DC Comics Free Comic Books Do Not Include Batman

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As a comic book fan, I always get hyped for Free Comic Book Day – it’s the best time to snag some new issues without breaking the bank. But honestly, this year might be a little underwhelming if you’re really into certain titles. It looks like there aren’t as many of the books I was hoping for.

According to a recent report from Bleeding Cool, Batman won’t be featured in any of the special comics DC Comics is releasing for Free Comic Book Day in 2026.

Most comic book fans will probably be surprised by this news. It’s not just that Batman is one of the most popular characters in DC Comics—and in comic book history overall—but his cultural impact is huge.

The most popular comic books of 2025 showed Batman’s continued dominance. In fact, stories featuring The Dark Knight took six of the top nine spots, including the number one and three titles – both issues of the team-up event between Batman and Deadpool from DC and Marvel.

Several Batman titles are performing well in sales. Two volumes from Scott Snyder’s Absolute Batman series, which began in 2024, are currently ranked seventh and ninth. A newer title, launched just this September, is in second place. Additionally, the first issue of Jeph Loeb’s follow-up to the 2003 story Hush is at Number Six, and Batman makes a cameo appearance in the fifth-ranked comic, DC K.O. #1.

Man, any of those big-name games would’ve been awesome as a free comic on Free Comic Book Day. Though, thinking about it, maybe they didn’t want that particular one included for some reason.

Thankfully, Batman fans won’t be left out this holiday season. He makes an appearance in the first issue of DC x Sonic the Hedgehog, where Sonic the Hedgehog teams up with the Justice League. A special edition of this crossover comic, written by Ian Flynn and illustrated by Adam Bryce Thomas, will also be released.

What Other DC Titles Are Available On Free Comic Book Day?

This special reprint of DC x Sonic the Hedgehog shows DC Comics is trying to offer more comics suitable for families and younger readers on Free Comic Book Day. While not all titles are geared towards kids, this one definitely is.

The publisher is releasing two new graphic novels for younger readers. One, called Superman’s Good Guy Gang by Rob Justus, playfully reimagines Superman and his superhero friends as kids in elementary school. The other, Kanga-U: Tests and Tournaments by Sholly Fisch and Yancey Labat, features a teenage Wonder Woman adopting a pet kangaroo.

Younger readers who love superheroes will also enjoy Aquamantee #1, a new comic by Ben Canton, the creator of Narwhal and Jelly. It’s about Marlowe, a manatee who unexpectedly gains superpowers and gets to team up with his hero, Aquaman!

DC Comics also has plans for experienced readers, offering the DC Next Level FCBD 2026 Sampler. This sampler will include sneak peeks at titles like Greg Rucka and DaNi’s Batwoman and Deathstroke: The Terminator by Tony Fleecs and Darmine Di Giandomenico. These titles will have already been released two months before the sampler is distributed.

If you enjoy spooky and unsettling stories, don’t miss Free Comic Book Day! DC’s Vertigo imprint is making a comeback and will be releasing a special edition of The Nice House on the Lake #1. This comic, created by James Tynion IV and Álvaro Martínez Bueno, follows a group of childhood friends whose reunion quickly turns into a terrifying experience.

These comics will also be available to read on DC Universe Infinite, the publisher’s digital service, starting the same day they’re released.

Free Comic Book Day lands on Saturday, May 3, 2026.

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2026-01-08 17:39