01-05-24 | In just a few days it’s Christmas for comic book fans. Free Comic Book Day is the superb initiative to drive established and new comic book readers towards their local vendors. A great way to support comic book stores and a good excuse to experiment with genres you might not have sampled otherwise. And every year there are plenty of titles which appeal specifically to young readers. So there’s no excuse not to get some great comics this year! You’ll find the most notable releases below.
STAR WARS
Not only is it Free Comic Book Day, we’re also celebrating May the 4th! Which means Star Wars gets some extra attention this year. The Marvel release simply titled Star Wars is a nostalgic adventure featuring Luke Skywalker. Meanwhile Young Jedi Adventures is targeted towards young newcomers.
MARVEL COMICS
The biggest name in comics obviously takes the lead. First up is Blood Hunt, a preview of the massive Avengers team-up coming out soon. Ultimate Universe Spider-Man is also cluttered with guest stars, but does feature the return of the Green Goblin. A new Marvel Voices rounds-up the slate.
DC COMICS
Superman and Batman are also kicking off a major event in Absolute Power. Some radical redesigns of classic heroes are about to be unveiled. DC’s also offering a brand new issue of MAD and the kid friendly Barkham Asylum. That makes Absolute Power the only ‘serious’ DC release out this year.
THE HASBRO MULTIVERSE
Image Comics continues to forge its Transformers / G.I. Joe multiverse under the guardianship of Robert Kirkman. The free release of Energon Universe (a rather bland title, but there you go) might be its first chance to reach a wider audience. And note that this is the only Image comic out that day.
CLASSIC CHARACTERS
One of the more surprising inclusions this year is Asterix. Is the European best seller poised to finally conquer the States? Mad Cave Studio are reintroducing Flash Gordon and his quarrel with Ming the Merciless this year, while Titan continues to do great work with Conan in Battle of the Black Stone.
MANGA RELEASES
Asian comics are becoming increasingly popular. Of course there’s Pokémon, but consider sampling One Piece, or the super-cute Unico Awakening to truly appreciate what Manga is capable of. The oddest inclusion (the one I’m most keen to read) is Popeye, reimagined as a bold adventurer at last!
ONE FOR THE KIDS
Happily, there’s plenty of kiddy titles to choose from. Igniting youngsters with a passion for comics this year are The Investigators, based on the bestselling novels, The Loud House, about a family with 11 kids, the self-explanatory Unicorn Crush plus the ever reliable Snoopy joining the boy scouts.
You’ll find a cover gallery for all the titles we mentioned below. Personally we’re most excited about Star Wars, Conan: Battle of the Black Stone and Popeye. Have a great weekend and support your locals! Long Live Comic Books!
