Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) is one of the best days each and every year, and I don’t think that will ever change. FCBD is an incredible experience, because comic shop owners put together amazing activities and outstanding sales, while also offering other things like games, collectibles, posters, and many more items that might warm your geeky heart.
If you’re going to participate in Free Comic Book Day 2023, there are some selections you might want to keep your eyes out for. Whether you’re looking for your younger kiddos or searching for more mature content for yourself, this list will give you but a taste of the thousands of amazing comic books awaiting you when the doors open on Saturday, May 6.
Yes, there will be a selection of free comics for you to pick up, but I hope you’ll stick around and search for your new favorites along the way. FCBD is a great opportunity to discover newer or classic tales, while finding comfort in familiar characters or your most sought-after authors and illustrators. For me, I recently took a trip down memory lane with one of my all-time favorite characters growing up and discovered a brand-new story.
Don’t worry; we’ll get there, cher, but in the meantime, let’s start this fun FCBD ride by discovering what my kids (ages 8 and 10) would gravitate towards in the comic shop!
My Kids’ Most Recent Picks
The Batman & Scooby-Doo! Mysteries
Publisher: DC
Issue: 6 of 12
Age Rating: 8+
Publish Date: March 2023
Our latest trip to the comic shop included my kids gravitating towards favorites. Adelaide (age 10) saw Scooby-Doo comics and instantly started searching for ones she hadn’t read before. The Mystery, Inc. crew will always be a hit for my kids, much like it was for me, so any chance for them to solve the case with Scooby and the gang is a must have.
Any Scooby-Doo comic book series is a great way to introduce mysteries to your kids, while also allowing them to explore other characters when they team up with heroes like Batman.
Pokémon Adventures Collector’s Edition
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Issue: Volume 3
Age Rating: 8 – 11
Publish Date: August 2020
I do not know if there’s anything my son loves more than Pokémon. From board and card games to anime to manga, he wants to consume as much of it as humanly possible. Marshall (age 8) has made several Pokémon purchases at our local comic shop, including trading cards and this collected edition.
This is a decently sized book, but if your kid loves these characters as much as Marshall does, then he’ll breeze right through it! If your kids enjoy fun characters with special powers, Pokémon might never leave their hearts, just like it probably won’t leave my son’s.
The PG-13 Crowd
Breath of Bones: A Tale of Golem
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Issue: 1 – 3 (Trade Paperback)
Age Rating: Teen+
Publish Date: May 2021
It’s important to see people fighting back against Nazis, whether in historical fiction or present day, because such twisted ideology should not make decisions for those they wish to dominate or eradicate. Breath of Bones: A Tale of Golem presents Nazis marching on a small village after a British plane crash as they seek out the pilot.
The people of this town must decide to run or stay and protect the injured pilot, and furthermore, must decide how far they’re willing to go to do what they think is right. This mini-series is an incredible reminder of what people have fought for in the past, while proving there are always good people willing to stand up to evil – even when it comes at the ultimate cost.
Ghost Cage
Publisher: Image Comics
Issue: 1 – 3 (Trade Paperback)
Age Rating: Teen+
Publish Date: August 2022
If you’re looking for dystopian sci-fi paradise, then Ghost Cage might just be the perfect fit for you. Any MASSIVE fan of East of West (like me) will LOVE this mini-series, as Nick Dragotta’s artwork is stellar, along with co-writer Caleb Goellner putting together a clever story in such a wildly fun and zany fashion.
Along with contributions from Rus Wooten, Frank Martin Jr., and David Brothers, Ghost Cage creates a world dependent on one super powerful energy corporation and the person who created it all sends out his most unique creation to handle his power plant coming under attack. If you see this story, pick it up!
The Nice House on the Lake
Publisher: DC
Issue: Volume 1
Age Rating: Teen+
Publish Date: March 2022
The one story that makes me question my current favorite series, which I’ll get to later, is The Nice House on the Lake. What do they have in common? James Tynion IV – the incredible writer who delivers an imaginative story wrapped around sensational artwork from illustrator Alvaro Martínez Bueno and colorist Jordie Bellaire, with letters from AndWorld Design.
The Nice House on the Lake reunites long-lost friends as they come together for a secretive getaway in a secluded location. Sounds like a recipe for horrifying disaster, right? Oh, you’d be right, and the twists this story takes generate one of the most fascinating stories I’ve ever read. Volume 1 collects issues 1 through 6, and it’s arguably my favorite read of 2022.
Gambit: Thick As Thieves
Publisher: Marvel
Issue: Volume 1
Age Rating: Teen+
Publish Date: March 2023
Gambit was one of my favorite characters as a kid, but more often than not, for some reason, I do not find myself gravitating towards the Big Two in comics; however, I saw Gambit and Storm on the front cover, illustrated by Whilce Portacio and Alex Sinclair, and I could not resist the urge to rediscover my love for the “ragin’ Cajun.”
This story is incredibly well written by Chris Claremont, and Gambit looks after Storm to keep her safe and see what she’s capable of. Perhaps the paternal instincts from the master thief resonated with me, but watching this pair together as they make new friends (and enemies) along the way was a breath of fresh air.
Wandering Eyes Beware!
Shadow Service
Publisher: Vault Comics
Issue: Volume 1
Age Rating: Mature
Publish Date: April 2021
If you are looking for something Constantine, where a little magic meets some exceedingly deadly crime scenes, then you’re in luck. Shadow Service revolves around Gina, a private investigator who also happens to know a thing or two about being a witch.
Described as “Black magic meets black ops,” Gina finds herself in a much larger world when it comes to secret government agencies, demons, and how to navigate all of it when every turn seems to be equally dangerous. If you’re looking to spice up your true crime selections, Shadow Service delivers the goods.
The Me You Love in the Dark
Publisher: Image Comics
Issue: Volume 1
Age Rating: Mature
Publish Date: March 2022
An artist struggling to find ways to recapture her creativity, Ro separates from the big city to unwind in some small-town charm. Despite rumors of staying in a haunted house, she finds herself locked inside with wine, a record player, and a very surprising guest appearance.
The Me You Love in the Dark explores the depths of love, loneliness, and the very dangerous line associated with being in an abusive relationship. Ro thought her world was lost when she couldn’t find her artistic way, but she soon finds out how far she’ll have to go to truly be free.
Something Is Killing the Children
Publisher: DC
Issue: Volume 5
Age Rating: 15+
Publish Date: October 2022
I probably should not have to tell parents to avoid this story for your little ones, but the title alone would probably give your kids nightmares. And, yes, I can’t make a recommendation list without having Something Is Killing the Children on it. As my current favorite series, James Tynion IV presents horrifyingly delightful characters brought to life by exceptionally talented illustrator Werther Dell’Edera, colorist Miquel Muerto, and letterer AndWorld Design.
There are plenty of bloody monster fights, as Erica Slaughter continues to excel at being one of the best characters in all of storytelling. Her ability to do what’s right while facing deadly creatures and treacherous members of the secret order she used to be tied to is second to none. If you find any single issue or volume of Something Is Killing the Children, it is a must have for anyone even remotely interested in the horror genre.
Free Comic Book Day Picks
Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures/Avatar: The Last Airbender
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Issue: Free Comic Book Day
Age Rating: All Ages
Publish Date: April 2023
If you’re interested in a galaxy far, far away and you’ll be attending FCBD at your local shop, Dark Horse Comics has just what you’re looking for. Not only will fans get to see lightsaber-wielding heroes, they’ll also get a second story featuring Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Dog Man and the League of Misfits
Publisher: Graphix
Issue: Free Comic Book Day
Age Rating: All Ages
Publish Date: April 2023
If I had to bet on what story my son will be excited to see on FCBD, it’s this story. He adores Dog Man by Dav Pilkey and having him team up with Captain Underpants – holy moly, my kid is going to be excited for this one.
Baby-Sitters Little Sister: Karen’s Haircut
Publisher: Graphix
Issue: Free Comic Book Day
Age Rating: All Ages
Publish Date: April 2023
On the flip side, Adelaide reads every single Baby-Sitters Club she gets her hands on. Whether it’s a graphic novel or book, she is a very big fan of these stories, and I believe this will be equally true for any related spin-offs from the original series like this one.
Madballs vs. Garbage Pail Kids
Publisher: Dynamite
Issue: Free Comic Book Day
Age Rating: All Ages
Publish Date: April 2023
If you grew up collecting Garbage Pail Kids cards, then you might be pleasantly surprised to see that beloved and twisted artwork take center stage on a FCBD cover. This might be every parent’s dream to take a trip down memory lane and take in all the gnarly imagery associated with the trading card lineup.
Yes, I am one of those parents who wants to see what’s inside of these pages.
If you are attending Free Comic Book Day 2023, head to their homepage to see a full selection of comic books that might be available in your local shop. If you aren’t sure where a comic book store is available in your area, visit the Comic Shop Locator, plug in your zip code, and it will find one nearest you.
Additionally, if you’re not in a position to purchase new comic books before, during, or after FCBD, don’t forget to check out your local library. The library is a wonderful resource and my family often check out a variety of comic books and graphic novels, so do not hesitate to get yourself a library card and enjoy the wonderful world of comics available at your fingertips. Plus, your local library might be able to provide digital comics if you’re unable to visit your library on a regular basis.
What are you looking forward to on Free Comic Book Day? Do you have a favorite author? Are you on the hunt for an older classic or do you enjoy the activities associated with the best day of the year? Share your thoughts in the comments below or give us a shout over on Facebook or Twitter. Plus, if you would like to see more comic book-related content, make sure to like and share with all of your geeky friends.
Until next time, happy parenting and happy geeking.
