Free Comic Book Day is coming back on May 2, 2026. But, like many things in the comics industry, it will be changed quite a bit from its original version under Diamond Comics – an expansion into games stores and with games publishers, and a parallel event run by PRH, now dubbed “Comics Giveaway Day.”
FCBD, as it’s known, was one of Diamond’s assets that was purchased by Sparkle Pop/Ad Populum back in May. However, as Sparkle Pop/New Diamond showed no interest in continuing the event, there were several suitors for it. I understand that Sparkle Pop wanted quite a bit of money for the asset, which consisted of branding, albeit 20+ year old and recognized branding, and just before New York Comic Con it was announced that Universal Distribution had acquired the brand.
While this was welcome news, since Universal is determined to enter into the North American comics distro market in a big way, the move was not without some hitches.
I’m told that initially, Universal would only distribute comics as part of Free Comic Book Day for publishers that they distribute – which as of yet is DC and Dynamite and a few others. This did not initially sit well with Lunar, but negotiations between the two have been ongoing.
It looks like they came to an agreement however, as Universal has just announced participating publishers in their FCBD program, and a partnership with Lunar and Diamond UK to make FCBD titles available through more distribution networks, and broaden access for retailers. A final list of participating publishers will be announced with full book details on December 18.
For now the list includes Archie Comics, DC Comics, Dynamite Entertainment, Image Comics, Mad Cave Studios, Oni Press, Titan Comics, Udon Entertainment and Vault Comics.
Missing: Marvel Comics, Boom, IDW, DSTLRY, Ignition and other publishers distributed by Penguin Random House. Apparently negotiations didn’t go as well between Universal and PRH, and the latter is planning their own parallel event for May 2nd, with free comics from the publishers they distribute. This event has had several names but is now going by “Comics Giveaway Day”
This year’s FCBD event will still expand on the original. Universal, which has long functioned as a games distributor through N. America, is working with game publishers such as Upper Deck and Wizards of the Coast to add to the FCBD event, an addition that could include both comics and game stores.
It’s a development Universal Distribution’s CEO Angelo Exarhakos has looked for. In a statement he said “We are beyond thrilled to evolve Free Comic Book Day and involve cross-industry partners to participate in this beloved community event. Our staff is coordinating a path to success to grow participation from both comic and game stores. We encourage all Universal Distribution retail customers to participate in what has become a globally recognized brand!”
Libraries looking to participate are urged to contact their local comic book and board game stores. Everyone else can check out the Free Comic Book Day 2026 website.
FCBD’s evolution is part of the Post-Diamond landscape for the comics industry…where once the event was unified and easy to get a handle on, this time it’s going to be more complicated. But readers will still be smiling and that’s the important thing.
