jessica and her new friend “Wrex” must save the universe! For fans of bad science, dinosaurs, giant monster battles, and friendship, the all-ages-friendly and action-packed Terrible Lizard begins here!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Papercutz/Super GENIUS
Rabbids—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) Thitaume (A/CA) Romain Pujol
Spinning out of the hit videogame and TV series, the Rabbids are taking over FCBD in this fun-filled comic book! Their hilarious antics are sure to entertain fans of all ages!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Lady Justice #1—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) C.J. Henderson (A) Dan Brereton, Michael Netzer, Bill Sienkiewicz
Back in print for the first time in two decades! This Lady Justice FCBD Edition reprints issue #1 of Neil Gaiman’s lost comics classic!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Rebellion
2000AD SPECIAL—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W/A) Various
The galaxy’s greatest Eisner-nominated SF anthology returns to Free Comic Book Day with a 48 page zarjaz line-up of stories! Inside you’ll find: Judge Dredd in ”Through the Out Door”, a brand new story from Matt Smith and Norm Breyfogle; The Traveller from Mick McMahon; Ajax Bloodthirsty in a new tale from Ben Willsher and Barry Krishna; Nemesis the Warlock in “Tomb of Torquemada” by Pat Mills and Kevin O’Neill; Doctor Sin returns to pass on his mantle in “Don’t Call It A Comeback” by Rob Williams and Luca Pizzari; Dan Dare from Dave Gibbons and Gerry-Finley Day; Sláine stars in “A Simple Killing” by Pat Mills and Simon Davis; classic Judge Dredd newspaper strips by John Wagner, Alan Grant and Ron Smith; and Tharg’s Alien Invasions from Henry Flint! All this, plus a FREE digital story attached!
48pgs, FC FREE!
Red 5 Comics
Bodie Troll and Friends—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W/A) Jay Fosgitt
With a mix of playfully irreverent humor, attention-grabbing art and incredible heart, Bodie Troll is a perfect first comic to give to a non-comic-reader of any age! In an all-new exclusive adventure, things turn ugly for cute Bodie Troll when he gets hijacked into that most agonizing of events — a little girl’s tea party! Plus, an all-new adventure from the world of Drone, and previews of 2015 Red 5 favorites and new faces!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Th3rd World Productions
The Stuff of Legend: A Call to Arms Preview—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) Mike Raicht, Brian Smith, Nick Tapalansky
(A) Charles Paul Wilson III, Alex Eckman-Lawn
Left scattered across The Dark in the aftermath of the Boogeyman's deceit, our band of heroic Toys must pick up the pieces or risk losing their boy forever in this Preview of The Stuff of Legend Volume 5: A Call to Arms! Also featured in this flip-book style FCBD issue is a preview of the brand new, all-ages original graphic novel series being hailed as the next Avatar: The Last Airbender — Thanatos Diver! A young girl opens a portal to strange new worlds in a sunken city, and unwittingly releases a mythical being of immense power, the mythical Thanatos Diver!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Top Shelf Productions
THE MOTORCYCLE SAMURAI—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W/A) Chris Sheridan
Look hard into the storm clouds. You may yet see her, mounted on her electric steed, streaking past. The last hero of the West… THE MOTORCYCLE SAMURAI! It's been called “the new benchmark for indie digital comics." Now discover the mad genius of The Motorcycle Samurai for yourself, as Chris Sheridan does the unthinkable: brings his creation to print! Top Shelf celebrates FREE COMIC BOOK DAY with 24 pages of full-color action, whetting appetites around the world for the future release of The Motorcycle Samurai graphic novel. Now saddle up and let's ride!
24pgs, FC FREE!
12-Gauge Comics
I.C.E.: Bayou Blackout—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) Doug Wagner, Ron Marz
(A) Daniel Hillyard, Nelson Blake (CA) Jason Pearson
When a group of Chechen mercenaries attacks New Orleans, I.C.E. agents Cole and Ezra must stop them before they can complete their mission to destroy a main hub of the US power grid! To keep these murdering psychopaths from achieving their goal, Cole must let go of his fear and unleash his true self. As an added bonus, this FCBD issue includes an extended preview of the next installment of critically acclaimed anthology The Ride, from writer Ron Marz and artist Nelson Blake!
32pgs, FC FREE!
UDON Entertainment
Street Fighter: Super Combo Special—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) Matt Moylan (A) Jeffrey Cruz, Long Vo, Joe Vriens, Omar Dogan, Joe Ng
(CA) Joe Ng
Five generations of World Warriors collide in this epic new Street Fighter story for Free Comic Book Day 2015! Ryu, Charlie, Crimson Viper, Ibuki, and more put their martial arts skills to the test as they battle across the globe. A self-contained story, perfect for newcomers to the Street Fighter universe, or longtime fans!
6x9, 32pgs, FC FREE!
Valiant Comics
Valiant 25th Anniversary Special—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) Jeff Lemire, Robert Venditti, Various
(A) Various (CA) Rafa Sandoval
Valiant's 25th year is going to be the biggest one yet! The silver anniversary celebration begins right here on Free Comic Book Day! Bloodshot, X-O Manowar and the rest of Valiant's fearless heroes are taking center stage for a star-studded, jam-packed anniversary smash celebrating 25 years of Valiant comics! Featuring an essential selection of brand-new stories and never-before-seen artwork, alongside exclusive interviews and "best of" features, jump on board here to relive the ground-breaking journey that established Valiant as the largest and most acclaimed independent universe in comics — and witness the action-packed first steps toward 25 more history-making years!
32pgs, FC FREE!
VIZ Media
Shonen Jump Presents: Jo Jo's Bizare Adventure/Yu-Gi-Oh!—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W/A) Hirohiko Araki, Kazuki Takahashi
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, from Hirohiko Araki, is a groundbreaking manga famous for its outlandish characters, wild humor and frenetic battles. A multigenerational tale of the heroic Joestar family and their never-ending battle against evil! Yu-Gi-Oh! by Kazuki Takahashi tells the story of 10th grader Yugi, a game obsessed kid who one day solves the “Millennium Puzzle”, an Egyptian artifact that holds the spirit of a master gambler from the age of the Pharoahs! Possessed by the puzzle, Yugi becomes Yu-Gi-Oh, the King of Games, and battles evildoers in the Shadow Games... weird games with high stakes and high risks!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Zenescope Entertainment
Grimm Fairy Tales Presents: Wonderland ONE-SHOT—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W/A/CA) TBD
Zenescope has published over 100 Wonderland comics and spinoff comics since 2007. Now this special Free Comic Book Day offering will give readers a chance to jump on board the incredible, mind-warping horror series that will leave you wanting more! Travel down the rabbit hole and rediscover the madness!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Jurassic Strike Force #5—FCBD 2015 EDITION
(W) Joe Brusha (A) TBD (CA) Marat Mychaels
This is the prequel issue to Silver Dragon Books’ All-Ages hit series featuring Earth’s Original Heroes! The evil Zalex has returned to shatter Earth’s peace with his army of mutated dino-soldiers. Now the Jurassic Strike Force 5 will be called into action to stop Zalex’s evil plan!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Free Comic Book Day 2015: The Press Releases!
Retailers Place Record-Breaking Order For 2015 Free Comic Book Day Comics
Comic book specialty retailers worldwide expect significant attendance at this year’s Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) and have pushed their ordering to record breaking levels with more than 5.6 million free comic books to be available the day of the event, May 2, 2015. This year’s order for FCBD titles is a 21% increase over 2014’s previous comic order.
The number of participating stores has also increased with 2,340 specialty shops participating in Free Comic Book Day across the US, Canada and internationally, up 8% over last year.
“FCBD is the day after the opening of the Marvel’s Avenger's Age of Ultron film, and thousands of comic book shops across North America and around the world will look to share the magic of comic books with their communities,” said FCBD spokesperson Deborah Moreland. “Free Comic Book Day is a wonderful time of year for independently owned and operated comic shops as FCBD gives them an extra push in business as they connect with new customers and get a positive charge forward for the summer months and rest of 2015."
Comic book publishing powerhouses, Dark Horse Comics, DC Entertainment, IDW Publishing, Image Comics and Marvel Comics are among the many sponsors offering 50 special comic book titles for Free Comic Book Day 2015.
Free Comic Book Day is designed to appeal to a broad range of tastes, making it a great event for readers of all ages to find a comic they will enjoy as they explore all their local comic book shop has to offer.
For more FBCD news and updates, to locate a participating comic shop and to see all 50 free comics available on May 2nd, visit the FCBD website at www.freecomicbookday.com. Also become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/freecomicbook and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/freecomicbook.
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2015 SPANISH EDITION
Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN, CHARLES SOULE & TOP SECRET
Art by PAUL RENAUD, BRANDON PETERSON & TOP SECRET
Cover by NICK BRADSHAW
Coming May 2nd
Marvel is already bringing the biggest heroes, the biggest creators and the biggest stories to FREE COMIC BOOK 2015. But for the first time ever, we’re bringing the excitement of Free Comic Book Day to Spanish-speaking Marvel fans. Today, we’re proud to announce that this May, Marvel’s stellar Free Comic Book Day stories will be available in a special free Spanish Language Edition! Featuring a new cover by superstar artist Nick Bradshaw, three of this years can’t-miss Free Comic Book Day stories will be available together in one Spanish language comic.
“I’m thrilled to offer these Free Comic Book Day stories in Spanish the same day as their English language counterparts,” says Marvel Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso. “Making the stories we create more accessible and available to a wider audience is essential to the continued growth of the comic industry.”
Presenting Secret Wars #0, All-New, All-Different Avengers FCBD, and Uncanny Inhumans FCBD in Spanish, the Free Comic Book Day 2015 Spanish Edition will be available exclusively in comic shops on May 2nd – the same day as the English language FCBD titles.
“Free Comic Book Day is a chance for publishers to offer gateway stories that will keep fans coming back the rest of the year and beyond,” says Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. “By offering our Free Comic Book Day stories in Spanish for the first time ever, we’re committed to expanding our audience to one of the largest growing demographics.”
Working closely in conjunction with Marvel and Disney marketing departments, the Free Comic Book Day 2015 Spanish Edition represents the first effort in a renewed focus on expanding growth of Marvel Comics to an increasingly diverse audience.
Retailers: Check future Marvel Mailers for instructions on how to order the Free Comic Book Day 2015 Spanish Edition.
Replies
Free Comic Book Day 2015: The Videos!
Actor Mark Hamill Wants You to Attend Free Comic Book Day
(BALTIMORE, MD) — (March 17, 2015) —World famous actor and longtime comic book reader, Mark Hamill encourages fans to discover the fun of comic books during the annual Free Comic Book Day (FCBD), taking place at participating comic book shops across the globe on Saturday May 2nd. Over 5.6 million comic books will be given away for free at over 2,300 participating comic book shops to new and devoted comic book fans of all ages.
On Saturday May 2nd, anyone that visits a participating comic shop will receive at least one or more of the designated FCBD comics for free. The Free Comic Book Day Committee picked a listing of Gold and Silver sponsors whose comic books include titles that are great for kids and adults. This year’s roster contains 50 free comics that include titles for everyone’s tastes with Marvel’s Secret Wars, DC’s Divergence, Fight Club, The Simpsons, Spongebob, Transformers, Pokemon, The Tick, and many more for fans to discover!
Comic shops will also host community events such as costume contests, drawings by guest artists, creator signings, raffles, door prizes, photos with costumed characters, and other community building activities throughout the day. Every comic shop celebrates FCBD in their own unique way and fans have an opportunity to see their local comic shop’s personality and thriving community of pop-culture enthusiasts on display.
Take Mark Hamill’s advice and check out Free Comic Book Day on May 2nd. To see all 50 FCBD titles and to find a participating comic shop within your community, visit www.freecomicbookday.com. For daily FCBD updates, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/freecomicbook and follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/freecomicbook.
Actor Robin Lord Taylor Wants You to Attend Free Comic Book Day
Robin Lord Taylor knows some of the best TV shows and movies come from comic books.
The actor plays Oswald Cobblepot (a.k.a The Penguin) on the FOX television series Gotham, which is based on characters from the Batman franchise published by DC Comics.
There is so much to discover in the amazing world of comic books and Robin is here to tell you all about the big event happening at your local comic shop on the first Saturday in May - Free Comic Book Day!
Watch the video below to hear all about the big day on May 2nd, 2015!
Free Comic Book Day 2015: The T-Shirts!
ARTIST AMANDA CONNER DESIGNS FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2015 T-SHIRT
The 2015 Free Comic Book Day T-shirts are available for fans and retailers to show their support of FCBD!
Critically acclaimed comic artist and illustrator Amanda Conner has been designing comic book art for over 20 years and is most recognized for her DC Comic's seriews work on Powergirl, Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre, and Harley Quinn. Amanda was assisted in creating the FCBD 2015 T-shirt by comic book colorist Paul Mounts. For over 25 years, Paul has been involved in the comic book industry creating memorable artwork as seen in the Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre series, Marvel's Ultimates books and Tellos.
The FCBD T-shirt will be available in black and navy in adult sizes Small to XXL (MSRP: $14.99-$17.99) and in youth sizes Small to Large (MSRP: $11.99). Women's V-neck T-shirts will be also be available for the first time in sizes Small to XL (MSRP: $14.99-$17.99). Amanda's artwork will also be available as a commemorative poster to remember the fun and excitement of 2015's FCBD festivities. All proceeds go to support Free Comic Book Day's marketing and promotional efforts.
The commemorative Free Comic Book Day T-Shirts and poster by Amanda Conner and other FCBD memorabilia, plus the complete listing of all fifty FCBD titles, can be found in the January issue of PREVIEWS, in stores on 12/24.
For more FCBD news and updates visit freecomicbookday.com. Also become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/freecomicbook and follow on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/freecomicbook.
Free Comic Book Day 2014 -- photos!
I couldn't run these photos supplied by Diamond with my column, because there was no information on time, location or subjects. That's kinda a no-no in newspapers. But here there, completely info-free but fun to look at.
My LCS is planning to actually have a sidewalk sale for Free Comic Book Day, if the weather holds. Which should be sweet as there will be a ton of 50 cent comics. Also, about a 75% chance I will be working that day.
For some unknown reason I neglected FCBD for the first few years. Now I totally embrace it. Good times.
Thanks, Travis! Here's another FCBD press release:
Additional Sponsor Announced for Free Comic Book Day 2015
DK Take Sponsorship Role in Free Comic Book Day 2015.
(BALTIMORE, MD)- (April 30, 2015)- DK have signed on to sponsor and contribute toward the marketing and promotion of Free Comic Book Day (FCBD), which takes places Saturday May 2nd at participating comic book specialty shops across the US, Canada, and worldwide. DK will serve as a supporter of Free Comic Book Day offering a special edition comic book along with the opportunity to win prizes as they help shape and enrich the comic fans’ experience of the event.
DK Publishing will offer FCBD Fans the opportunity to win various graphic novels, comics, activity books, and additional prizes through contests hosted on the Free Comic Book Day Facebook page during April through July.
“These sponsorships are key elements which have helped make Free Comic Book Day become the success that is has been and continues to become every year,” said FCBD spokesperson Deborah Moreland. “Due to growth of Free Comic Book Day since its inception, we can attract major sponsor who see the value in being associated with this major event and see how their sponsorship helps benefit both retailers and comic book fans. We want to thank our sponsors for their support and drive to help make the FCBD fans experience enjoyable and memorable.”
“We are honored to be part of Free Comic Book Day again this year,” said Mindy Fichter, DK's Associate Director of Publicity. “We understand the importance of nurturing a love of reading in children, and we think we've got a winner with this year's offering of LEGO Star Wars in 100 Scenes. The book includes--you guessed it--one hundred LEGO Star Wars scenes, all of which are chock-full of action, intrigue, betrayal, battles, droids, heroes, and whole lot of surprises."
Free Comic Book Day is an annual event, always taking place on the first Saturday in May where anyone can go to a participating comic book shop and get comic books for free. This year, FCBD will take place on Saturday May 2nd, 2015, at over 2,300 comic book shops all over the world who will distribute over 5.6 million comics published specifically for free comic book day to new and returning customers.
The sponsorships from DK were secured on behalf of FCBD by Geek Riot Media and Bonfire Agency as part of integrated brand advertising and promotional initiatives. The initiative includes advertising in comics produced by the member publishers of Geek Riot Media’s ComicsUnited Advertising Network in addition to prize provisions for kid-friendly FCBD costume contests planned by a number of stores participating in Bonfire Agency’s StoreCorps Comic Retail Activation Network.
For FCBD news, updates and to find a participating comic shop, go to the FCBD website at www.freecomicbookday.com. Also become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/freecomicbook and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/freecomicbook.
Here are some more celeberity videos:
Taking pictures of people at the store I went to would have cost five bucks.
The Scooby Doo/Justice League is one of the dumbest comics I've seen. The JLA bring in the Scooby gang to find out why there are ghosts in the Hall of Justice. The ghosts have already made Superman disappear. Afraid that people will wonder why they're walking around the Hall of Justice (Really? Do they have tours through their headquarters?) they have Shaggy and Velma disguise themselves as Wendy and Marvin, while Fred and Daphne dress up like the Wonder Twins. Why do they need ghost hunting detectives to find the ghosts when they have Batman, who's supposed to be the world's greatest detective? Then the ghosts appear and they toss away the costumes without actually using them. And now that the ghosts have appeared they tell the kids to run and get out of the Hall of Justice. Why ask them to search for the ghosts if they were going to make them leave as soon as they found them?
Spoiler:
.
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The ghosts catch all of the Justice League and make them disappear. Then they unmask and turn out to be the Legion of Doom. The end. Turns out this was a teaser to get you to buy the upcoming graphic novel to find read the whole story.
This is half of the comic. Flip it over and you get Starfire and Raven of Teen Titans Go having a slumber party. By accident, Starfire is engaged to Trigon. Robin shows up and it looks like a big fight is going to begin, but Raven points out they can get rid of her father easily because of the rules of slumber parties: no boys allowed. Yelling this somehow magically banishes Trigon and Robin to the bowling alley where Beast Boy and Cyborg are bowling. The story ends as Trigon complains that Cyborg is cheating.
Because Mystery Inc is more experienced in ghost-hunting than the Caped Crusaders. And The Super Friends wanted them to find the ghosts, not battle them!
Just go with it!
Search this place for ghosts then leave when you find them? (Oh, never mind, there they are now.) Were they afraid they wouldn't show up if they saw the Superfriends looking for them?