FCBD 2021: Read It Or Leave It?: DC Comics titles

Back in 2020, Diamond Comics Distributors halted shipments of all comics, because some states had shut down all non-essential businesses to combat the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, and Diamond wanted to be fair to all comics shops across the country.

DC Comics then made the decision to change distributors abruptly, causing a mad scramble among retailers, and as the New Normal appeared, Lunar Distribution was the sole source for all DC titles.

That means, quixotically, that while Diamond owns and maintains all titles for Free Comic Book Day, DC Comics continues to participate, just as they have every year since the inaugural FCBD in 2002. They can do what they please, since Diamond cannot really punish DC except for trademark violations, and Diamond only filed their trademark application on March 3rd of this year. Eventually, it’s a matter of who has better lawyers.

That said, DC Comics will offer four titles this year, two variants each for the Batman and Suicide Squad titles, because what better exemplifies the spirit of free comics than a rare variant that most retailers will sell for $10+?

FCBD 2021 BATMAN SPECIAL EDITION CVR A MICO SUAYAN

W) John Ridley, James Tynion IV (A) Jorge Jimenez, Travel Foreman (CA) Mico Suayan

The Batman creative team of James Tynion IV and Jorge Jimenez take their epic run to the next level. Gotham City is on the brink of a violent evolutionary path and the danger level to Batman and his allies reaches a fever pitch. The Magistrate now have full support from the mayor to handle high level law enforcement in Gotham and have branded the Dark Knight as Enemy #1. Plus, the Scarecrow has his own terrifying agenda as he takes this chaotic moment to launch his master plan. This is the first look at the epic FEAR STATE event that runs across the Batman titles beginning this Fall. The new Dark Knight, Jace Fox has arrived in this sneak peek of the upcoming I AM BATMAN series written by Academy Award-winner John Ridley with stunning art by Travel Foreman. Fans will get a taste of this blockbuster storyline starring the next Dark Knight. Sold in bundles of 25

That’s $6.25 for a bundle of 25, which means that comics shops are paying $0.25 for each copy they give away free. Keep that in mind when you’re picking up your “free” comics … your local comics shop pays for every copy they give away, so buy something when you’re in that store!

There are two variants of this issue:

0621DC062: FCBD 2021 BATMAN SPECIAL EDITION INC 1:100 MICO SUAYAN VIRGIN VARIANT

[“Virgin” meaning that there is no text on the front cover, just the color artwork. Scroll down to see the Suicide Squad virgin cover.]
0621DC063: FCBD 2021 BATMAN SPECIAL EDITION 1:20 MICO SUAYAN MONOFOIL VARIANT

OOOHHHH!!! What if the Scarecrow was given an A-list story? What if he used fear to evolve Gotham society just as fear evolved Bruce Wayne into the Batman? What if he did it via media, not via toxins, and in cahoots with a villainous billionare? (No, not Lex Luthor.) Toss in the prologue to what was seen in Future State, and Fear State is the next big Bat-Event, running in 35 issues over five months! The backup story introduces us to Jace Fox, and the new I Am Batman series. Oh, and if you like Old School Batman, there’s a teaser for Batman ’89 with sketches of Robin and Two-Face!

FCBD 2021 SUICIDE SQUAD SPECIAL EDITION CVR A TREVOR HAIRSINE 

(W) Tim Seeley, Brian Azzarello (A) Scott Kolins, Alex Maleev (CA) Trevor Hairsine

Get ready for The Suicide Squad written and directed by James Gunn, which releases in theaters and HBO Max on August 6th, with this incredible special edition that features the world’s deadliest villains. Discover more about the breakout character from Task Force X in an original SUICIDE SQUAD: KING SHARK story written by Tim Seeley and illustrated by Scott Kolins. This issue also includes a preview of the sensational Suicide Squad: Get Joker! limited series by Brian Azzarello and Alex Maleev. An incarcerated and angry Red Hood receives a chance at freedom from Amanda Waller. All the former Boy Wonder needs to do to gain his release is lead the Suicide Squad on a mission to terminate The Joker. Paired up with Harley Quinn and Gotham City killers, such as Firefly and Killer Croc, he doesn’t care if any of them come back alive, as long as The Joker dies! Sold in bundles of 25

0621DC065: FCBD 2021 SUICIDE SQUAD SPECIAL EDITION 1:4 TREVOR HAIRSINE VIRGIN VARIANT

FCBD 2021 BATMAN AND ROBIN AND HOWARD / AMETHYST PRINCESS OF GEMWORLD SPECIAL EDITION FLIPBOOK

(W) Jeffrey Brown, Shannon Hale, Dean Hale (A/CA) Jeffrey Brown, Asiah Fulmore

This flipbook style sampler features first looks at two upcoming original graphic novels perfect for all ages, BATMAN & ROBIN and HOWARD by bestselling author and illustrator Jeffrey Brown and AMETHYST: PRINCESS OF GEMWORLD by New York Times bestselling authors Shannon Hale and Dean Hale with art by Asiah Fulmore. To Damian Wayne, there is nothing more important than protecting the streets of Gotham City as Robin. But when he makes a critical mistake while out on patrol, Damian finds himself benched. And what’s more, Damian’s dad, Bruce Wayne–a.k.a. Batman–decides that starting over in a new school will be just the distraction Damian needs from his superhero routine. Certain that Gotham Metro Academy has nothing to teach him, Damian is completely unprepared for the challenge he finds in Howard–the smartest and most athletic kid in school. The boys’ rivalry is instantaneous and fierce…and both are sure only one of them can be the best in their class. Amaya, princess of House Amethyst in Gemworld, is something of a troublemaker. She and her brother have great fun together until a magical prank goes much too far and her parents ground her…to Earth! They hope a whole week in the mundane world will teach her that magic is a privilege…and maybe washing dishes by hand will help her realize the palace servants should be respected. Three years later, Amy has settled into middle school and ordinary life. She doesn’t remember any other home. So when a prince of the realm brings her home and restores her magical destiny, how will she cope? Sold in bundles of 25

Wow, the third version of Amethyst in three years! This version is written by the amazing team of Shannon and Dean Hale, and we see Amethyst grounded to Earth with a chaperone, bereft of magic and her royal privileges!

On the flip side, we see an impetuous Damian Wayne sent to Gotham Metro Academy to learn some patience. Howard is the nicest kid in school, eager to help the brooding and sullen Damian fit in!

Plus! A Middle Grade guide to lots of amazing DC graphic novels, some of which will appeal to parents as well!

FCBD 2021 TEEN TITANS BEAST BOY LOVES RAVEN SPECIAL EDITION

(W) Kami Garcia (A/CA) Gabriel Picolo
Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo continue their New York Times bestselling Teen Titans series and give readers the romantic meet-up we have all been waiting for! It seems like years, but it’s only been a few days since Raven Roth recovered her memories; trapped her demon father, Trigon, in her amulet; and had her heart broken for the first time. Garfield Logan still can’t believe he has powers that allow him to change into different animals, but the price of knowing that his parents kept this secret hidden from him just feels too high. Both are seeking answers from the one person who seems to have them all figured out: Slade Wilson. When their paths converge in Nashville, Raven and Gar can’t help but feel a connection, despite the secrets they both try to hide. It will take a great amount of trust and courage to overcome the wounds of their pasts. But can they find acceptance for the darkest parts of themselves? Or maybe even love? This special edition features a chapter from the upcoming original graphic novel. Sold in bundles of 25

This is the third volume in the series, but the preview (and graphic novel) summarizes What Went Before, as Beast Boy and Raven cross paths in Nashville. Also, lots of house ads for many intriguing young adult titles, as well as a YA readers’ guide!

Free Comic Book Day 2021 is this Saturday, August 14th.