If you're new to collecting comics, there's one day a year to keep open on your calendar. Free Comic Book Day happens on the first Saturday in May. Participating comic book shops across North America will be giving out a select number of free comic books to the general public. This is a way to entice new readers into comics, as well as a great way to give back to those of us who have been visiting a local shop every Wednesday.
Some stores turn it into a real event. Collector's Corner in Parkville, MD, has put on an entire event centered around the day with signings, deep in-store discounts, costume contests, and more. If you're heading out to your first FCBD or your 10th, be sure to check out what books are available ahead of time here!
Some FCBD can also be real collectors' pieces. The aftermarket on FCBD comics isn't something many of us think about, since after all, these were free books. But let's take a look at some books with prices that may surprise you!
FCBD and Star Wars: The Clone Wars (no number)
This copy of Star Wars: The Clone Wars came out in 2011, and contains the first comic book appearance of Savage Opress, Noggox, Knuckles, and Nuru Kungurama. Featuring Saveg Opress -- Darth Maul's brother -- on the cover, prices for this book have cooled significantly. In December of 2020 CGC blue label 9.8 copies sold for around $499.
Currently, the one-year average on similar examples is $223, with prices trending down. While Savage Opress has not been in a live-action adaptation, his role in The Clone Wars was important. If you're looking to add this book to your collection, now would be the time to buy.
FCBD 2016 One Punch Man
One Punch Man is one of my favorite anime. It's unhinged, a ton of fun, and Saitama is a relatable and hysterical lead. The manga on which it's based is just as charming, The manga has been running since 2009, but don't let that stop you from jumping into the action. This FCBD is for One Punch Man and My Hero Academia. In the 1990s manga was released in Western comic format, though now most manga is released in graphic novel format. When Viz releases a Western format manga for FCBD it is something special. This floppy introduces readers to both popular titles, but also goes for a surprising amount on the aftermarket.
In March of 2023 a raw copy sold for $99. By comparison, CGC blue label 9.8 examples have a one-year average of $383. This book is only worthwhile in 9.8 condition or raw. Prices have started to climb for this book -- primarily due to how popular My Hero Academia is. Prices will likely dip within the next few years, but if you can't wait there's no shame in buying this book now.
FCBD 2022 Avengers/X-Men /Eternals Judgement Day #1 Momoko Variant
This 1:1000 Momoko virgin variant cover is probably the book we all still want. This book also contains the first appearance of Bloodline -- aka Brielle Brooks, the daughter of Blade. While the new movie might be stuck in developmental hell, Disney has announced that the movie would be released by September 2024...so long as it isn't pushed back yet. While we don't know if Bloodline will be in an upcoming Blade film, this is a great speculation book (even if it isn't the variant).
CGC blue label 9.8 examples have softened in price, but the one-year average is still $929, with prices trending up. As I said this is a great speculation book that has a lot of potential!
*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.
