Free Comic Book Day 2026: Now There Are Two??
Back when I worked at a comic book store, Free Comic Book Day was one of the wildest days of the year. The energy was electric, the fans were passionate, and there was always at least one epic costume wandering through the doors. (Sometimes more than one. Sometimes way more.)
Even now, I still get ridiculously excited when the list drops. There’s just something about discovering a new comic story—or revisiting an old favorite—that feels like pure magic.
But this year? This year got complicated.
Because thanks to some major changes in comic distribution, Free Comic Book Day 2026 isn’t the only event anymore. Now we also have Comics Giveaway Day from Penguin Random House happening on the exact same day.
Which means twice the comics… and still the same “take five” limit at most comic shops.
So yes, this is both incredibly exciting and deeply unfair. Because both events clearly decided to bring their A-game.
I narrowed it down as much as I could… and still ended up with eight. So here are the five I’m trying to get my hands on this year (with a couple of maybes that may or may not ruin my entire plan).
1. JOURNEY TO THE WEST (UDON Entertainment) (FCBD)
This one immediately caught my attention.
Journey to the West is such a classic story, and seeing it in comic form—especially with UDON’s art style—feels like something I don’t want to miss. There’s something about myth, adventure, and larger-than-life storytelling that always pulls me in, and this feels like it’s going to hit all those notes.
2. DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL #0 (Vault Comics) (FCBD)
I’ve heard so many good things about Dungeon Crawler Carl, and I’ve been curious about it for a while now.
So when I saw there was a #0 issue for Free Comic Book Day 2026, that immediately went on the list. It feels like the perfect chance to finally see what all the hype is about—and I love anything that leans into chaos, humor, and high-stakes absurdity.
3. JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS / MY LITTLE PONY (BOOM! Studios) (CGD)
Okay, this one is pure nostalgia—but I’m absolutely here for Jem and the Holograms.
This isn’t a crossover, just two separate stories in one issue, and while My Little Pony could be fun, Jem is the one I’m reaching for specifically. Some things you just don’t skip.
4. STREET FIGHTER FOREVER #0 (UDON Entertainment) (FCBD)
Street Fighter will always have a place on my list.
It’s pure nostalgia for me, and UDON’s artwork is consistently incredible. Even if I didn’t know anything about the game, I’d still grab this just to see the art. But knowing it’s tied to a video game franchise I already love? That makes it an easy pick.
5. SUPERNATURAL #1 (Dynamite Entertainment) (FCBD)
This one made the list because my husband and I just finished watching all 15 seasons of Supernatural. Yes, really.
It took us a little over two years of watching 1 to 3 episodes every week during date night, so this series has officially become part of our lives.
So seeing it show up for Free Comic Book Day 2026 feels like perfect timing. I’m really curious to see how that world translates into comic form, and really, I’m not ready to let it go just yet.
The Picks That Might Ruin My Plan
Because narrowing it down to five was apparently not realistic.
ARMAGEDDON / X-MEN #1 (Marvel) (CGD)
This one’s… complicated.
It’s Avengers and X-Men in the same issue. Whether they’re working together or against each other, I don’t know yet. And while I’ll admit I’m not usually drawn to the X-Men side of things…
There are supposed to be Bucky scenes on the Avengers’ side.
And at this point, my self-control is no longer part of the decision-making process.
So yes, this one’s very much a “I wasn’t planning to care, but now I do” kind of pick—and if I manage to grab it, you can safely assume I’ll probably maybe be flipping straight to those Bucky pages first.
AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER – LEGENDS / MINECRAFT (Dark Horse Comics) (CGD)
This one’s a maybe… mostly because I might not get to it first.
If my son sees the Minecraft side of this comic, it’s probably over for me. But whoever gets their hands on it, I’ll absolutely be diving straight into the Avatar side, because I will take any excuse to return to that world.
FINAL THOUGHTS (aka: This Is Impossible)
I was supposed to pick five comics. That plan didn’t work.
Between Free Comic Book Day 2026 and Comics Giveaway Day happening at the same time, and both of them clearly trying to outdo each other, choosing is harder than it’s ever been.
Which… I mean… is kind of the best problem to have.
Are you planning to celebrate Free Comic Book Day/Comics Giveaway Day? And more importantly—how are you choosing only five? Tell me what’s on your list in the comments!
Raine