It’s the most wonderful time of the year, as Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) 2024 is just around the corner. The gift that keeps on giving: when all of our favorite local comic shops put on amazing events each and every year. Depending on where you go, there could be a range of discounted comic books, board games, t-shirts, Funko and other collectibles, and plenty of freebies along the way.
Let’s dive into some of the free comic books you might find at your local comic book store, while also branching out into some other fantastic options you might want to look out for. If you’re as excited for FCBD as I am, don’t forget to share your recommendations as well.
Now, onto the list!
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY OPTIONS: ALL-AGES
The Night Librarian
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers
The cover of this comic book looks absolutely delightful and is worth picking up for that alone. In a wild adventure where a pair of siblings must help to save the New York Public Library, The Night Librarian sounds like a wonderful tale that any one of us would want to step into and save such a wonderful institution.
Yes, this is an all-ages story. And, yes, it’s a story I plan on snagging on Free Comic Book Day.
BOOM! Box 10th Anniversary Extravaganza
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
With content enjoyable for both parents and their kiddos, BOOM! Box has provided a variety of stories over the years. From Giant Days to Nuclear Winter to Goldie Vance, this FCBD comic will highlight beloved stories, while giving fans a preview of what’s to come.
Pokémon Adventures: Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire/Splatoon 3
Publisher: VIZ Media, LLC
I would be remiss to not mention one of my son’s favorite things in the world: Pokémon. “Inspired by the best-selling Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire video games,” FCBD is bringing those characters to life as they must deal with an earth-shattering problem.
Although we do not have any Pokémon video games in our own home, I imagine this comic book will bring up that request in the very near future. Also, this FCBD issue will also include stories from Splatoon, another Nintendo video game series.
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY OPTIONS: TEEN+
Gatchaman #0
Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
Recently celebrating its 10th anniversary, Mad Cave Studios is presenting Gatchaman – featuring “an explosive, brand-new story that will kick off Mad Cave’s ongoing monthly Gatchaman comic book series, debuting with issue #1 in June!
The announcement came in July 2023 that Mad Cave and Tatsunoko Production are teaming up to bring to life a comic series based on an original anime series, which first aired in 1972. The story follows a superhero team aimed at protecting the environment and ensuring appropriate use of technology.
Star Wars #1
Publisher: Marvel
Would it be Free Comic Book Day, especially on May the 4th (be with you), without a Star Wars mention? Of course not. Well, this comic book includes Luke, Leia, Lando, and Chewy. Do I need to even say more?
Well, I will. This story includes Darth Vader’s search for Luke, while “Sabe, former handmaiden of Padme Amadala, is also on a quest for the son of Vader.” There are a lot of beloved characters mentioned in this description, so one can only imagine where this story will lead.
The Worlds of James Tynion IV
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Is it possible to make a comic book recommendation and not mention James Tynion IV? Well, maybe not. Do I love The Woods? Yes. Do I adore Something Is Killing the Children? Absolutely. Does it sound like I’ll be picking up The Worlds of James Tynion IV on FCBD? You better believe it.
“Featuring a curated line-up of some of his most terrifying and thought-provoking stories, alongside exciting teases of what’s to come and an exclusive collectible cover, this is one issue that fans will not want to miss.”
And, you’re right – I won’t! James Tynion IV is a staple in the comic book universe, so snagging this FCBD issue seems like a must have.
ALL-AGES & MAGNIFICENT
Turtle Bread: A Graphic Novel About Baking, Fitting In, and the Power of Friendship
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Issue: Graphic Novel
Age Rating: All-Ages
Publish Date: October 2023
If you’re looking for an incredible story about wonderful friendships, inclusivity, and the anxiety that can impact a person when self-doubt makes them feel less worthy, Turtle Bread is an absolutely wonderful breath of fresh air.
Not only is Yan a completely relatable character, her ability to overcome her fears and social anxieties highlight how warm and thoughtful bonds of friendship can help a person branch out when they don’t feel it’s possible. Turtle Bread is a story I feel drawn to in a way that re-reading it in the future might just become a thing I happily call a routine.
Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark
Publisher: Random House Children’s Books
Issue: Book 1
Age Rating: All-Ages
Publish Date: June 2021
After a long history of chapter books, Magic Tree House in graphic novel form is perfectly delightful for kids of any age. Jack and Annie find themselves in a long-lost land filled with dinosaurs and must find a way to navigate safely through their new adventure, while making sure they can make it home in one piece.
And the ultimate question might be answered: Is it possible to make friends with a dinosaur?
Primer
Publisher: DC Comics
Issue: Volume 1 or Issue 1
Age Rating: All-Ages
Publish Date: June 2020
Not only did I have the opportunity to interview writer Tom Krajewski once upon a time, my kids and I loved this story when we read it. Now, the original graphic novel has been re-released to individual comic book issues, with 2 of the 4 set to be released by FCBD 2024.
Plus, Primer Volume 2 is scheduled to come out later this summer. This is the perfect opportunity to grab a great story and prep yourself for a new chapter set to release soon. I cannot wait for Primer: Clashing Colors and embark on whatever new journey the main character will take next.
In my own words, “Primer is a must have.”
THE ADULT PULL LIST
Once Upon a Time at the End of the World
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Issue: Volume 1
Age Rating: Mature
Publish Date: June 2023
Have you ever read a story and thought, “This is the dystopian dream I want to read about?” Is that a weird thought – probably – but, if you enjoy a great dystopian environment with characters who find themselves in dire predicaments, then you’ll want to read Once Upon a Time at the End of the World.
The story includes flash forwards where readers witness how the main characters have changed over time in the unforgiving wastelands that is their world. There seems to be little hope, but the dynamic relationship between Mezzy and Maceo pulls us in for an unpredictable ride, where we can only hope they stay alive as they fend off many threats in the wild.
The Passageway
Publisher: Image Comics
Issue: The Bone Orchard Mythos, Book 1
Age Rating: Mature
Publish Date: June 2022
Isolated lighthouses in the real (or fictional) world seem to be dripping in mystery and potential what-ifs. What happens when the one or two people watching it go ill or missing? What happens if the person in charge at the lighthouse doesn’t care about your well-being?
The Passageway presents a “seemingly endless pit in the rocks,” where a geologist is sent to identify its origins. Although it’s terrifying to think of falling in and not knowing if you’ll ever hit bottom, other things lurking around the lighthouse might be equally horrifying, if not more. This is a wonderfully mysterious tale that led me immediately to Ten Thousand Black Feathers, Book 2 in The Bone Orchard Mythos.
Identity Thief
Publisher: Fanbase Press
Issue: Graphic Novel
Age Rating: Mature
Publish Date: January 2012
Have you ever had that creepy feeling of something lurking behind you, in the basement, or in the attic? Well, Identity Thief highlights a couple who recently moved in together and the mystery that soon reveals itself in a wildly spine-chilling fashion. I would “probably” run and scream at the very sight of this twisted, crumpled form that comes to life as the couple sleeps.
This is the kind of story where the word “classic” comes to mind, because it presents a scary premise in a way that will make the reader look over their shoulder – and quite possibly find it harder to sleep at night. Do you have an attic entry panel where you need a ladder to climb into it? Well, I do – and this story makes me wonder in a way that I shouldn’t – and that makes for excellent storytelling.
If you’re interested in the full lineup of FCBD options that might be available at your local comic shop, head over to the Free Comic Book Day website for the entire list. Are there any comics you’d recommend for fans to check out while they’re visiting on FCBD? Share your thoughts in the comments below or reach out to us over on Facebook or Twitter. Also, if you like this content, please consider following the Geeky Parent Guide and don’t forget to share this article with all of your friends.
Until next time, happy parenting and happy geeking.
