Free Comic Book Day 2017

Silver Sponsor Comics

At the Crossroads, a mythical plane that serves as a doorway throughout the universe, Gord Cantrell assembles a team of adventurers throughout the Wild West, brought together to fight back against the creatures that would endanger the sanctity of all creation. The spiritual successor to The Sixth Gun, set in the universe that exists after the apocalyptic events of The Sixth Gun series.
Teen Audiences.

The stage is set. Some of the storytelling is oblique, which might be due to the subject matter.  The main characters are intriguing, so this is probably worth a look when the graphic novel ships.

Superstar writer Andy Diggle and high-octane artist Stephen Segovia present an all-new introduction to Shadowman as Jack Boniface reemerges from the Deadside to reclaim his birthright… and forges a new legend of magic, might, and malice for the long-awaited return of Valiant’s most-demanded hero! Then, jump on board the seismic comics event of 2018, Harbinger Wars 2, as writers Matt Kindt and Eric Heisserer and artists Tomas Giorello and Raul Allen plunge X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, the Harbinger Renegades, Livewire, and the whole of the Valiant Universe into an epic power struggle with the potential to tear America apart!
Teen Audiences.

Three previews, two for ongoing series, one for an upcoming event. Accessible, but not my cuppa.

New York City. Meet Finnigan, ethically challenged master-thief, and his partners in crime Mullins and Brantley, as they rob the mysterious Harker foundation. But as the job turns into a narrow escape from the FBI, Finn encounters TAO, a young Chinese boy with the uncanny gift of second sight, and stumbles upon a mysterious and ancient silver bar. Finnegan’s world will never be the same.
A high-concept genre-blender spun out of Bram Stoker’s literary classic Dracula, Silver follows the adventures of witty pulp-era conmen James Finnigan; Rosalynd “Sledge” Van Helsing, granddaughter of the famous professor, hard-case vampire-hunter, and last of the Van Helsings; Tao Leu, a young boy who can see the future-just not his own- and their band of talented but troubled grifters, as they attempt to steal a mystical treasure from a castle full of vampires. Full of wits, heart, and wild pulp excitement, Silver pits its lovable but morally-challenged characters against the nihilistic undead, while lifting the veil on its original universe: a secret world of vampires full of gothic drama, intrigue, and epic adventure.
Teen Audiences.

A complete story about a heist set in the 1930s, where the marks are vampires. Two volumes are available now, one to come in May, one in October.

(W) Derek Drymon, James Kochalka (A) Robb Bihun, Vanessa Davis

Inspired by SpongeBob’s comic book obsession, Plankton teams up with underwater super-villains to steal the Krabby Patty formula! But he may have gotten in over his tiny green head when word of his plan gets out in the aquatic bad-guy community! Soon, the Chum Bucket is filled with every Mermaid Man adversary we could fit into one story! How will Mr. Krabs fend off this evil, if somewhat over-large, invasion? Plus: In “Patrick Versus Somebody,” enjoy the spazzy antics of Patrick and SpongeBob as they attempt to transform Patrick into a living comic book! All this, plus ocean facts from Maris Wicks and an amazing wraparound cover from Jacob Chabot!
All-Ages.

Forget Avengers: Infinity Wars… what if all of Mermaid Man’s enemies teamed-up with Plankton to steal the secret Krabby Patty formula!

In this all-new story set before Star Wars: A New Hope, feared bounty hunters Zuckuss and 4-LOM finally have two of the biggest scoundrels in the galaxy in their sights! Timed to follow hot on the heels of Star WarsDay 2018!
All-Ages.

The first half of a Han Solo story, with a line art sneak peek! Also, lots of ad pages promoting IDW’s Star Wars titles, as well as other kid-friendly fare!

(W) Patton Oswalt, Dan Harmon, Eric Esquivel (A) Troy Nixey, Brent Schoonover, rebecca Nalty

Looking for more from the company that brought you Rick and Morty and Harmonquest?  Starburns Industries is proud to announce their launch into comics as Starburns Industries Press. “Starburns Presents…” will feature Patton Oswalt’s contribution to the upcoming Comic’s Comics Anthology and an excerpt from Gregory Graves #1, written by Dan Harmon and Eric Esquivel.  Worlds collide as comics and comedians join forces to tell epic and hilarious stories of fantasy, heroes, villains and more!
Mature Readers.

Some interesting stories here. Are they part of the same title, or separate series? Graphic novels? There’s no publishing page on their website. Still worth a look, if only for Oswalt’s story.

(W) Terry Moore (A/CA) Terry Moore

America’s favorite couple is back! To celebrate its 25th-Anniversary, the Eisner Award-winning Strangers in Paradise is back with an all-new story beginning with this first issue! Francine and Katchoo are living the dream… until they learn a former Parker Girl is in hiding and writing a tell-all book about the wicked empire Darcy Parker built with Katchoo at her side. Determined to stop her, Katchoo enlists the aid of her mercenary sister Tambi, and the hunt is on!
Teen Audiences.

Twenty-five years?!  Wow…  This is a good introduction…I never got past the first few volumes (Yes, I plan to read the omnibus before I die), and even if you don’t know the original series, this issue explains most of the backstory, and sets it all in motion!

(W) Jim Rugg, Brian Maruca (A/CA) Jim Rugg

What happens when the deadliest girl alive meets man’s best friend? Jesse “Street Angel” Sanchez and her new dog pal go on a rampage… of fun! They play dress-up, skateboard, fight ninjas, skateboard, fight monsters, race robot cars to the death, fight bullies, and teach each other the value of family. It’s Jesse’s fourth best day ever! Unfortunately, even fourth best days ever must end. Don’t worry – the dog lives.
Teen

What? Wow… this is crazy fun! Four graphic novels are available, if you want more!

(W) Jeff McClelland (A) Ian Nichols

Foretold by Ben Edlund himself, in the now-legendary 1980’s Tick trading cards set, comes a tale you never expected to read! Wandering into an ancient village on a one-eyed horse, The Tick must make a stand against dark magic, enemy hordes, incredible beasts and the unknown itself! His reward: ACTION! (And also a mysterious jewel the size of a truck.) From a lost Ben Edlund plot comes a story of swords, sorcery, and… spoons?!
All-Ages.

The Tick fulfills an ancient prophecy, fulfills a deadline, and then fulfills his duty as best man to Rubber Ducky! WHEW!

(W) Ken Siu-Chong (A/CA) Hanzo Steinbach

While Ryu has struggled for years to control the darkness within himself, his best friend Ken Masters has now succumbed to his own inner demons to become… VIOLENT KEN! Ryu, Sakura, Sean, and even Dan Hibiki must fight to prevent Ken from destroying himself and those he cares about most!

I’m not familiar with this franchise, but the comic is accessible, and tells a decent story.

(W) Kouhei Horikoshi, Shirow Miwa (A/CA) Shirow Miwa, Kouhei Horikoshi

My Hero Academia: What would the world be like if 80 percent of the population manifested superpowers called “Quirks”? Heroes and villains would be battling it out everywhere! Being a hero would mean learning to use your power, but where would you go to study? The Hero Academy of course! But what would you do if you were one of the 20 percent who were born Quirkless?
RWBY: When the people of Remnant aren’t fighting monsters, they still find conflict among themselves. Now they are at fierce odds. Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna and Yang Xiao Long are Team RWBY. Together they are learning the deadly craft of hunting the monstrous species known as the Grimm.
Teen Audiences.

Two previews, filled with action! If you like superheroic action, give this a try!

(W) J. T. Krul, Jordan Gunderson (A) Alex Konat, Jordan Gunderson (CA) John Starr

Celebrate 15 years of publishing with Aspen Comics in this jam-packed Worlds of Aspen Free Comic Book Day 2018 Anniversary Edition! J.T. Krul and artist Alex Konat present Nu Way, set in 2051, where technology has infected every aspect of human life, and people sacrifice their flesh and blood for a chance at a better life. In New Sheng, a young combatant named Zihao is trying to literally fight his way up from the city slums with his fists, hoping to make it to the big leagues where cybernetically-enhanced warriors battle for fame and fortune. For the second half, Jordan Gunderson debuts his long-awaited first creator-owned series, Dissension! Long ago, mankind suffered under the hand of a vengeful group of fallen angels. Now, a young woman, possessing a power that had lain dormant in the descendants of the first peoples of Earth, must rise up to stop their return!
Teen Audiences.

Two previews. I don’t know what’s really happening here, and I’m not inclined to follow the story further.

Enter the Wormworld, at the very beginning. A mysterious painting. A wooden sword. A hidden world. A time before conflict. Two friends in search of magic and adventure. This is how the saga begins. This exciting all-new prequel to Daniel Lieske’s hugely popular webcomic The Wormworld Saga will entice new fans in time for the series’ first US print release in May 2018, and tantalize existing readers with hints at secrets yet to be revealed.
All-Ages.

Theodor’s father is a painter of magical realism, and Theodor invites Laura to use the paintings as portals to fantastic vistas! You can read the webcomic now, or buy the first volume in June.

For 30 years, the CBLDF has fought to protect your right to read and create comics. We explore what that means in Defend Comics, an All-Ages anthology featuring new content from a wide variety of well-loved cartoonists, and some of today’s most popular creators! The cover features Gene Yang’s Reading Without Walls initiative. Highly Recommended!
All-Ages.

Six previews from First Second, some dealing with Freedom of Speech! And there are cute cat comics inside! 

The team behind The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide brings you a comic book about collecting packed with all sorts of “how to” information including care of your collectibles, grading and more – and it’s not only about comics! Get sneak peek at The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide #48 and much more! Cover features The Three Stooges as Valiant heroes X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, and The Eternal Warrior.
All Ages.

Yeah… this is a big advertisement for Overstreet’s many price guides, but then, aren’t all of these comics advertisements? There is a good article explaining the many grades of comicbook condition, using copies of Atom #25 as visual references. Overstreet is launching other price guides (Star Wars, concert posters, tabletop games). I’m a bit surprised…I figure if Overstreet was really into promoting collecting, they’d issue this as a sketch cover!