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Happy New Year everyone!

May 1, 2010 is Free Comic Book Day and this year’s line up of issues is an eclectic one! With a total of 33 different free titles to check out, here is a preview of the Gold Comics that will be released:

Title: Archie’s Summer Splash #1
Publisher: Archie Comics
Creator: Dan Parent

“Whose BEACH is it Anyway?”: Sun, sand, swimsuits and cool rockin’ tunes — no, it’s not a cinematic “beach party” blast from the past, but a whole new summer splash from Archie and his friends! In this fun-filled free issue, Cheryl and her snooty friends from Pembrooke form an all-girl group to compete head on with the Archies at a summer beach music festival. Will Cheryl’s group be a tuneful treat, or mistaken for bellowing whales?

Title: Doctor Solar/Magnus
Publisher: Dark Horse
Creators: Jim Shooter, Dennis Calero, Various

The dawn of a new age of superhero excitement begins on Free Comic Book Day as Dark Horse Comics proudly presents the return of two of the most legendary characters in the annals of comics: Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom and Magnus, Robot Fighter — re-imagined for the 21st century by comics legend, writer Jim Shooter! This FCBD extravaganza offers all-new Solar and Magnus stories, each heralding new series launches in summer 2010, and featuring interior art by fan-favorite Dennis Calero (X-Men Noir) and cover art by Raymond Swanland!

Title: Fractured Fables
Publisher: Image
Creators: Various

This special FCBD offers a small taste of the new hardcover anthology from Silverline Books due later in the year. An all-star cast of writers and artists have been assembled to turn familiar fairy tales and nursery rhymes on their ear to make kids LAUGH! These humorous interpretations will delight any reader, regardless of their age!

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Title: Mouse Guard/Fraggle Rock
Publisher: Archaia Entertainment
Creators: David Petersen (W/A), TBA

Archaia is proud to present two amazing all-new stories in one fantastic flip-book! In the spring of 1153 the Mouse Guard deal with the onset of the spring thaw and the havoc it wreaks on their territories. Meanwhile, it’s time to dance your cares away as Gobo, Mokey, Wembley, Boober and Red return for a brand-new series of hilarious and heartfelt Fraggle Rock adventures written and drawn by some of the most imaginative creators in comics!

Title: Iron Man/Thor
Publisher: Marvel
Creators: Matt Fraction (W) John Romita Jr. (A)

The perfect jumping-on point for any and all readers…and it’s FREE! When rogue mega-billionaires with world-destroying technology threaten the safety of the entire world…and the moon…Thor and Iron Man join forces! In time for the exciting launch of new stories and a bold new direction for Invincible Iron Man and Thor, superstars Matt Fraction and John Romita Jr. team up to bring you two of Marvel’s heaviest hitters like you’ve never seen them before! A major new direction for the Marvel Universe kicks off HERE – on Free Comic Book Day!

Title: YOW! The John Stanley Library
Publisher: Drawn & Quarterly
Creators: John Stanley (W/A)

D+Q delivers another wholly original and boisterous FCBD issue that will entertain readers of all ages! YOW! The John Stanley Library spotlights the world’s greatest all-ages cartoonist, John Stanley, in a beautiful package designed by Seth. YOW! features new stories from the John Stanley Library: “Melvin Monster,” “Nancy” and “13 Going On 18,” plus a story from the legendary one-shot “Choo Choo Charlie” and a “Tubby” story!

Title: War of the Supermen #0
Publisher: DC Comics
Creators: James Robinson (W), Eddy Barrows (A), Ruy Jose (A), J.G. Jones (C)

A war is coming, and all that stands between Earth and 100,000 vengeful supermen is one Superman! The conflict between Superman and General Zod erupts into all-out war this summer in a series that will shatter the worlds of Superman, Supergirl and the entire DC Universe — all brought to you by the hit creative team of James Robinson and Eddy Barrows! This special #0 issue featuring all-new material previews the conflicts to come while spotlighting a savage strike on Metropolis and the world — an attack that will shake Superman to his very core. After this, there’s no turning back — the War of the Supermen is here!

Title: KiZOIC Presents: Shrek and the Penguins of Madagascar
Publisher: Ape Entertainment
Creators: Dan Parent (W/A)

Ape Entertainment proudly offers KiZOIC Presents: Shrek & The Penguins of Madagascar! Featuring four stories by the artists and writers of the up-coming Shrek and Penguins of Madagascar comic books, these stories are guaranteed to tickle your funny bone and leave you begging for more! All-ages fun for everyone!

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Title: Toy Story
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Creators: Jesse Blaze Snider (W), Nathan Watson (A)

With Toy Story 3 hitting theaters this summer, don’t miss this opportunity to get kids hooked on comics with a FREE issue from the ongoing Toy Story series from BOOM Kids! More all-new adventures featuring the world’s favorite toys with Woody, Buzz and the gang!

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Title: GI Joe: A Real American Hero #155 1/2
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Creators: Larry Hama (W) TBA (A)

This is what you really want! Larry Hama continues his original and ground-breaking G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero saga with the VERY NEXT ISSUE (but, you know, 15 years later). G.I. Joe has closed its doors, leaving COBRA to pillage, burn, and plunder!

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Last year my LCS (local comic shop) here in LA, Collector’s Paradise, was absolutely swamped with fanboys and girls of all ages. FCBD is a great way to expose yourself to characters and publishers you may normally overlook as a reader. I’d say the diamond in the rough from last year was the preview issue of The Stuff of Legend. Here’s a shot of Collector’s Paradise on May 1, 2009:

Stay tuned for a listing of the Silver Comics line-up!

Andy Liegl
andy@comicattack.net