Free Comic Book Day is coming up, and The Fellowship was
fortunate enough to obtain copies of this year’s books. Here are my thoughts on
some of the selections (in no particular order)…
1. ROM (IDW PUBLISHING)
(W) Christos N. Gage, Chris Ryall, John Barber (A) David Messina,
Paolo Villanelli, Chris Evenhuis
Investigating a report of a disturbance, two policemen
encounter an alien lifeform. Is he a threat to Earth, or its protector? In the backup tale, a new hero is born to take the place of the greatest agent that ever lived.
The Hasbro toy from the 80s is back in comics and IDW has
him. Also included is Action Man; a new series based off an action figure line from the U.K. in the 60s. A nice little teaser to get the fans excited and other readers interested
in checking out both books. I can’t wait.
2. THE PINK PANTHER (AMERICAN MYTHOLOGY PRODUCTIONS)
(W/A) S. L. Gallant
What would YOU do if you could handle the hammer of Thor?
Pink Panther has been given such an opportunity. In the second tale, our hero
lands on an island and treated VERY well. But there is a reason…
New publisher American Mythology brings back the famous
cat in what could be a fun all ages book. Worth checking out.
3. BRUCE LEE: THE DRAGON RISES (DARBY POP)
(W) Shannon Lee, Jeff Kline (A) Brandon McKinney, Zac
Atkinson
Bruce Lee is alive, and in perfect hibernation. An
accident revives him only to discover he doesn’t know who he is or the world
that surrounds him…
This is a really cool sneak peek to a story that is
co-written by Bruce Lee’s daughter Shannon. This has the potential to be an
exciting, action packed series.
4. VALIANT 4001 A.D. SPECIAL FCBD 2016 EDITION (VALIANT
ENTERTAINMENT)
(W) Matt Kindt & Various (A) Clayton Crain &
Various
The book gives you a sneak peek to the upcoming event, as
well as the Archer and Armstrong series and the sequel to Divinity. Plus some
other fun stuff…
Valiant has been knocking it out of the park ever since
its return. 4001 A.D. has the potential to be an event that is just as great as
HARBINGER WARS and ARMOR HUNTERS were. A&A looks to be a crazy, fun book
and DIVINITY II an impressive follow up to the original.
5. THE TICK SPECIAL FCBD 2016 EDITION (NEW ENGLAND
COMICS)
(W) Jeff McClelland (A) Duane Redhead, Ian Nichols
Arthur awakes to discover The Tick has been harboring Ticks
from alternate universes, but that is the LEAST of their problems! Backup tales
include tales of one of the alternate Ticks and a convention being thrown to
honor The Tick and Arthur, but things aren’t what they seem…
What’s FCBD without The Tick? I challenge you to read
this WITHOUT laughing. It can’t be done. SPOON!
6. CAMP MIDNIGHT #1 FCBD 2016 EDITION (IMAGE COMICS)
(W) Steven T. Seagle (A/CA) Jason Adam Katzenstein
Skye is sent to an unusable summer camp…Camp Midnight.
She does what she can not to fit in with the others, but quickly finds out she
truly doesn’t! She and her new friend Mia are the only ones who are human!!!!
Everyone has a summer camp story and most of us had
feelings of not fitting in, so this is up everyone’s alley. A crazy, maybe
scary, yet fun book for all ages.
7. THE STUFF OF LEGEND PREVIEW FCBD 2016 EDITION (TH3RD
WORLD STUDIOS)
(W) Mike Raicht, Brian Smith (A) Charles Paul Wilson
In 40’s Brooklyn, a mysterious force captures a young boy
and takes him in the closet…and another world. Only his puppy and favorite toys
are able to go after him. But who among them will attempt the daring rescue?
In time to get you ready for Volume Five, Th3rd World
reprints the original FCBD version of Stuff of Legend. It’s a great story with
incredible art. I’ve been a fan of this series since almost the start. Highly
recommended.
8. ARCHIE #1 FCBD 2016 EDITION (ARCHIE COMIC
PUBLICATIONS)
(W) Mark Waid (A/CA) Fiona Staples
Meet Archie, the boy next door. He’s in love with Betty,
the girl next door. It’s obvious to everybody, including them…so why aren’t
they together? Their friends are about to fix that. Well maybe not all of them…
This FCBD offering from Archie reprints ARCHIE #1 and a
portion of JUGHEAD #1. The rebooted Archie-verse has been fun so far,
especially with the talents that Archie Comics has been bringing in. If you
haven’t checked these titles out, now is your chance.
9. MOONCOP: A TOM GAULD SAMPLER FCBD 2016 EDITION (DRAWN
& QUARTERLY)
(W/A) Tom Gauld
MOONCOP chronicles the live a cop who is one of the last
people living on the moon. Also included are several assorted comic strips.
I would like to get this graphic novel. The story and art isn’t extravagant, but I’m very interested. The comic strips were funny. Need to find more of Mr. Gauld’s work.
I would like to get this graphic novel. The story and art isn’t extravagant, but I’m very interested. The comic strips were funny. Need to find more of Mr. Gauld’s work.
10. THE PHANTOM: 80TH ANNIVERARY SPECIAL FCBD 2016
EDITION (HERMES PRESS)
(W) Joe Gill (A) Don Newton, Jim Aparo
To celebrate The Phantom’s 80th anniversary,
Hermes reprints some classic Charlton tales featuring the artwork of Jim Aparo (BATMAN
artist from the 70s – 90s). Also included is a promo for a new series coming
later this year.
Love Aparo’s art, so this was a treat to look at.
Hopefully we will get a collection of these classic tales. If you like reading
classic action adventure heroes, here you go!
11. CIVIL WAR II/AVENGERS #1 FCBD 2016 EDITION (MARVEL
COMICS)
(W)Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Waid (A) Jim Cheung, Alan
Davis
Marvel’s next big event is here! What causes our heroes
draw sides? Read and find out! Also included is the introduction to the all-new
Wasp!
What we have here is an interesting little preview to the
next major book for Marvel. I am really curious about this new character who
takes over the Wasp codename and powers. Pick this up if you are a Marvel
Zombie!!
12. DC SUPER HERO GIRLS #1 FCBD 2016 EDITION (DC COMICS)
(W)Sea Fontana (A) Yancey Labat
Supergirl wants to quit Super Hero High School. But why
would she do that? Can Ma and Pa Kent talk her out of such a decision? And what
else is going on around the campus?
Nice little teaser for the upcoming graphic novel based
off the new animated series. Haven’t watched the show so I was going in fresh,
and I liked what I read. A fun and positive all-ages book that may (or may not)
be geared toward girls. Check it out.
13. WORLDS OF ASPEN FCBD 2016 EDITION (ASPEN MLT INC)
(W) J. T. Krul, Joshua Hale Fialkov (A) Jordan Gunderson
Aspen Matthews world is dead. Malikai’s world is on a
similar path. Could working together help save both planets???
An interesting little teaser for what I believe is
Aspen’s first crossover. I like Krul’s and Fialkov’s writing and I’m excited
about this event. This could be pretty cool.
14. WE CAN NEVER GO HOME/YOUNG TERRORISTS FCBD 2016
EDITION (BLACK MASK COMICS)
(W) Matthew Rosenberg, Patrick Kindlon, Matt Pizzolo (A)
Josh Hood,Amancay Nahuelpan
In the first tale, Dale and Morgan go to a motel after
seeing a movie. Sounds harmless, right? Wrong. In the second tale, Sera Solomon
is the ultimate bad ass of the internment camp she’s in. But she may have met
her match with a new arrival, sent by her father!!!
I listed Black Mask Comics as a publisher to watch for in
2015, and they still are. They put out some amazing stories and this little
preview gives you a hint to the greatness they bring. It may be a little
different from what you normally pick up, but it’s worth it.
15. DARK HORSE SERENITY/HELLBOY/ALIENS FCBD 2015 EDITION
(DARK HORSE COMICS)
(W) Chris Roberson, Mike Mignola & Brian Wood (A)
Stephen Byrne, Richard Corben & Tristan Jones
River tells a bedtime story of how the crew of Serenity
came together; Hellboy finds the Haunted Mirror of Saint-Boguet; Zula and crew
are trying to stop the Alien infestation of Earth…not going well.
Three really cool stories from big franchises of the
Horse. The Serenity story kinda hits you in the feels (especially if you are a
Browncoat). Corben’s art is perfect for the mysterious adventure Hellboy goes
on. The Alien story is fast-paced and action packed; I like the new character
Zula. Worth picking up.
16. GRUMPY CAT (AND POKEY!) SPECIAL FCBD 2016 EDITION
(DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT)
(W) Royal McGraw, Ben Fisher, Ben McCool, Elliott Serrano
(A) Ken Haeser, Michelle Nguyen, Steve Uy
In the first story Pokey is inspired to become a superhero!
Next, the cats decide to stretch their creative side to become celebrities. In
the third story, the cats put on their detective caps to figure out who is
stealing their food. And finally…Grumpy and Pokey at a convention.
I found myself laughing quite a bit at these stories.
They are so much fun. And they are tales for all ages, so everybody can enjoy
them. Thumbs up!
17. GRANT MORRISON`S AVATAREX: DESTROYER OF DARKNESS FCBD
2016 EDITION (GRAPHIC INDIA PTE. LTD)
(W) Grant Morrison (A) Jeevan Kang
Avatarex, an all-powerful being is awakened to end the
darkness that is upon the Earth. But the planet is not ready for his presence,
and he needs some humbling before performing his quest…
This is a promising teaser for Grant Morrison’s new book.
Humbling a god could make an interesting book. Will check this out when the
series begins. Also included is a preview to Morrison’s 18 Days for the
upcoming trade release.
18. JUNIOR BRAVES OF THE APOCALYPSE FCBD 2016 EDITION
(ONI PRESS INC.)
(W) Greg Smith, Michael Tanner (A) Zach Lehner
The Junior Braves of Tribe 65 are going home from a week
out in the woods. What they return to will test all of their talents, wits, and
nerves to survive what awaits them…
Pretty cool tale here. It’s a combination of THE WOODS
and THE WALKING DEAD. I’m definitely interested in checking out more of this
book.
19. ATTACK ON TITAN ANTHOLOGY PREVIEW FCBD 2016 EDITION
(KODANSHA COMICS)
(W)Michael Avon Oeming, Brenden Fletcher, Tomer and Asaf
Hanuka (A) Michael Avon Oeming, Cameron Stewart, Babs Tarr, Tomer and Asaf
Hanuka
A mission in miserable weather goes badly for a squad of
fighters; what might be a fun ATTACK ON TITAN convention goes wrong when an
actual titan shows up; a couple still mourning the loss of their son get an unexpected
visitor…
Not really into ATTACK ON TITAN, but these were some cool
stories. Some great names in comics are listed not only here but on the
upcoming anthology collection. If you are a fan this is a must. If not, it
still looks like a nice pick up.
20. AWAKE #0 FCBD 2016 EDITION (ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT)
(W) Susan Beneville (A) Brian Hess
Young Regn starts training on how to use her powers,
while a young man with unusual abilities has appeared on a planet with weather
problems. These two are about to meet each other and their destinies…
This is a very nice little prequel setting you up for the
ongoing series. AWAKE is a fun series for all-ages and I highly recommend
it. It has everything: action,
adventure, and
21. SANJAY AND CRAIG/HARVEY BEAKS FCBD 2016 EDITION
(PAPERCUTZ)
(W) Eric M Esquivel, Stefan Petrucha (A) Sam Spina,
Andreas Schuster
With the help of his snake Craig, Sanjay must deal with
his dad losing his ring and a visit from his future self? In HARVEY BEAKS
Harvey must live up to his boast of being a world champion finder; he and his
friends create flying lanterns with fireflies with interesting results.
These are fun (but a little odd) tales that anybody can
enjoy, but appear to be more for the younger readers. Definitely worth checking
out.
22. GRAPHIX SPOTLIGHT: DREAM JUMPER BOOK ONE: NIGHTMARE
ESCAPE FCBD 2016 EDITION (GRAPHIX)
(W) Greg Grunberg (A) Lucas Turnbloom
Ben finds himself in a strange land where he’s chased by
monsters. He finds his friend Jake and other kids there as well, but they are
prisoners. Can he save himself and the others before it’s too late?
It’s a different kind of book (we are dealing in dreams,
right?), but a really cool tale for all-ages. A story about a kid who can jump
into others' dreams sounds like a fun premise. I’m interested enough to check
out the book when it comes out in July.
23. CON MAN`S SPECTRUM FCBD 2016 EDITION (AUTOMATIC
PICTURES PUBLISHING)
(W) Pj Haarsma, Alan Tudyk (A) Sarah Stone
Captain Raaker is called back into service as an alien
invasion of Earth has begun. His orders are to command the Spectrum and
transport some special passengers. But who are these passengers, and what makes
the so special?
SPECTRUM is based off the show referred to in the CON MEN
web series starring Alan Tudyk and Nathan Fillion. This is a rather intriguing
teaser for the upcoming miniseries. It might be a cool book, worth checking out
when it’s released in June.
24. ASSASSIN`S CREED FCBD 2016 EDITION (TITAN COMICS)
(W) Anthony Del, Conor McCreery, Fred Van Lente (A)
Wellington Alves, Dennis Calero
Charlotte de la Cruz is on a mission. When the plans
change, she doesn’t respond to well. Is she biting off more than she can chew?
In the backup tale, a Templar is task with taking out an armored train called
The Great Wall, and the important person who is riding in it…
Interesting short stories from the two series based off
the video game. Intrigue, action, adventure…all the things that make up a
thrilling story (stories). I might be taking a closer look at these books.
25. SPACE GOAT PRESENTS: DARK LILY & FRIENDS FCBD
2016 EDITION (SPACE GOAT PRODUCTIONS)
(W) Georgia Ball, Nicholas Doan, Justin Peniston, Shon Bury
(A) George Kambadais, Aditya Nugraha, Caanan Grall, Ramanda Kamarga, Garry
Henderson, Ian Waryanto, Aditya Nugraha
A teenage girl living on the Moon accidently finds a way
to Earth. An elementary school for monsters is closed down and its students
must go to a human one. A son of a mechanic who works for a superhero gets an
opportunity to become a hero too. A teenage girl is learning the ways of magic,
and of those who use it for good or evil.
Great stories full of action, adventure, humor, and
interesting characters. These all-ages tales grab you and make you want to read
more. You should check these titles out!
And that is only half of the books that will hit your
local comic shop this Saturday. For more information (including if your store
is participating), check out www.freecomicbookday.com.
