first Saturday of May is a gateway of sorts. First, it feels like the first “holiday” of summer for me. It always seems to be a warm day, brimming with hope and fun. Second, FCBD is a gateway to what’s ahead from the minds of the industry’s best authors and artists.
Before I get to four books that I am looking forward to this FCBD, let’s remember that FCBD is more than just free comics. Be sure to support those who supply these books and who open their doors not just on May 2, but all year long. Grab your free comics and get the preview of the upcoming year, but also take a look around your local comic shop. Find something special to buy yourself to support your local comic shop. These men and women who own these stores are a part of your community; support them!
Now on to the fun!
Conan the Barbarian: Tides of the Tyrant King #0 by Jim Zub Art by Jesus Merino Cover art by Rob De La Torre Titan Comics
I am excited for this title every May. Conan is a staple, and his stories, gory as they may be, he is a barbarian, are always filled with action, some barbarian romance, and some really bad dudes. My friend and author Jim Zub has a way to take this deep lore and make it accessible to new audiences and old. If you are in for great battles, adventure, and magical artifacts, you really should check out this book in 2026.
Inanna: The Name She Lost by Tim Seeley with Inanna Sarkis art by Ademir Leal Vault Comics
This beautiful cover just caught my eye. The gold base with the stark blue coming through in the border, title, and costume of a princess warrior standing in the ancient ruins of…San Francisco? You know the song, “One of these things isn’t like the others…” Like I said, this cover caught my eye as much as the story summary. From the Free Comic Day website:
Once the home of the love and peace movement, San Francisco is now a city at war with itself. Mayor and presidential hopeful Tim Teller promises to fix the problems, but he has a new issue. On a brisk September evening, Inanna emerges from the Bay, wearing nothing but a lapis necklace. She remembers little save her name…and that she’s pissed. Possessed of immense strength and unwavering charisma, Inanna becomes a champion of the people. But her immortal life as a goddess of love and war is coming back to haunt her. Ancient enemies and modern monsters collide as love and war clash in a battle for the soul of humanity—and Inanna herself.
This isn't a FCBD issue we want to miss.
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman Art by Tevagah and Actus Laurel Pursuit Studios
Dungeon Crawler Carl novels are the rage. This graphic novel is a must-read if you love silly, if not a little, Teen+ content and crazy content. How about this two-sentence summary offered by the FCBD website, “You know what’s worse than breaking up with your girlfriend? Getting stuck on a sadistic alien game show with her cat.”
Energon Universe FCBD 2026 Special Image Comics
I didn’t rank this list, but I did save this one for last because I am pumped on Image Comics stories. I have truly enjoyed the cross-title world-building that Image has done over the past several years. The Unnamed universe ties together the Titles Geiger, Junkyard Joe, Ghost Machine, and Red Coat in a time-altering, dystopian story. The Energon Universe brings some titles that you may already know, like The Transformers, G.I. Joe, and Void Rivals.
This FCBD Image special Energon Universe book introduces four all-new stories from G.I. Joe, Transformers, Void Rivals, and more.
When you flip that April calendar to May, you know it is time for Free Comic Book Day. Go support your local comic shop, and check out these four titles along with many, many more free books for some early summer reading!
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