Free Comic Book Day 2023 Recommendations All-Ages

What is Free Comic Book Day?

Free Comic Book Day is nearing close (May 6^th this year) and with it comes a whole slew of comic book offerings from the various publishers. Full list of comics can be found here.

Now, many shops that participate in Free Comic Book Day either limit the number of comics you can receive or the selection of books. Remember, while the books are free for customers, they do cost the retailer to order and stock. For instance, my shop usually limits it to 3-4 books per person and selection varies year to year.  

The intent of FCBD is to get new customers into the shop and overall, it is a delightful event. If you do visit, be sure to support your local comic shop with a purchase.

Here at Extremely Uncanny, we aim to provide you with a list of comics to check out. Additionally, we strive to provide a list of kid friendly comics. With the average comic book targeted towards teens these days, it is important to help pick the right book for your child.  

This list is for All-Ages and Younger Audiences. For recommendations for teens: Free Comic Book Day 2023 Recommendations Teen and Up

MARVEL 

Despite having, arguably, the largest cultural footprint of any of the comic companies, Marvel doesn’t really offer much for younger audiences on FCBD. This is my big pet peeve with the company. That said they do have one book, but it is aimed at a more Pre-school audience with  

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2023: SPIDEY & HIS AMAZING FRIENDS #1 

Written by VARIOUS 
Art by VARIOUS  

It’s a bit odd that Marvel hasn’t listed the created team forothis book (as of writing on May 4^th). Either way, if you haven’t watched Spidey & His Amazing Friends on Disney Junior. It’s fine. It’s PJ Mask but with Peter, Miles, and Gwen as the leads. The theme song is by Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump and my toddler enjoys it. As for the comic? Probably will be fine. Kind of bummed they went this young instead of printing an all-ages Spider-man story in its place. Oh well. I will grab a copy for my toddler.   

DC  

DC has been doing some interesting things in the space of Middle School/Young Adult graphic novels. This should be no surprise as this the dominant form of American comics. Dogman outsells most Marvel comics combined after all. This year they are taking time to preview a couple of their graphic novels with  

CLARK & LEX/FANN CLUB: BATMAN SQUAD 

Written by BRENDAN REICHS (CLARK AND LEX) JIM BENTON (FANN CLUB) 
Art by BRENDAN REICHS (CLARK AND LEX) JIM BENTON (FANN CLUB) 

GIRL TAKING OVER: A LOIS LANE STORY 

Written by SARAH KUHN 
Art by ARIELLE JOVELLANOS 

DC hasn’t really provided much information behind the samplers, but these are likely the books I will suggest for my older sons (seven year old twins). This is the secret to getting kids interested in comics. They are interested in the characters, but modern graphic novels leave a lot to be desired. These samplers are going to be useful to gauge their interest in the comics and maybe I will order them for them. All three graphic novels look fun.  

THE NON-BIG TWO 

The Non-Big Two comic companies offer a far more diverse variety of comics and make up the bulk of the All-Ages comic book offerings. Most of these comics range from previews of new series to previews of graphic novels, which makes sense as these companies are trying to reach new audiences with FCBD.  

RANGER ACADEMY 2023 FCBD SPECIAL 

Written by MARIA INGRANDE MORA  
Art by JO MI-GYEONG 

Boom! Is previewing their new Power Rangers series that promises to be a school-based story for the Power Rangers. Sounds like a good jumping on point for the long running Boom! Power Rangers franchise. 

MECH CADETS 2023 FCBD SPECIAL 

Written by GREG PAK  
Art by TAKESHI MIYAZAWA 

This is a reprint of the first issue of Mech Cadet Yu in honor of the Netflix Adaptation Mech Cadets debuting this month. If you missed the first issue years ago, be sure to check this one out. Mech Cadet Yu is a great series  

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES FCBD 

Written by ERIK BURNHAM 
Art by CHAD THOMAS 

IDW’s main contribution to FCBD this year is a sample of stories from the 1980’s inspired Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Saturday Morning Adventures and Rise of the TMNT. Erik Burnham and Chad Thomas are an excellent creative team for this project. The combination of the 80’s Turtles and Rise of the TMNT team is a great one for parents and kids alike.  

ANIMAL CROSSING/KIRBY MANGA  

Written by KOKONASU RUMBA, HIROKAZU HIKAWA 
Art by KOKONASU RUMBA, HIROKAZU HIKAWA 

Animal Crossing: New Horizon is my son’s favorite game and he will likely enjoy this silly island adventure of four of the island residents. Kirby’s manga takes us into Dreamland and promises to be a fun time. My kids will likely really enjoy this one.  

PUNCH UP!  

Written by ZACHARY STERLING  
Art by CRANK! 

This caught my attention for being a preview of a tournament shonen manga. I am sucker for this. Zachary Sterling has a history of doing licensed comics for various cartoons that have a lot of dynamic energy about them. This should be fun.   

Links and Such

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Don’t Forget to check out the Teen and older’s FCBD Recommendations: Free Comic Book Day 2023 Recommendations Teen and Up

Also, not sure what comics to pick up in May, We got you covered with Top Ten Comics to Check Out in May 2023