And here’s the last of the Free Comic Book Day titles for 2013!
Hard to believe the first FCBD in 2002 had only four titles!
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KELLERMAN L’AMOUR SAMPLER

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Publisher: RANDOM HOUSE
(W) Jonathan Kellerman & Various (A) Tom Yeates, Michael Gaydos
Kellerman / L’Amour features thrilling excerpts from 2 of the Random House Publishing Group’s stalwart authors; Jonathan Kellerman and Louis L’Amour. Kellerman’s THE WEB is the 2nd graphic novel adaptation that brings new life to a classic Alex Delaware psychological thriller.  L’Amour’s LAW OF THE DESERT BORN is a classic Western-and an all-new L’Amour story told in a style like no other! The Free Comic Book Day sampler will feature a 14 page excerpt for each graphic novel, both are scheduled to publish in Fall 2013.
Two sneak previews of upcoming graphic novel adaptations from Random House!  Louis L’Amour!  (Hey, don’t scoff… his paperback catalog continues to sell twenty-five years after his death!)  The art style from Thomas Yeates is quite unique… a black-and-white wash screened to look like a Warren magazine.
The Kellerman story teases some weirdness, and we meet most of the main characters in this excerpt.
Only one bit of criticism… Random House is one of the biggest publishers on this planet, yet none of the ad pages list EAN numbers, and website URLs are sparse.
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MARBLE SEASON

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Publisher: DRAWN & QUARTERLY
(W/A/CA) Gilbert Hernandez
Drawn & Quarterly continues its FCBD tradition of offering the best free comic in the industry by publishing an exclusive excerpt of its lead Spring 2013 book by legendary alternative cartoonist Gilbert Hernandez of Love & Rockets fame. Marble Season is a semi autobiographical epic about a group of kids growing up in the 1960s seen through the eyes of a young boy. Comics and popular culture of the day will dominate the proceedings and tell the untold story of one of the medium’s greatest and most respected artists. This FCBD has no nudity and no swearing and it will serve as a great preview for the upcoming book of the same name, which will be one of D+Q’s lead titles of 2013.
Gilbert Hernandez.  All ages.  1960s semi-autobiographical stories.  Drawn + Quarterly.  Like you need a free comic preview to convince you, but here it is, just in case you can’t wait for your pre-ordered copy to arrive!
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MASS EFFECT KILLJOYS RIPD

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Publisher: DARK HORSE
(W) Jeremy Barlow & Various (A/CA) Garry Brown & Various
Three blockbuster titles fill this FCBD offering! In R.I.P.D., a séance goes terribly wrong! Then, in Mass Effect, follow a flight-school grad as he breaks the rules to prove himself in space! Finally, check out the police-state landscape of the highly anticipated miniseries The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys!
I’ve no idea what’s going on in the Mass Effect universe, but this story was a bit predictable.
R.I.P.D. starts with a seance and twists it into a interesting police investigation.
The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys was confusing.  Scarecrows and draculas protect a city with martial law?  There’s something happening in the desert outside the city?
Some explanatory text would have been helpful to introduce each franchise.  As it is, there is nothing here to catch my curiosity.
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MOLLY DANGER / PRINCELESS

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Publisher: ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT
(W) Jamal Igle, Jeremy Whitley (A) Jamal Igle & Various
Two complete stories!  She’s Strong, She’s smart, and she’s incredibly brave. She’s the protector of Coopersville, the Princess of Finesse, the petite powerhouse known only as Molly Danger!  But what secrets threaten everything she holds dear.   And on her way to rescue her sisters, Adrienne finds another mysterious princess locked away in a tower, but she’s guarded by one of the knights sent to hunt Adrienne. Who is this princess and will Adrienne and Bedelia survive trying to rescue her?
Yeah!  Finally!  After all that Kickstarter campaigning, we finally get to see Molly Danger in action!  And Adrienne schools a knight about chivalry, even if the damsel causes more distress after she’s rescued!
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MOUSE GUARD / RUST FLIP BOOK

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Publisher: ARCHAIA ENTERTAINMENT LLC
(W/A) David Peterson & Various (CA) Royden Lepp, David Peterson
For Free Comic Book Day, Archaia is proud to present a square flip book containing a collection of original short stories from some of its all-ages-friendly titles! In David Petersen’s Mouse Guard short, a young Sadie is told a mouse fairy tale about proving one’s self and the best trait to look for in love. Royden Lepp’s Rust tells how rocket-boy Jet Jones learns an important lesson while helping the younger members of the Taylor family with their daily chores on the farm. This spectacular, free one-shot also includes original short stories from Sean Rubin’s upcoming, enchanting dinosaur tale, Bolivar; Jim Henson’s fantasy classic, Labyrinth (an Archaia original graphic novel by Ted Naifeh, Adrianne Ambrose, and Cory Godbey is in the works); and Nate Cosby and Chris Eliopoulos’ justice-seekin’ boy hero, Cow Boy. As an added bonus, there’s also fun Pantalones, TX activity pages by Yehudi Mercado!
Okay, it would be hard to top the hardcover Arcaia gave away last year!  Cow Boy has fun with the flipbook format, telling a nice quiet story about flipping sides and ending up the right way.  And a story about a girl and her dinosaur, Bolivar!
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NFL RUSH ZONE SEASON O/T GUARDIANS

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Publisher: ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT
(W) Kevin Freeman, Jeremy Whitley (A) M Goodwin, Jerry Gaylord (CA) M Goodwin
Two complete stories!  A referee’s flag is corrupted by the power.  The Guardians must arrive at the Bengals-Titans game and get that flag before the referee throws it, bringing it to life.  And the villainous Coach Carnage is on the recruit for his interstellar team “The Visitors,” and it’s up to the Guardians, with the help of previous draft picks, to stop him from ruining the draft and taking this year’s recruiting class.
This FCBD book also includes an exclusive preview of Jeremy Dale’s adventure/fantasy comic series, “Skyward.”
So a teen has a supersuit.  He’s assisted by little mascots from each team.  The nemesis?  Some guy in orbit searching for “megacores” apparently hidden at football stadiums?
Okay, I’m not the intended audience.  It could be fun.  Nicktoons has the cartoon.
Oh, there’s a backup story: Skyward.  It seems set in a pastoral town populated by super-powered residents.    Nice art.
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OVERSTREET COMIC BOOK MARKETPLACE

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Publisher: GEMSTONE PUBLISHING
(W) Robert M. Overstreet, J. C. Vaughn
Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy and Joss Whedon’s Avengers film wouldn’t have happened without the comic book adventures that spawned them. The same is true Superman, The X-Men, Spider-Man, Thor and Captain America, and it’s also true for non-superhero films like Sin City, Road to Perdition, Blade, A History of Violence and others. This issue of Comic Book Marketplace takes a look a detailed look at the comics that spawned the movies. It also offers tips on collecting movie posters and puts the origins of Free Comic Book Day under the spotlight as well. Cover by John K. Snyder III.
This year, Overstreet concentrates on Hollywood and comics.
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PIPPI LONGSTOCKING COLOR SPECIAL

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Publisher: DRAWN & QUARTERLY

(W) Astrid Lindgren (A/CA) Ingrid Vang
Drawn & Quarterly offers a second FCBD title for the first time this year and it will feature one of the world’s most beloved and popular characters, Pippi Longstocking! The Pippi Longstocking Color Special will offer a sneak peak at the brand new Pippi Longstocking title that D+Q will publish in May 2013 to coincide with FCBD. Pippi Longstocking was created by Astrid Lindgren and has developed a dedicated fan base of both children and adults for over six decades. The comics presented here were originally published in Swedish in the 1950s and are now being presented for the first time ever in English. This will be the perfect All Ages comic book, ideal for developing a new readership of kids in the 6 to 10 age set.
YAY!  Pippi Longstocking comics!  And Anna & Froga and her friends!
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RAMAYAN RELOADED PREVIEW

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Publisher: LIQUID COMICS LLC
(W) Ron Marz (A) Jim Starlin & Various (CA) Michael Avon Oeming
The original “blue skinned avatar,” returns in these epic tales of Rama from the hit Ramayan 3392AD series. Set in a time two thousand years in the future and against a backdrop of one of the most immortal mythological tales of all time. Ramayan Reloaded re-imagines one of the most epic tales in history, and this special origins issue provides all the information on the myriad characters and settings of the series. Collecting short stories written by Ron Marz and illustrated by leading talents such as Michael Avon Oeming, Luke Ross, Bart Sears, Jim Starlin and David Peterson.
Lots of character profiles, plus a hint of the story!
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RATED FREE FOR EVERYONE CROGAN ADV & MERMIN

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Publisher: ONI PRESS INC.

(W) Chris Schweizer, Joey Weiser (A) Joey Weiser, Chris Schweizer
Oni Press: Rated Free for Everyone returns for 2013! Featuring two stories by two incredibly talented creators, a new Crogan’s Adventure by Chris Schweizer, and an introduction to Mermin, a new story by Joey Weiser! In the Mermin Adventure, Mermin goes with Pete and his human classmates to the zoo. And in the Crogan’s Adventure, you’ll get an epilogue to the story of one of the brothers from Crogan’s Loyalty.
Mermin visits the zoo, but some of the aquatic animals recognize him!  Charles Crogan learns a lesson while serving as a British captain sent to raid a supply train.
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SCRATCH 9

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Publisher: HERMES PRESS
(W) Rob M. Worley (A) Jason T. Kruse (CA) Armand Villavert
Scratch9, the worlds greatest superhero cat returns for free comic book day with a special reprint issue #1 of the title and features all new cover art by Armand Villavert, Jr. Scratch9, as fans of the title already know, is the Eisner Award nominated all-ages comic book featuring a cat with the ability to summon any of his 9 lives to aid him in his adventures!  Hermes Press’ Scratch9 FCBD issue will also offer bonus material and tons of surprises!
Issue #1 is reprinted, telling the origin of Scratch, and showing one of his other “lives”!
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SONIC THE HEDGEHOG MEGA MAN FLIPBOOK

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Publisher: ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS
(W) Ian Flynn (A) Ryan Jampole & Various (CA) Ben Bates
“Worlds Collide: PRELUDE” – It’s TWO free comic books in ONE! Just in time for the start of the epic Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man crossover event, “Worlds Collide,” comes a primer issue exclusively for Free Comic Book Day! Witness the journey these two epic heroes from both Sega and Capcom took to finally meet each other – Mega Man’s journey chronicled on one side, and Sonic the Hedgehog’s on the other! This is the must-have primer for the biggest comic book event of 2013 – as video game icons Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man meet for the very first time anywhere – featuring art from both Sonic and Mega Man comic book fame!
“World’s Collide: Prelude”!  Sonic battles Mecha Sally, while Mega Man fights the mysterious Break Man!  Then there’s a flash of light, and…?  Find out what happens next in Mega Man #24!
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STAN LEE CHAKRA THE INVINCIBLE PREVIEW

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Publisher: LIQUID COMICS LLC
(W) Stan Lee (A) Graphic (CA) Jeevan Kang
From the mind of legendary creator Stan Lee comes his newest superhero, CHAKRA THE INVINCIBLE.  Chakra tells the story of young Indian teenager, Raju Rai, a technology genius living in Mumbai. Determined to use science to unlock the secrets of human potential, Raju develops a technological suit that activates the mystical Chakras of the body, unleashing newfound abilities and powers.
“Against the spectacular backdrop of the great Indian metropolis of Mumbai, we tell the incredible saga of Chakra, our daring and dangerous teenage hero.” – Stan Lee
Stan Lee teams up with Graphic India and creates a hero for Mumbai!
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STEAM ENGINES OF OZ

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Publisher: ARCANA STUDIO
(W) Erik W. Hendrix, Sean O’Reilly (A/CA) Yannis Roumboulias
SteamPunk Originals Presents: The Steam Engines of Oz FCBD. Get a special sneak peek at the upcoming re-imagining of Oz through a SteamPunk lens. Find out what happens 100 years AFTER the witch is dead.  In an Oz ruled by a once revered hero, salvation comes from the unlikely wrench of Victoria Wright, who dares to question status quo and sparks a rebellion. This FCBD Edition will give you an exciting extended preview of the upcoming graphic novel AND a look at what else Arcana’s SteamPunk Originals line has in store for readers!
Far in the future, the Emerald City, ruled by the Tin Woodman, is on the move north.  Victroria, who helps keep the city running, must stop the city!
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STRANGERS #1

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Publisher: ONI PRESS INC.
(W) Chris Roberson (A/CA) Scott Kowalchuck
“The last thing you want to see is my hands.” They’re called the Strangers. They’re deadly. Dangerous. And you’ll never see them unless they want you to. But now they’ve come up against something big – United States government big. A cover-up of international proportions, and at the center of it all is the Strangers’ deadliest foe, a man known only as Capricorn. A man who knows the Strangers. A man who sees them.
Sixties.  Secret agents.  Super powers!
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THE RED TEN #0

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Publisher: COMIXTRIBE
(W) Tyler James, Paul Allor (A) Cesar Feliciano & Various (CA) Joe Mulvey
Who are THE RED TEN? And who wants them dead? Delve deeper into the murder mystery maxi-series that is a superhero retelling of Agatha Christie’s classic whodunit “And Then There Were None.”  Also features OXYMORON: QUIET RIOT, where a super-criminal psychopath holds a city hostage in terrifying silence as one cop struggles to stop the madman before her city burns to the ground.
Intriguing.
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THE TICK

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Publisher: NEW ENGLAND COMICS

(W) Jeff McClelland (A) Pietro, Duane Redhead (CA) Duane Redhead
This FCBD, NEC Press offers fans—both old and new!—a FULL-COLOR 32-page comic book with an ALL-NEW FULL-LENGTH Tick story! Plus exciting all-new backup features as well. “A Day at the Beach” starts out innocently enough for The Tick, Arthur, Bumbling Bee & their friends—until The Tick encounters an invasion force from under the sea! A story sure to be enjoyed by existing Tick fans as well as suitable to introduce new readers to the world of The Tick and his cohorts!
Arthur becomes a prophet, the Tick gets philosophical, and then discovers the Internet at the public library!
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TOP SHELF KIDS CLUB

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Publisher: TOP SHELF PRODUCTIONS
(W/A) Andy Runton & Various (CA) Rob Harrell
Here at Top Shelf, we’re celebrating FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2013 with friends old and new — the latest lineup of the Top Shelf Kids Club! This FREE comic book contains not one, not two, but SIX different adventures for readers of all ages.
Inside are brand-new stories featuring OWLY by Andy Runton, JOHNNY BOO by James Kochalka, KORGI by Christian Slade, PIRATE PENGUIN VS NINJA CHICKEN by Ray Friesen, and UPSIDE DOWN by Jess Smart Smiley, plus the debut of MONSTER ON THE HILL by Rob Harrell, who also contributes this year’s cover! Come on in and join the party!
Fun for all ages!
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VALIANT MASTERS SHOWCASE ED

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Publisher: VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT LLC
(W) Jim Shooter & Various (A) Barry Windsor Smith & Various (CA) Barry Windsor Smith
This Free Comic Book Day, dive deep into the greatest stories of the original Valiant Universe — remastered and collected together for the first time anywhere! Relive the best-selling adventures of Valiant’s definitive heroes — NINJAK, SHADOWMAN, the ETERNAL WARRIOR, and more — in this special FCBD-only edition previewing the next year’s worth of VALIANT MASTERS hardcover collections. Featuring all-time classic work by some of comics’ most celebrated talent including Jim Shooter, Joe Quesada, Barry Windsor-Smith, David Lapham, Bob Layton and more. There’s never been a better time to discover why the Valiant Universe created a new generation of comics fans and became the stuff of legend.

Four samples from the original Valiant Universe.  If these pages are what is found in the hardcovers, I’ll take a pass.  The coloring is muddy, which means that the original issues would probably be cheaper.

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WORLDS OF ASPEN

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Publisher: ASPEN MLT INC

(W) J. T. Krul, David Wohl (A/CA) Alex Konat, Beth Sotelo
Aspen is proud to celebrate its TENTH ANNIVERSARY and is planning its largest initiative ever-including this year’s jam-packed Worlds of Aspen 2013 Free Comic Book Day flip book! Join Aspen Comics as they reveal exclusive in-depth content for all of their exciting “10 for 10” titles which debut all year long. Aspen is also offering TWO completely brand new stories, starting with Michael Turner’s Fathom! Kicking off this summer’s upcoming thrilling Fathom event, Fathom writers David Wohl (Fathom Volume 4) and Vince Hernandez (Fathom: Kiani), along with seasoned Fathom scribe J.T. Krul deliver an exclusive 12 page FCBD story featuring the brilliant regular series art team of Alex Konat and Beth Sotelo! And to top it all off, Worlds of Aspen 2013 will showcase a WORLD PREMIERE preview of Peter Steigerwalds’ upcoming new Aspen series, ZOONITY!
Aspen and Tyler visit the Blue, setting the scene and exposition for Fathom: The Elite Saga.
The flip side has one-page previews of various titles, and a four-page preview of The Zoohunters.
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6 COMMENTS

  1. I read the Red Ten FCBD book, and I completely agree. The villian, Oxymoron, is twisted on a scale the Joker would look at him and say “Damn, why didn’t I think of that?”

    There’s also a back cover contest where you and your LCS can will a free book from Comix Tribe.

  2. I picked up the FCBD Buck Rogers comic and really REALLY enjoyed it. Based on the 2 story arcs that were reprinted in that sampler, I would consider buying a reprint volume of the 30’s Buck Rogers adventures. Not convinced about the Howard Chaykin title that is coming soon, but those 1937 stories are absolutely wonderful!

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