“SURE TO BE ONE OF THE MOST SOUGHT-AFTER BOOKS AT NEXT YEAR’S FCBD CELEBRATION”
– THE BEAT
IDW Publishing is bringing spine-tingling terror and titanic monsters to comic shops for Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) 2025.
To celebrate the annual industry event that packs comic shops with both new and longtime fans, IDW Publishing is proudly releasing two free comics: GODZILLA: THE NEW HEROES FCBD 2025 and IDW DARK: FIND YOUR NEW FEAR FCBD 2025.
Readers who pick up the GODZILLA FCBD issue will be treated to an exclusive first look at the brand-new universe that offers a fresh exploration of what it means to be a Godzilla comic. Featuring stories by Tim Seeley (Grayson, Local Man), Nikola Čižmešija (Batman and Robin, Batman: Sword of Azrael) Ethan S. Parker & Griffin Sheridan (Kill Your Darlings), Pablo Tunica (TMNT, Sea Serpent’s Heir), Chris Gooch (IN UTERO, Under-Earth), and Oliver Ono (GODZILLA: MONSTER ISLAND SUMMER CAMP, GODZILLA: RIVALS), this giant issue offer a preview of IDW’s bold plans for the King of Monsters in 2025.
“This FCBD issue will introduce readers to new characters, premiere new Kaiju, and serve as the launching point for our new Godzilla continuity,” stated GODZILLA line editor Jake Williams. “We challenged ourselves to build up a world around Godzilla that is as interesting as the King of the Monsters itself. A new continuity filled to the brim with super powered humans, kaiju half breeds, stories across Earth and Space, and a fresh new take on Godzilla itself. All in service of one singular goal: tell Godzilla stories that can only exist on the pages of a comic book. Big, bold, bizarre – and above all, cool as hell.”
Announced during New York Comic Con, the horror imprint IDW DARK has nightmares for every type of reader. From new tales within the worlds of acclaimed horror movies and shows to terrifying and bold original stories, IDW DARK: FIND YOUR NEW FEAR FCBD 2025 will present a frightening first look at BENEATH THE TREES WHERE NOBODY SEES: RITE OF SPRING – the sequel to the Eisner-nominated hit series from Patrick Horvath – and 30 DAYS OF NIGHT: FALLING SUN, a chilling expansion of IDW’s legacy vampire franchise from co-creator Steve Niles and award-winning writer Rodney Barnes. “I am very excited to see a new 30 DAYS OF NIGHT series coming to life and I can’t think of a better person for the job than Rodney Barnes,” stated Niles. “Rodney has been tearing it up in recent years and I think he’ll bring new blood to the series. Can’t wait for Free Comic Book Day so fans can get a look!” Rodney added, “I’m so happy to be working with Steve, IDW and the characters from the legendary world of 30 DAYS OF NIGHT! We have an incredible story lined up that adds to the established 30 DAYS mythology while taking the story in some surprising directions. I think this book is a perfect addition to IDW’s Free Comic Book Day and I look forward to hearing what the fans think!”
“I’m thrilled to be a part of IDW DARK,” commented Horvath. “As a fan and as a creator, horror has always been my favorite genre. The fact that BENEATH THE TREES WHERE NOBODY SEES is now part of an imprint dedicated to the genre and amongst so many amazing books is such a great feeling. It’s a testament to the success of the book, but also all of the amazing support and understanding that IDW has given since day one.”
IDW DARK: FIND YOUR NEW FEAR will also debut a first look at the imprint’s NIGHTCAPS, a line of oversize original one-shots showcasing incredible writer-artists. Up first: Sean Peacock’s BLOOD HONEY and Gavin Fullerton’s TUATHA. “The talent behind this first slate of IDW DARK books is insane, and I’m honored to be included in this lineup of immensely talented creators,” remarked Peacock. “I couldn’t have asked for a better label for my first traditionally-published comic. I’m so excited for readers to step into the world of BLOOD HONEY, a gothic high school romance gone bad. Expect high drama, teenage angst, bloody knuckles, sword fights, and murder plots that would raise even Hitchcock’s eyebrows. You’ll laugh, you’ll wince, and you’ll be utterly disgusted with these kids.”
“I’m really excited for my book TUATHA to be part of the new IDW DARK imprint,” said Fullerton. “I feel IDW has always pushed the boundaries when it comes to art and storytelling, and this new creator focused horror imprint shows their dedication to that vision. A story about a young girl carrying a severed head across an Irish mythological landscape seems like the perfect fit!”
Celebrate Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 3, 2025. To find a comic shop near you, visit comicshoplocator.com. Don’t forget to set up a pull list while you’re there!