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Published Jan 11, 2023

First-Ever Star Trek Comic Crossover Event to Debut with Star Trek: Prelude to Day of Blood

The introductory precursor issue merges IDW’s ongoing flagship series with Star Trek: Defiant in a harrowing five-issue journey.

In the first major expansion of IDW ’s bold new Star Trek comic book initiative, which began with the publication of STAR TREK #400 in September 2022 and the launch of an ambitious new flagship series, STAR TREK #1 , in October, IDW in partnership with Paramount Consumer Products is proud to announce the upcoming crossover event STAR TREK: DAY OF BLOOD . This new arc will debut on May 6, 2023, with the short introductory interlude Prelude to Day of Blood , to be included in IDW’s STAR TREK: DAY OF BLOOD Free Comic Book Day special.

Prelude prefigures the formal kickoff of a sweeping new Star Trek crossover in July that will continue throughout other Star Trek comic book series, including IDW’s ongoing flagship Star Trek series and the recently announced STAR TREK: DEFIANT series , launching in March. Prelude to Day of Blood will be co-written by veteran Star Trek comic creators Jackson Lanzing , Collin Kelly , and Christopher Cantwell with art by Mike Feehan .

In Prelude to Day of Blood , the U.S.S. Santa Cruz travels to the Korvat colony for Kot’baval. But what was supposed to be a simple observation of the sacred Klingon festival quickly turns into a bloodbath when the cult of the godkiller reveals themselves to the universe.

“I’ve been nothing short of ecstatic to be a part of this new, larger Star Trek initiative at IDW,” says Cantwell. “There were moments in our writers’ room with Jackson and Collin where I couldn’t believe we were really doing this — not just telling one Star Trek story but weaving together multiple Trek stories at the same time, with plotlines from STAR TREK and STAR TREK: DEFIANT converging. We threw all our boldest ideas and best character pairings into a story of pure chaos, starship battles, and real epic dramatic resonance you can only achieve in the scope of comics.”

“It’s time for Benjamin Sisko to face the past,” says Lanzing, “and for readers to finally get a look at the true fallout of the Dominion War. Deep Space Nine is the inspiration for this entire line, so it feels only right that the crew of the U.S.S. Theseus come back to where it all started.”

“As lifelong Star Trek fans, Jack and I have been dreaming of this kind of thing since we can remember. This is the kind of event you could only do in comics, with enormous stakes and two starship crews colliding in the middle of a truly deadly crisis. This is our season finale, and it all begins in Free Comic Book Day’s Prelude to Day of Blood .”

“STAR TREK: DAY OF BLOOD is what this last year of comic book planning has been all about,” says senior editor Heather Antos. “It all leads to this moment. Was Sisko the correct choice of the Prophets? Will Worf’s Klingon honor serve him well? Or will the two remain in the crossfires of the godkiller? Jackson, Collin, and Chris are asking some of the biggest questions we’ve ever seen in Star Trek comics, and it’s time to answer them in the franchise’s first-ever classic summer crossover event.”

Ahead of STAR TREK: DEFIANT #1's release in March, get a look at glimpse at the issue with the following unlettered preview:

Star Trek: Prelude to Day of Blood will be available as a Free Comic Book Day exclusive on May 6, 2023, and will feature cover art by Malachi Ward.

Following the May FCBD one-shot, the full STAR TREK: DAY OF BLOOD arc will include the following issues:

• STAR TREK: DAY OF BLOOD #1 (July 2023)
• STAR TREK: DEFIANT #6 (August 2023)
• STAR TREK #11 (August 2023)
• STAR TREK: DEFIANT #7 (September 2023)
• STAR TREK #12 (September 2023)

For information on how to acquire copies of Star Trek comic books, please contact your local comic shop or visit www.comicshoplocator.com to find a store near you.

Stay tuned to StarTrek.com for more details! And be sure to follow @StarTrek on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram .

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Star Trek Free Comic Book Day #1

Star Trek Free Comic Book Day » Star Trek Free Comic Book Day #1 - Prelude to Star Trek: Day of Blood; Lower Decks #1 Excerpt released by IDW Publishing on May 2023.

Summary Short summary describing this issue.

Prelude to Star Trek: Day of Blood; Lower Decks #1 Excerpt last edited by NetSpiker on 05/04/24 02:55AM View full history

To boldly go, join us for the exclusive prelude to IDW's FIRST Star Trek Summer Crossover Event as STAR TREK and STAR TREK: DEFIANT collide in STAR TREK: DAY OF BLOOD!

But that's not all! Join the crew of STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS as they take to the holodeck, enjoying some much-needed recreational time-until a bloodthirsty visitor joins in on their games...

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Idw launching first-ever star trek comics crossover event ‘day of blood’.

Check out a preview of ‘Star Trek: Day of Blood’ out May 6th on Free Comic Book Day!

IDW Has revealed their line of Star Trek comics is crossing over, starting with Star Trek: Day of Blood . It all begins in the Free Comic Book day Comic out May 6th. The crossover will involve the newly minted Star Trek and the recently announced Star Trek: Defiant series, launching in March. Prelude to Day of Blood will be co-written by veteran Trek comic creators Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, and Christopher Cantwell, with art by Mike Feehan.

“Star Trek: Day of Blood is what this last year of comic book planning has been all about,” says senior editor Heather Antos. “It all leads to this moment. Was Sisko the correct choice of the Prophets? Will Worf’s Klingon honor serve him well? Or will the two remain in the crossfires of the godkiller? Jackson, Collin, and Chris are asking some of the biggest questions we’ve ever seen in Star Trek comics, and it’s time to answer them in the franchise’s first-ever classic summer crossover event.”

Judging by the preview below, the crossover heavily involves Worf and what looks like Spock!

So what’s Star Trek: Day of Blood about?

In Prelude to Day of Blood, the U.S.S. Santa Cruz travels to the Korvat colony for Kot’baval. But what was supposed to be a simple observation of the sacred Klingon festival quickly turns into a bloodbath when the cult of the godkiller reveals themselves to the universe.

“I’ve been nothing short of ecstatic to be a part of this new, larger Star Trek initiative at IDW,” says Cantwell. “There were moments in our writers’ room with Jackson and Collin where I couldn’t believe we were really doing this—not just telling one Star Trek story but weaving together multiple Trek stories at the same time, with plotlines from Star Trek and Star Trek: Defiant converging. We threw all our boldest ideas and best character pairings into a story of pure chaos, starship battles, and real epic dramatic resonance you can only achieve in the scope of comics.”

“It’s time for Benjamin Sisko to face the past,” says Lanzing, “and for readers to finally get a look at the true fallout of the Dominion War. Deep Space Nine is the inspiration for this entire line, so it feels only right that the crew of the U.S.S. Theseus come back to where it all started.”

Following the May FCBD one-shot, the full  Star Trek: Day of Blood  arc will include the following issues:

•   Star Trek: Day of Blood  #1 (July 2023)
•   Star Trek: Defiant  #6 (August 2023)
•   Star Trek  #11 (August 2023)
•   Star Trek: Defiant  #7 (September 2023)
•   Star Trek  #12 (September 2023)

A crossover doesn’t come as a huge surprise, given the incredible talent behind the IDW Star Trek books, plus Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly basically hinted at a crossover coming at some point on the AIPT Comics podcast .

Star Trek: Prelude to Day of Blood will be available as a Free Comic Book Day exclusive on May 6, 2023, and will feature cover art by Malachi Ward. Check out a preview below.

Check out preview pages from Star Trek: Defiant below.

For more on this news, read the official press release below.

SAN DIEGO, CA (January 11, 2023) –  In the first major expansion of  IDW ’s  bold new Star Trek comic book initiative, which began with the publication of  Star Trek  #400 in September 2022 and  the launch of an ambitious new flagship series,  Star   Trek  #1, in October ,  IDW is proud to announce the upcoming crossover event  Star Trek: Day of Blood . This new arc will debut on May 6, 2023 with the short introductory interlude  Prelude to Day of Blood , to be included in IDW’s  Star Trek: Day of Blood  Free Comic Book Day special. Prelude prefigures the formal kickoff of a sweeping new Trek crossover in July that will continue throughout other Star Trek comic book series, including IDW’s ongoing flagship Trek series and the recently announced Star Trek: Defiant series, launching in March. Prelude to Day of Blood will be co-written by veteran Trek comic creators Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, and Christopher Cantwell with art by Mike Feehan. In Prelude to Day of Blood, the U.S.S. Santa Cruz travels to the Korvat colony for Kot’baval. But what was supposed to be a simple observation of the sacred Klingon festival quickly turns into a bloodbath when the cult of the godkiller reveals themselves to the universe. “I’ve been nothing short of ecstatic to be a part of this new, larger Star Trek initiative at IDW,” says Cantwell. “There were moments in our writers’ room with Jackson and Collin where I couldn’t believe we were really doing this—not just telling one Star Trek story but weaving together multiple Trek stories at the same time, with plotlines from Star Trek and Star Trek: Defiant converging. We threw all our boldest ideas and best character pairings into a story of pure chaos, starship battles, and real epic dramatic resonance you can only achieve in the scope of comics.” “It’s time for Benjamin Sisko to face the past,” says Lanzing, “and for readers to finally get a look at the true fallout of the Dominion War. Deep Space Nine is the inspiration for this entire line, so it feels only right that the crew of the U.S.S. Theseus come back to where it all started.” “As lifelong Star Trek fans, Jack and I have been dreaming of this kind of thing since we can remember. This is the kind of event you could only do in comics, with enormous stakes and two starship crews colliding in the middle of a truly deadly crisis. This is our season finale, and it all begins in Free Comic Book Day’s Prelude to Day of Blood.” “Star Trek: Day of Blood is what this last year of comic book planning has been all about,” says senior editor Heather Antos. “It all leads to this moment. Was Sisko the correct choice of the Prophets? Will Worf’s Klingon honor serve him well? Or will the two remain in the crossfires of the godkiller? Jackson, Collin, and Chris are asking some of the biggest questions we’ve ever seen in Star Trek comics, and it’s time to answer them in the franchise’s first-ever classic summer crossover event.” Star Trek: Prelude to Day of Blood will be available as a Free Comic Book Day exclusive on May 6, 2023 and will feature cover art by Malachi Ward. Following the May FCBD one-shot, the full Star Trek: Day of Blood arc will include the following issues: Star Trek: Day of Blood #1 (July 2023) Star Trek: Defiant #6 (August 2023) Star Trek #11 (August 2023) Star Trek: Defiant #7 (September 2023) Star Trek #12 (September 2023) For information on how to acquire copies of Star Trek comic books, please contact your local comic shop or visit www.comicshoplocator.com to find a store near you.

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Star Trek: Day of Blood IDW crossover event

A Star Trek comic crossover event, weaving together multiple Trek stories at the same time, with plotlines from Star Trek and Star Trek: Defiant converging. See introductory press release and final press release .

#0 May 2023 Star Trek: Prelude to Day of Blood - FCBD 2023 Solicitation: In Prelude to Day of Blood , the U.S.S. Santa Cruz travels to the Korvat colony for Kot'baval. But what was supposed to be a simple observation of the sacred Klingon festival quickly turns into a bloodbath when the cult of the godkiller reveals themselves to the universe. Cover art by Malachi Ward . This Free Comic Book Day special serves as the prelude to IDW's Star Trek summer crossover event. Following the May FCBD one-shot, the full Star Trek: Day of Blood arc will include the following issues:    Star Trek: Day of Blood #1 (July 2023)    Star Trek: Defiant #6 (August 2023)    Star Trek #11 (August 2023)    Star Trek: Defiant #7 (September 2023)    Star Trek #12 (September 2023) Writers: Christopher Cantwell, Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly Artist: Mike Feehan Cover artist: Malachi Ward

#1 Jul 2023 Star Trek: Day of Blood, Part 1 of 5 Solicitation: The emperor of the Klingon Empire, Kahless II, will declare war on all those who do not follow the cult of the Red Path! Having raided ancient tombs, claimed near-limitless power for himself, and slaughtered cosmic entities across the stars, Kahless sees the genocide of gods as simply his first step to total domination. The iconic crew of the U.S.S. Theseus, led by Benjamin Sisko, and the renegades who follow a desperate, violent Worf aboard the U.S.S. Defiant must unite for a common cause. Only together can they hope to stop the Day of Blood! Cover art by Malachi Ward . Additional variant covers of all five chapters will be available, featuring artwork from David Aja, Elizabeth Beals, Taurin Clarke, Chris Fenoglio, Bryan Hitch, Daniel Johnson, Liana Kangas, Megan Levens, Joe Quinones, Rahzahh, Rod Reis, Ramon Rosanas, Marcus To, Ángel Unzueta, Suspiria Vilchez, Christian Ward, Christian Ward, J.K. Woodward, and more. Writers: Christopher Cantwell, Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing Artists: Ramon Rosanas, Lee Loughridge Letterer: Clayton Cowles Cover artist: Malachi Ward

#1 Jul 2023 Star Trek: Day of Blood, Part 1 of 5 Variant cover. Writers: Christopher Cantwell, Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing Artists: Ramon Rosanas, Lee Loughridge Letterer: Clayton Cowles Cover artist: Ramon Rosanas, Lee Loughridge

#1 Jul 2023 Star Trek: Day of Blood, Part 1 of 5 Variant cover "come and get me" homage to The Infinity Gauntlet #4 by George Perez . Writers: Christopher Cantwell, Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing Artists: Ramon Rosanas, Lee Loughridge Letterer: Clayton Cowles Cover artist: Chris Fenoglio

#1 Jul 2023 Star Trek: Day of Blood, Part 1 of 5 Variant RED blank sketch cover. Writers: Christopher Cantwell, Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing Artists: Ramon Rosanas, Lee Loughridge Letterer: Clayton Cowles

#1 Jul 2023 Star Trek: Day of Blood, Part 1 of 5 Retailer incentive variant cover 1:10. Writers: Christopher Cantwell, Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing Artists: Ramon Rosanas, Lee Loughridge Letterer: Clayton Cowles Cover artist: Malachi Ward

#1 Jul 2023 Star Trek: Day of Blood, Part 1 of 5 Retailer incentive variant cover 1:25. Writers: Christopher Cantwell, Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing Artists: Ramon Rosanas, Lee Loughridge Letterer: Clayton Cowles Cover artist: Rahzzah

#1 Jul 2023 Star Trek: Day of Blood, Part 1 of 5 Retailer incentive variant cover 1:50. Writers: Christopher Cantwell, Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing Artists: Ramon Rosanas, Lee Loughridge Letterer: Clayton Cowles Cover artist: Daniel Warren Johnson, Mike Spicer

#1 Jul 2023 Star Trek: Day of Blood, Part 1 of 5 Retailer incentive variant cover 1:100. Writers: Christopher Cantwell, Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing Artists: Ramon Rosanas, Lee Loughridge Letterer: Clayton Cowles Cover artist: Daniel Warren Johnson

#1 Jul 2023 Star Trek: Day of Blood, Part 1 of 5 Convention exclusive variant cover printed on silver foil paper and released at SDCC 2023. Writers: Christopher Cantwell, Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing Artists: Ramon Rosanas, Lee Loughridge Letterer: Clayton Cowles Cover artist: Ángel Unzueta

#6 Aug 2023 Star Trek: Defiant - Day of Blood, Part 2 of 5 Solicitation: The crossover event between Star Trek and Star Trek: Defiant continues here in part two of Day of Blood ! Worf and Sisko begin their trek to Kahless' spire to stop the false prophet's siege of Qo'noS with each other being the last man either wants to rely on. Meanwhile, Spock takes the bridge of the Theseus, reuniting with his old friend Captain Montgomery Scott and desperately attempting to keep the Red Path's Bloodwings at bay. Day of Blood continues in Star Trek #11. Writer: Christopher Cantwell Artist: Ángel Unzueta Cover artist: Malachi Ward

#11 Aug 2023 Star Trek - Day of Blood, Part 3 of 5 The crossover event continues in part three of DAY OF BLOOD ! Only emissary Sisko and his crew of Starfleet's finest and disgraced ambassador Worf and his band of insurgents can save the universe. But they are divided... In space, Lieutenants Paris and Torres fight over control of the Defiant while Spock and Scotty do everything they can to keep the Theseus from being cleaved in two. Writers: Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing Artists: Ángel Unzueta, Marissa Louise Cover artist: Malachi Ward

#7 Sep 2023 Star Trek: Defiant - Day of Blood, Part 4 of 5 Part four of DAY OF BLOOD ! Thousands of years ago, Kahless the Unforgettable led his people to glory and raised an empire of honor. But his clone, Kahless II, has gone too far, murdering innocents in cold blood and hungering for power that can no longer be sated. He now stands alongside Alexander in front of Worf and Sisko, pitting father against son and making a mockery of the Bajoran Prophets and their emissary. Writer: Christopher Cantwell Artist: Ángel Unzueta Cover artist: Malachi Ward

#12 Sep 2023 Star Trek - Day of Blood, Part 5 of 5 Solicitation: The crossover event between Star Trek and Star Trek: Defiant comes to a thrilling conclusion in part five of Day of Blood ! Using powers bestowed upon him by the Prophets, emissary Benjamin Sisko withstands the god-killing weapon for now, but forces of the Orb of Destruction wear on him with each passing moment. Meanwhile, Worf agonizes over a fatal wound of his own that he can never hope to heal. What will become of our heroes? What will become of the universe? Can the crews of the Theseus and Defiant stop the godkiller once and for all? Writers: Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing Artist: Ángel Unzueta Cover artist: Malachi Ward

Sep 2023 Star Trek: Day of Blood - Shaxs' Best Day Solicitation: You've seen Captains Benjamin Sisko and Worf with their crews of the U.S.S. Theseus and Defiant stop the fascist, god-killing clone Kahless II from declaring war on non-followers across the galaxy in a brutal battle on Qo'noS. But you haven't seen it from the eyes of the man, the myth, the legend, Lieutenant Junior Grade Shaxs! From the writer behind the best-selling Lower Decks comics series, Ryan North, with esteemed artist Derek Charm (The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl), comes a 30-page standalone tie-in to the Star Trek: Day of Blood event detailing the Bajoran's beast-mode brawl and showcasing all the behind-the-scenes Klingon-zealot butt-kicking in full animated glory! One-shot with multiple covers. Writer: Ryan North Artist: Derek Charm Letterer: Clayton Cowles Cover artist: Derek Charm

Sep 2023 Star Trek: Day of Blood - Shaxs' Best Day Variant cover. Writer: Ryan North Artist: Derek Charm Letterer: Clayton Cowles Cover artist: Robby Cook

Sep 2023 Star Trek: Day of Blood - Shaxs' Best Day Retailer incentive variant wraparound cover 1:10. Writer: Ryan North Artist: Derek Charm Letterer: Clayton Cowles Cover artist: Chris Fenoglio

Sep 2023 Star Trek: Day of Blood - Shaxs' Best Day Retailer incentive variant cover 1:25. Writer: Ryan North Artist: Derek Charm Letterer: Clayton Cowles Cover artist: Louie de Martinis

#1 Oct 2023 Star Trek: Day of Blood, Part 1 of 5 Solicitation: Revisit the first chapter in Kahless' Day of Blood and join the crew of icons led by the emissary known as Benjamin Sisko (Star Trek) and the renegades who follow a desperate and violent Worf (Star Trek: Defiant) in the fight for the sake of the galaxy! Day of Blood #1 Director's Cut pairs the original issue with a behind-the-scenes look at progress work from Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, Christopher Cantwell, and Ramon Rosanas. Writers: Christopher Cantwell, Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing Artists: Ramon Rosanas, Lee Loughridge Letterer: Clayton Cowles Cover artist: Malachi Ward

• Everything Series Name Series Name & Issue # Creator Name   Writer Penciller Inker Colorist Letterer Editor Any Credit Story Title Feature Character   Job Number ISBN Barcode   Feature Name Character Name Group Name Keyword Publisher Name Brand Group Name Brand Emblem Name Indicia Publisher Name Sort by Name Date
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Star Trek Free Comic Book Day (May 2023)

Issue Notes

[no title indexed] (table of contents), star trek / cover / 1 page (report information).

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 1)

Credits, title page / 1 page (report information), indexer notes.

Inside front cover with credits, indicia, and publisher information.

Day of Blood Prelude (Table of Contents: 2)

Star trek / comic story / 10 pages (report information).

Story continues in Star Trek: Day of Blood (IDW, 2023 series).

Star Trek Checklist (Table of Contents: 3) (Expand) /

Promo (ad from the publisher) / 1 page (report information), [no title indexed] (table of contents: 4) (expand) /, [no title indexed] (table of contents: 5), illustration / 1 page (report information).

Orange background with what appears to be spattered paint.

All in a Sea of Wonders (Table of Contents: 6)

Star trek: lower decks / comic story / 10 pages (report information).

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 7) (Expand) /

[no title indexed] (table of contents: 8) (expand) /, [no title indexed] (table of contents: 9) (expand) /, [no title indexed] (table of contents: 10) (expand) /, [no title indexed] (table of contents: 11) (expand) /, [no title indexed] (table of contents: 12), illustration / 2 pages (report information).

Same as the previous illustration, includes the back cover.

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‘Star Trek: Day Of Blood’ Comic Crossover Will Explore Dominion War Fallout And Sisko’s Past

| January 12, 2023 | By: TrekMovie.com Staff 14 comments so far

This summer IDW will launch a Star Trek comics crossover event that will bring together the new ongoing flagship Star Trek series launched in 2022 and the upcoming Star Trek: Defiant series, which kicks off in March . The “Day of Blood” crossover arc will begin with a special prelude issue released on Free Comic Book Day.

Day of Blood crossover kicks off on Free Comic Book Day

Prelude to Day of Blood will be released on Free Comic Book Day on May 6, 2023. Here is the synopsis…

In Prelude, the U.S.S. Santa Cruz travels to the Korvat colony for Kot’baval. But what was supposed to be a simple observation of the sacred Klingon festival quickly turns into a bloodbath when the cult of the godkiller reveals themselves to the universe.

And here is the cover (an homage to Watchmen #1 )…

Prelude to Day of Blood cover by Malachi Ward.

Prelude to Day of Blood is co-written by veteran Trek comic creators Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, and Christopher Cantwell with art by Mike Feehan. “It’s time for Benjamin Sisko to face the past,” says Lanzing, “and for readers to finally get a look at the true fallout of the Dominion War. Deep Space Nine is the inspiration for this entire line, so it feels only right that the crew of the U.S.S. Theseus come back to where it all started.”

From Prelude to Day of Blood

“As lifelong Star Trek fans, Jack and I have been dreaming of this kind of thing since we can remember. This is the kind of event you could only do in comics, with enormous stakes and two starship crews colliding in the middle of a truly deadly crisis. This is our season finale, and it all begins in Free Comic Book Day’s Prelude to Day of Blood. ”

“ Star Trek: Day of Blood is what this last year of comic book planning has been all about,” says senior editor Heather Antos. “It all leads to this moment. Was Sisko the correct choice of the Prophets? Will Worf’s Klingon honor serve him well? Or will the two remain in the crossfires of the godkiller? Jackson, Collin, and Chris are asking some of the biggest questions we’ve ever seen in Star Trek comics, and it’s time to answer them in the franchise’s first-ever classic summer crossover event.”

Here is a full breakdown of the Star Trek: Day Of Blood arc…

• Star Trek: Prelude to Day of Blood (May 6 – Free Comic Book Day)
• Star Trek: Day of Blood #1 (July 2023)
•   Star Trek: Defiant #6 (August 2023)
•   Star Trek #11 (August 2023)
•   Star Trek: Defiant #7 (September 2023)
•   Star Trek #12 (September 2023)

Defiant #1 preview

IDW has also provided us with a few unlettered preview pages from the first issue of Star Trek: Defiant , arriving in March.

In  Defiant , someone is killing the gods…but while Benjamin Sisko and the U.S.S. Theseus have been facing the threats in the higher cosmos, very real casualties are growing on lower ground. The true enemy is a man, not a god, and Worf of House Martok has put together his own crew aboard the U.S.S. Defiant in the hopes of defeating the dangerous messiah behind a genocidal cult.

Defiant #1 cover A by Angel Unzueta

Preview pages: 

Pre-order Star Trek comics

You can pre-order upcoming IDW Star Trek comics  at TFAW . You can also pre-order digital editions at Amazon/comiXology .

And for the Prelude issue, visit freecomicbookday.com for more info on picking up a copy.

Keep up with all the Star Trek comics news, previews and reviews in  TrekMovie’s comics category .

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Oh, my. That artwork is not very good.

Wow, I had the exact opposite reaction! I think it tells the story well, the characters look like the people they are supposed to resemble, and it doesn’t rely on a lot of flash but gets the job done. What didn’t you like about it?

Agree with you Denes… I think this artwork is excellent! The character likenesses are well done here in my opinion. The Theseus design is a bit different, but the Santa Cruz is a ship design I’d like to see more of!

Seriously, what ship is that supposed to be in the second-to-last image? Bizarre. I do like the Santa Cruz design, though I’ve always had a soft spot for anything Reliant/Miranda Class-looking.

That is the Theseus. Without giving away too much of the story, it’s the ship that Sisko and crew are on throughout. It’s an older design that is given new life by a particularly gifted engineer.

Glad to hear it’s the Theseus because shouldn’t the Santa Cruz be California Class?

I thought the artwork looks much better than the artwork in the new “Star Trek” series that just launched.

That Spock/Worf page is begging to be turned into a dad joke meme.

That is some of the most amateurish-looking artwork IDW has ever featured in its Star Trek comics. They were doing so well, too.

I think that you’re alone in this rude assessment.

He isn’t.

I agree it’s not as good as I would expect from a prime property like Star Trek. Is it better than anything I could produce? By a lightyear.

That #1A cover is one of the absolute worst comic covers I have ever seen. What the heck are they doing with their hands?!

Covers are great

Star Trek Book Club

Free comic book day.

Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) is an annual promotional effort by the North American comic book industry to attract new readers to independent comic book stores. It usually takes place on the first Saturday of May and is often cross-promoted with the release of a superhero film. Over two thousand participating stores give away millions of comic books annually. The event was proposed by Joe Field in the August 2001 issue of Comics & Games Retailer magazine and Free Comic Book Day was launched in 2002, coordinated by the industry’s single large distributor, Diamond Comic Distributors. FCBD has become an official Children’s Book Week event and has inspired similar events for German- and Dutch-language comics industries.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Comic_Book_Day

Coming Soon

All Upcoming Books

• The Tao of Spock: How Vulcan Philosophy Intersects with Taoism In the Star Trek Universe
• Star Trek #20
• Star Trek: The Next Generation: Pliable Truths
• Star Trek: Defiant #15
• Star Trek: Celebrations #1
• Star Trek: Discovering The TV Series
• The Most Human: Reconciling with My Father, Leonard Nimoy
• Star Trek: Sons of Star Trek #3
• Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Scorpius Run TPB
• Star Trek #21
• Star Trek: Defiant HC #2
• Star Trek and the Tragic Hybrid: Children of Two Worlds from Spock to Soji
• Star Trek: Defiant #16
• Star Trek Annual 2024 #1
• The Art of George Wilson
• Star Trek: Sons of Star Trek #4
• Strange Novel Worlds
• Star Trek #22
• Star Trek: Lost to Eternity
• Star Trek: Picard’s Academy: Commit No Mistakes TPB
• Star Trek: Defiant #17
• Star Trek: The Illustrated Oral History: The Original Cast
• Star Trek: Holo-Ween TPB
• Star Trek Discovery: The Art of Glenn Hetrick’s Alchemy Studios
• Star Trek: Open a Channel: A Woman’s Trek
• Star Trek: Lower Decks – Warp Your Own Way
• Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Asylum

Celebrating the best of tv, movies, and comics

Star Trek: Day of Blood is a "lost episode" crossing over multiple generations, says creators

Star Trek: Day of Blood is the franchise's first official comic book crossover event

Decades before the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Trek was the original cross media 'shared universe,' with a continuity that included television, movies, and a final frontier of spin-off material that may or may not have been canon — a fact that will be celebrated this summer, as IDW Publishing launched Star Trek: Day of Blood — a "universe-shaking" crossover event between its main Star Trek comic book series and the upcoming Star Trek: Defiant ongoing series.

And it includes a nod to Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.

Star Trek: Day of Blood will kick off May 6, 2023 with 'Prelude to Day of Blood' — IDW's 2023 Free Comic Book Day special, before spilling into the aforementioned Star Trek ongoing comic books, starting with August’s Star Trek: Defiant #6 and Star Trek #11. The storyline will run through the following month’s issues of each series.

The FCBD Star Trek cover with blood trickling down over a Starfleet communications badge is evocative of Dave Gibbons' iconic Watchmen #1 cover - one that IDW senior editor (and defacto lead Star Trek editor) Heather Antos knows well, and has used in her personal social media imagery.

The five-part storyline — six, if you include the Free Comic Book Day prelude issue — spins out of events in the ongoing Star Trek series, as Kahless II, emperor of the Klingon Empire, decades war on everyone not following the cult of the Red Path… including whatever deities he deems deserving of a good death. Benjamin Sisko and the crew of the USS Theseus have to do whatever it takes to keep the peace — but where do the renegades on the USS Defiant, led by an increasingly desperate Worf, fall into the grand scheme of things?

“I sincerely believe that Day of Blood is the ‘lost episode/movie/epic limited series’ that Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and The Next Generation fans have been dying for,” Star Trek: Defiant writer Christopher Cantwell said in a statement about the storyline. “But what’s truly amazing is that beyond those series, we’re tying in a heaping dose of Lower Decks (in the form of Shaxs), the original series (including a reunion of Spock and Scotty) and so many other aspects of this universe. It’s truly a galactic panacea unlike any Trek story I’ve encountered in the past as a fan.”

“Star Trek was the original shared universe…so Collin, Chris, and I are deeply honored to continue to bring a line-wide continuity and intricately planned storyline to the new IDW comics line,” added Jackson Lanzing, who co-writes Star Trek with Collin Kelly. “Our very first pitch on this story included two interlocking ongoing titles that could build to a kind of event unlike any that Trek comics have managed before — an inspiring, mind-bending flagship series in Star Trek and a more subtle, dark, and dangerous series in Defiant. It was an absolute pipe dream of a pitch, one that we never imagined would become the backbone of a hit new comics line—nor unite us with a writer of Christopher Cantwell’s caliber, who would push us to constantly deliver next-level comics storytelling, nor masterful artists like Ramon Rosanas and Ángel Unzueta, who would elevate every page with their designs, artistry, and ambition. And now, one year into the line, we’re finally ready to bring it all to a head with our very first line-wide comics event.”

Star Trek: Day of Blood will be the first proper comic book crossover inside the Star Trek franchise. Although Star Trek has had memorable comic book crossovers with other franchises such as X-Men, Green Lantern, Doctor Who, and even the Transformers, Day of Blood will be the first time two Star Trek comic book series have crossed over, although DC published a crossover miniseries Star Trek: Deep Space Nine/The Next Generation in 1994, even if the actual series themselves weren’t part of the event.

IDW is in the midst of having one of the most thriving Star Trek era for comic books, with two ongoing series (Star Trek and Star Trek: Defiant), and miniseries for Strange New Worlds and the video game Star Trek: Resurgence underway, with miniseries tying into both Picard and Lower Decks having recently finished their runs.

This 2023 Star Trek comic book crossover comes just as the Star Trek TV shows are also planning a crossover. It's already been announced that Lower Decks ensigns Ensign Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome) and Ensign Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid) will appear in a hybrid live-action/animated episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' second season this summer.

Star Trek: Day of Blood launches with the Star Trek: Prelude to Day of Blood FCBD issue May 6, 2023. The full release schedule for the event is:

• May 6: Star Trek: Prelude of Day of Blood
• July 19: Star Trek: Day of Blood #1
• August: Star Trek: Defiant #6
• August: Star Trek #11
• September: Star Trek: Defiant #7
• September: Star Trek #12

Look below for a preview from the Free Comic Book Day issue, with art from Mike Feehan.

While there's good news, there's also bad news - the 2023 Star Trek Mission: Seattle convention has been canceled .

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Star Trek: Day of Blood Reading Order Checklist

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Star Trek has had a long history with comics that goes back to The Original Series . Many comic book publishers have released stories during this time, with IDW Publishing , the current home of Star Trek , having published over 400 issues so far. However, it’s taken until 2023 for a Star Trek crossover event .

That crossover is Star Trek: Day of Blood . In it, the emperor of the Klingon Empire, Kahless II, has consolidated his power and begun a crusade of slaughter with the help of the Bajoran Orb of Destruction. It will be up to the cast of both of IDW’s Star Trek comic book series to come together to stop it from happening.

So you don’t miss any of the action, I have created a reading order checklist for Star Trek: Day of Blood . It includes the recommended reading order to enjoy this tale, along with release dates, creative teams, background reading, and much more.

Table of contents

Do I need to be familiar with Star Trek to read these comics?

How to read star trek: day of blood, where can i find star trek comics, background reading, countdown to star trek: day of blood, star trek: day of blood reading order, after star trek: day of blood, collected editions.

To a degree, you need to be familiar with Star Trek to get the most out of these comics – specifically Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine . This is because they’re based on those television series and are written in a way that assumes you know certain characters and concepts.

However, those looking to watch something in preparation for Star Trek: Day of Blood should view one particular episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation . I recommend watching (or rewatching) the season 6 episode “ Rightful Heir ”. This will give you background on Kahless II, who’s a major villain in Star Trek: Day of Blood .

Star Trek: Day of Blood is a 5-part story, which includes two one-shots and two issues of Star Trek (2022 series) and Star Trek: Defiant . You’re required to read all five issues to get the entire story.

You’ll need to read Star Trek: Defiant if you’re only reading Star Trek (2022 series) and vice versa for the duration of this comic book event.

Check out the Star Trek: Day of Blood reading order section below to discover the recommended reading order.

Star Trek comics can be found at all good comic book shops , online retailers , eBay , and Amazon/Kindle .

Learn more about where you can find and buy comics with our extensive guide .

Want to catch up on the Star Trek comics before jumping into Star Trek: Day of Blood ? Here are the comics I suggest you read.

Star Trek (2022 series) #1-6 and #9 Written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly. Art by Ramon Rosanas and Mike Feehan.

This series stars Benjamin Sisko, Data, T’Lir, Sato, and Beverly Crusher on board the U.S.S Thessus and it’s set on stardate 2378, when Sisko has returned from the Bajoran Wormhole as an omnipotent being. However, his powers are fading. With that in mind, the Prophets have sent him and his crew on a mission to stop the slaughter of space gods.

The first six issues have been collected in the Star Trek Volume 1: Godshock hardcover.

Star Trek: Defiant #1-2, and #5 Written by Christopher Cantwell. Art by Angel Unzueta.

Star Trek: Defiant is a spin-off series that stars Worf, B’Elanna Torres, Spock, Ro Laren, and Lore. Where Star Trek (2022 series) fits the traditional Star Trek formula, this series breaks the mold with the cast being fugitives on the run from Starfleet.

The following issues are stories that build towards the Star Trek: Day of Blood crossover. Check out these issues if you’re looking to see hints and set-up to the event. 

Star Trek (2022 series) #7-8 and #10 Written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly. Art by Mike Feehan.

Star Trek: Defiant #3-4 Written by Christopher Cantwell. Art by Angel Unzueta.

Below is the recommended reading order for Star Trek: Day of Blood . It also includes annotations, creative teams, and release dates too to help make reading this crossover as simple as possible.

Free Comic Book Day 2023: Star Trek (Prelude) Written by Christopher Cantwell, Jackson Lanzing, and Collin Kelly. Art by Mike Feehan. Available 6th May

Note: This is a prelude to Star Trek: Day of Blood, which helps set up the crossover between Star Trek (2022 series) and Star Trek: Defiant. This will be given away as part of Free Comic Book Day 2023 at participating comic book shops. It’s also available digitally if you missed it.

Star Trek: Day of Blood #1 (Part 1) Written by Christopher Cantwell, Collin Kelly, and Jackson Lanzing. Art by Ramon Rosanas. On sale 19th July 2023

Note: Star Trek: Day of Blood #1 is available in a Director’s Cut edition. This edition includes behind-the-scenes features as well as the original issue.

Star Trek: Defiant #6 (Part 2) Written by Christopher Cantwell. Art by Angel Unzueta. On sale 2nd August

Star Trek (2022 series) #11 (Part 3) Written by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing. Art by Mike Feehan. On sale 23rd August 2023

Star Trek: Defiant #7 (Part 4) Written by Christopher Cantwell. Art by Angel Unzueta. On sale 6th September 2023

Star Trek (2022 series) #12 (Part 5) Written by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing. Art by Mike Feehan. On sale 27th September 2023

Star Trek: Day of Blood – Shaxs’ Best Day #1 (Tie-in) Written by Ryan North. Art by Derek Charm. On sale 27th September 2023

Note: Star Trek: Day of Blood – Shaxs’ Best Day #1 is a one-shot tie-in issue that explores the events of Day of Blood from the perspective of Lieutenant Shaxs. Fans of Star Trek: Lower Decks will want to check this one out.

Buy Star Trek comics on…

Neither IDW Publishing or any official Star Trek channels have announced what’s in store for the comics after Star Trek: Day of Blood yet. It’s likely we’ll discover what’s in store for the Star Trek comics sometime in July. We’ll update this section when it has been announced.

Want to know what you should read after the Star Trek: Day of Blood crossover event? Both the Star Trek ongoing series continue. Find the details for the next issues below:

Star Trek: Defiant #8 Written by Christopher Cantwell. Art by Mike Feehan. Available 4th October

This issue kicks off the second story arc for the series and also explores the aftermath of Day of Blood .

Star Trek (2022 series) #12 Written by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing. Art by Angel Unzueta.

This issue begins a new story arc called “Glass and Bone”.

Track down the following hardcovers if you would prefer to read Star Trek: Day of Blood in a collected format.

Star Trek Volume 2: The Red Path Collects: Star Trek (2022 series) #7-10 and Annual #1

Star Trek: Defiant Volume 1 Collects: Star Trek: Defiant #1-5

Star Trek: Day of Blood Collects: Star Trek: Day of Blood, Star Trek: Day of Blood – Shaxs’ Best Day, Star Trek 2023 Free Comic Book Day, Star Trek (2022 series) #11-12, and Star Trek: Defiant #6-7

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What is Free Comic Book Day? Get free Spider-Man, Doctor Who, Star Wars and more

Before Record Store Day , before Independent Bookstore Day , there was Free Comic Book Day .

This Saturday, Christmas comes early for comic book and superhero fans with the 23rd annual Free Comic Book Day (FCBD), when participating comic book stores hand out free stuff to bring new readers in, bring old readers back, thank current readers for their support, and remind readers of all ages how much fun comics are.

You can walk in and pick what you like from the 44 available free comics. Like Spider-Man? Want to see a 15th Doctor adventure from Doctor Who a week before the show comes back? Can they interest you in a free X-Men, Hellboy, Maleficent, Pokemon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Phoebe and Her Unicorn or Archie comic? Grab one! And then look around and see what else the shop has to offer.

This year the day coincides with May 4th (or "May the 4th") Star Wars Day, so expect plenty of Jedi and Sith interaction. There are also two free "Star Wars" comics available.

What is Free Comic Book Day?

On FCBD, comics companies provide special editions at cost to retailers, who hand them out. FCBD titles can be reprints of popular comics or all-new, exclusive material.

Most stores use the opportunity to go all out and hold raffles, bring in local comic book writers and artists, put other stuff on sale, provide food, have costume and trivia contests and much more. For some comic shops, Free Comic Book Day is an event .

Indie comic creator and Eisner Award winner Terry Moore , of "Strangers in Paradise," "Echo," "Motor Girl" and "Serial," is providing the artwork for the official FCBD 2024 T-shirt, posters and stickers.

You can also pick up an FCBD collectible, a limited edition Gambit Funko Pop figure in a display case commemorating his appearance in  1991's "X-Men" No. 1. Only 12,500 will be available. It's not free, though. Suggested retail is $29.99.

FCBD was first organized by Diamond Comic Distributorm based on a suggestion by then-industry columnist Joe Field . The first one launched on May 4, 2002, to take advantage of the premiere of the first "Spider-Man" movie starring Tobey Maguire, and it was wildly successful. Since then, FCBD has grown to become an eagerly anticipated fan and industry holiday.

When is Free Comic Book Day 2024?

FCBD is held on the first Saturday in May. This year's Free Comic Book Day will be on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

If you're a Star Wars fan, may the Fourth be with you .

Are the comics really free? How many can I get?

Yes, but don't start grabbing any comics off the racks. Comics companies create special editions of selected books for FCBD, usually chosen to get you interested in reading more. Some shops may limit how many each patron can take, others may limit how many of each type (see the breakdown below).

Of course, the stores hope you'll like what you see while you're there and pick up a few more things, maybe start a pull list for weekly comics or come back for one of the gaming nights.

How do I find stores participating in Free Comic Book Day?

Check with your local comics store or bookstore. Even some libraries participate. Not every location will offer FCBD books, but the FCBD site has a shop locator you can use.

What is the Free Comic Book Day 2024 list?

There are 44 books available, according to the latest list at freecomicbookday.com/catalog . They include 11 "Gold Sponsor" titles, which tend to be the "hot" ones that fans will be showing up early to get, and 33 "Silver Sponsor" titles. Every participating shop will have these, at least till they run out.

GOLD SPONSOR

• "Absolute Power FCBD Special Edition," DC
• "Blood Hunt/X-Men," Marvel Comics
• "Disney's Encanto & Turning Red: The New Adventures," Papercutz
• "Hellboy/Stranger Things," Dark Horse Comics
• "Jonny Quest," Dynamite Entertainment
• "Phoebe and Her Unicorn: Unicorn Crush," Andrews McMeel Publishing
• "Pokemon Adventures: Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire," VIZ Media
• "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," IDW Publishing
• "Transformers & G.I. Joe: Welcome to the Energon Universe," Image Comics/ Skybound
• "The Worlds of James Tynion IV," BOOM! Studios
• "Ultimate Universe/Spider-Man," Marvel Comics
• "Witches of Brooklyn," Random House Graphix

SILVER SPONSOR

• "Archie Horror Presents: The Cursed Library Prelude," Archie Comics
• "Asterix Olympics Special," Papercutz
• "Boom Box 10th Anniversary Extravaganza," BOOM! Studios
• "Conan: Battle of the Black Stone," Titan Comics
• "CursedVerse Blighted Dawn #1," American Mythology Productions
• "Doctor Who: The Fifteenth Doctor," Titan Comics
• "Dying Inside," Vault Comics
• "Eye Lie Popeye #1," Massive Publishing
• "Far Cry: Cull the Herd #1," TOKYOPOP
• "Flash Gordon #1," Mad Cave Studios
• "Gannibal," ABLAZE
• "Gatchaman #0," Mad Cave Studios
• "Initial D/Kaina of Great Snow," Kodansha Comics
• "Investigators: Class Action Sneak Peek," First Second Books
• "Katie the Catsitter-Max Meow Mashup #1," Random House Graphix
• "Loud House Special," Papercutz
• "Maleficent #1," Dynamite Entertainment
• "Marvel & Fantagraphics Present Atlas Comics," Fantagraphics Books
• "Marvels Voices #1," Marvel Comics
• "Monster High," IDW Publishing
• "Night Librarian," Penguin Young Readers
• "One Piece: Ace's Story/Status Royale," VIZ Media
• "The Overstreet Guide to Collecting Comics," Gemstone Publishing
• "Romeo vs. Juliet: A Kill Shakespeare Adventure," Gemstone Publishing
• "Snoopy: Beagle Scout Adventures," Andrews McMeel Publishing
• "Spidey and His Amazing Friends #1," Marvel Comics
• "Star Wars #1," Marvel
• "Star Wars/Plants vs. Zombies," Dark Horse Comics
• "Street Fighter vs. Final Fight #1," UDON Entertainment
• "The Valients," Alien Books
• "Tons of Strange," Ten Ton Press
• "Ultraduck Sampler," Arcana Comics
• "Unico Awakening," Graphix

Shops can choose how many Silver-level books to order so every location may not have every book.

“Every year, we strive to bring fans a memorable Free Comic Book Day experience, and we know comic book retailers are looking forward to treating everyone to a day of fun and discovery, so we hope fans will visit their local comic shops to celebrate,” said Ashton Greenwood, Free Comic Book Day spokesperson. “The variety of this year’s comic book selection is really exciting! There’s something for every kind of fan, from the long-time reader to the comic book curious.”

For a little more guidance, check the FCBD logos on the top of each comic book cover. Green is all-ages, blue is suggested for teens 13 and up, and red logos are mature-audience books for 18 and over only.

Free Comic Book Day 2024 Is This Saturday!

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It might be Star Wars Day on Saturday (look at the date), but that’s not the only fun celebration this weekend. It’s also Free Comic Book Day. Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) is an annual event put together by the North American comics industry to encourage readers to discover new comics and make their way into indie comic book stores. Consider it Independent Bookstore Day but for comics.

FCBD began in May 2002, and now, it has over 1,000 participating comic book stores. This year is one of the most robust years in terms of the free comics that will be available at participating stores. A total of 48 different free comics across a wide range of genres, audiences, and publishers will be available. While every store has a different policy on how many free comics attendees can take and while every store might have slightly different selections, these are the very things that encourage new and long-time comic readers to explore all of the different participating shops near them.

Among the titles available this year are those in series like Phoebe and Her Unicorn, Hellboy, Pokemon, Snoopy, Disney Villains, Doctor Who, One Piece and more. You can check out the full list of comics on the FCBD website .

While you’re celebrating your free comics, don’t forget to buy some comics and support those shops, too. We can help you with our roundup of the best comics we’ve read during the first quarter of 2024, a look at the YA comics and graphic novels that you’ll want to pick up this spring (many of which are available now!), and the range of awesome comics that hit shelves in April .

Not sure where to find a participating comic book store or want to make it an opportunity to visit a variety of shops? The FCBD website has a store locator , which not only will show you your nearest store but also shows some of the shops hosting special events that day.

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Chances are very good you might get to see a Star Wars Day/Free Comic Book Day crossover special, too–be it in the physical comics or in the stores you stop in.

For more information about Free Comic Book Day, check out their robust website .

Find more news and stories of interest from the book world in  Breaking in Books .

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Free Comic Book Day 2024: Get Marvel Comics 'Star Wars #1' for free

The annual 'Star Wars' holiday and Free Comic Book Day both kick off today, May the 4th!

Happy Star Wars Day to one and all!

Shining like the twin suns of Tatooine to help celebrate Star Wars Day 2024 , that annual occasion where we're all citizens of George Lucas's galaxy far, far away, we've got a collectable pair of Marvel Comics releases that'll have you cheering like a tribe of joyful Jawas scavenging in a giant junk pile.

For the first time ever, May the 4th coincides with Free Comic Book Day. So in perfect synchronicity, Marvel is offering up "Free Comic Book Day 2024: Star Wars #1," which provides two galactic adventures penned by distinguished "Star Wars" writers Greg Pak and Charles Soule and drawn by acclaimed artists Ibraim Roberson and Ramon Rosanas.

Check out the full description and sneak peek below:

"Are there Rebel survivors stranded on Hoth? Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Lando Calrissian, and Chewbacca mount a dangerous rescue mission to Echo Base! Lightsabers! Blasters! Snowtroopers! All-out action amongst the wreckage of AT-AT walkers, Rebel airspeeders and frozen weapons of mass destruction!

"Darth Vader also employs a surprise character from the past to help him find Luke Skywalker. But Sabé, former handmaiden of Padmé Amidala is also on a quest for the son of Vader. Having worked for him as an Imperial Commander, Sabé has enough resources to cause chaos for anyone who stands in her path. How will this affect the Dark Lord's plans to remove Palpatine from power?"

Interior art for "Free Comic Book Day 2024: Star Wars #1"

"Free Comic Book Day 2024: Star Wars #1" lands on May 4. Head to your local comic book shop to see what titles are available! You can find a store near you at FreeComicBookDay.com.

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Next out of the gate and fresh off the presses is a big birthday salute to "Episode 1," due to this month also being the silver jubilee of 1999's "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace." Casting its space opera magic into the festivities this week just prior to Star Wars Day is Marvel's "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Special #1."

Written by Greg Pak ("Planet Hulk") and paired with interior art courtesy of talented Irishman Will Sliney ("Spider-Man 2099") and a main cover from veteran illustrator Phil Noto, this 32-page expanded one-shot delivers an anthology of stories based on the prequel film. Inside, fans will discover tales centered around young Anakin's dream of becoming a Jedi Knight, Shmi Skywalker, Jar Jar Binks, and tales of Anakin and Obi-Wan Kenobi set in the aftermath of the Battle of Naboo.

Here's the official synopsis and a preview gallery below:

"Explore the earliest days of ANAKIN SKYWALKER with never-before-seen, revelatory moments set before, after, and between the scenes of the classic movie! Featuring the dream of a JEDI, the gift of a TUSKEN, the heart of a GUNGAN, the ache of a mother and the horror of a hero!"

Interior art for "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Special #1"

"Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Special #1" arrived on May 1. 

However and wherever you honor this geeky occasion, Happy Star Wars Day and May the 4th Be With You!

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Jeff Spry is an award-winning screenwriter and veteran freelance journalist covering TV, movies, video games, books, and comics. His work has appeared at SYFY Wire, Inverse, Collider, Bleeding Cool and elsewhere. Jeff lives in beautiful Bend, Oregon amid the ponderosa pines, classic muscle cars, a crypt of collector horror comics, and two loyal English Setters.

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Holy Sith! Star Wars, Free Comic Book Day are Saturday. These Indy stores have you covered

Superheroes and padawans of every age have something special to look forward to this Saturday. Not only is it Star Wars Day , but Free Comic Book Day as well.

Many stores across the country will be hosting fun events and offering giveaways to celebrate this rare conjunction of pop culture, so grab a lightsaber and don your favorite asthmatic Sith-lord costume, because it's time to celebrate! Here's what you need to know.

What is Star Wars Day and why is it celebrated?

Star Wars is one of the most popular, most lucrative franchises in film history. You can't walk into a comic convention, like Indy's recent PopCon , without spotting a Jedi, a rebel or an Imperial stormtrooper.

Fans celebrate the galaxy far, far away on May 4, which is a nod to the franchise's most popular line, "May the Force (4th) be with you."

The best Star Wars deals you can shake a lightsaber at

Companies like Amazon and LEGO will offer discounts on Star Wars merchandise this month, according to StarWars.com, which lists several deals that are easy on a Jedi's wallet.

Here are some discounts that caught our eye.

Abrams Star Wars Day deals

• Take 40% off select  Star Wars  titles using the promo code “Force40” online!
• Offer valid April 23 - May 4.

Amazon Star Wars Day deals

• Get special offers in Amazon Stores on select  Star Wars  toys, apparel, and more, including exclusive  Star Wars  Day deals!
• Offer valid May 4.

BoxLunch Star Wars Day deals

• Take 25% off all  Star Wars  products. 
• Offer valid May 4 - 5.

Dark Horse Comics Star Wars Day deals

• Save up to 50% off digital  Star Wars  comic and art books, now on sale through Dark Horse Digital.
• Offer valid April 30 - May 13.

Denuo Novo Star Wars Day deals

• Get 10% off all  Star Wars  items, including  The Mandalorian  Helmet and the First Order Stormtrooper Kit.
• Offer valid April 27 - May 4.

Funko Star Wars Day deals

• Buy 3  Star Wars  items, get 1 free!
• Offer valid May 1 - 5.

Gentle Giant Ltd. Star Wars Day deals

• Score 15% off all in-stock  Star Wars  collectibles using code FORCE15!
• Offer valid May 4 - 8.

LEGO Star Wars Day deals

• Pick up the new  TIE Interceptor  with exclusive early access for LEGO Insiders at select LEGO stores and online with a LEGO Insiders membership.
• LEGO Insiders will also receive three gifts with purchases of the new LEGO  Star Wars  TIE Interceptor: the Battle of Yavin collectible depicting Darth Vader’s cockpit view, the Trade Federation Troop Carrier set commemorating the 25th anniversary of  Star Wars: The Phantom Menace , and the AAT building set, while supplies last. 
• Promotions valid May 1 - 5.

RoomMates Décor Star Wars Day deals

• Take 30% off select  Star Wars  Peel and Stick Wall Decals.
• Offer valid May 3 - 6.

Target Star Wars Day deals

• Enjoy 20% off select  Star Wars  items.
• Offer valid April 28 - May 4.

Walmart Star Wars Day deals

• Pick up an exclusive limited edition pin free with pre-order purchases of qualifying Hasbro products.
• Offer valid March 21 - May 13.

For a complete list of Star Wars Day deals, visit StarWars.com/news/star-wars-day-deals/ .

Free Comic Book Day is on May 4, 2024. Here's what that means

Free Comic Book Day is celebrated once every year on the first Saturday in May. For one day only, publishers offer a select number of comics devoted fans can snag at no cost inside participating stores.

What comic books are free May 4, 2024?

This year, a committee of comic shop retailers chose 48 titles, according to the organization's website.

Fans have a wide variety of new and familiar franchises to explore, which include Star Wars, Archie, Doctor Who and manga favorites like One Piece.

“Every year, we strive to bring fans a memorable Free Comic Book Day experience," said Ashton Greenwood, a spokesperson for Free Comic Book Day in an earlier news release. "We know comic book retailers are looking forward to treating their communities to a day of fun and discovery, and we think this year’s comic book selection really reflects that!”

Here's a rundown of everything you can get by item code and description.

More information about the catalog , as well as comic previews, can be found on the organization's official website.

Where to get free comic books in Indianapolis

Several Indianapolis comic stores are listed as Free Comic Book Day participants this year. They include these locations:

• 5618 E WASHINGTON ST
• INDIANAPOLIS, IN, 46219
• (317) 357-2291
• 7623 SHELBY STREET
• INDIANAPOLIS, IN, 46227
• 317-473-6116
• 11 EAST MARKET ST
• INDIANAPOLIS, IN, 46204
• (317) 237-0397
• 7800 SHELBY ST, STE 7
• (317) 885-6395
• 5668 CRAWFORDSVILLE RD, STE D
• SPEEDWAY, IN, 46224
• (317) 377-4977
• 7235 N KEYSTONE AVE, SUITE E
• INDIANAPOLIS, IN, 46240
• (317) 253-8882

Indianapolis Public Library to carry free comics

All branches of the Indianapolis Public Library will carry free comic books Saturday while supplies last, according to a news release. The library credited Downtown Comics for assisting with the donation and noted readers of every age are able to check out thousands of free e-comic books using their library card .

For a complete list of comic shops participating in Free Comic Book Day in your area, visit comicshoplocator.com .

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John Tufts covers trending news for the Indianapolis Star. Send him a news tip at  [email protected] . Follow him on X at  @JTuftsReports .

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Free comic book day lands on Star Wars day

G REENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - It’s a special day for the fans of the force and the oldest comic book store in the state is celebrating it with free comic books.

Footsteps coming to Nostalgia Newsstand do not seem to stop. The Free Comic Book Day coincides with Star Wars Day this year.

According to the store owner Juan Lopez, this was the most successful free comic book day as they welcomed 300 avid comic fans in the first two hours.

They come to look through famous comic books, featuring Marvel, Disney, and DC comics, and leave with boxes and stacks of comic books.

Lopez says this day is about promoting the industry, rather than selling the books.

Chris Kemple, the creator of Red Vengeance, had a passion for comic books and their drawings from a young age.

As a comic book lover and artist himself, he says the force is strong with the comic book celebration today.

“I think it’s just serendipity that Free Comic Book Day falls on the fourth this year so it’s also Star Wars Day so it’s a perfect marriage of both things,” Kemple said.

According to Lopez, over 10 thousand copies were ordered for the Free Comic Book Day.

Comic books that are left over will go to schools and restaurants to spread comic book joy around the East.

The event goes on until 6 p.m. with food trucks on Saturday

Free Comic Book Day is in one week with 2 Star Wars titles!

Nubs Nation is about to get real excited!

By Hope Mullinax | Apr 27, 2024

I know everyone is excited about May the 4th because it's Star Wars Day! It's a big weekend too as on May 3, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace returns to theaters in celebration of the film's 25th anniversary. However, there is one more yearly event that is being shared with Star Wars Day this year, and that is Free Comic Book Day!

Free Comic Book Day is the first Saturday in May each year and is a huge deal for local comic book stores. All the big comic companies send promotional issues and books to showcase their upcoming or ongoing titles. It's a great free way to find your next favorite new book! As someone who used to be a manager for a comic book store, I know that Free Comic Book Day is our Black Friday; we looked forward to it each year.

Next year's #FreeComicBookDay on May 4 features a pair of #StarWars -related issues, including #YoungJediAdventures from Dark Horse Comics and a title from Marvel Comics. More details are likely due on Nov. 22. #StarWarsComics pic.twitter.com/YuPagrifGz — Star Wars Splash Page (@SWSplashPagePod) November 16, 2023

There are two Star Wars titles this year. The first is from Marvel Comics , Star Wars/Darth Vader #1 . The summary for this book states, "Are there Rebel survivors stranded on Hoth? Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Lando Calrissian, and Chewbacca mount a dangerous rescue mission to Echo Base! Lightsabers! Blasters! Snowtroopers! All-out action amongst the wreckage of AT-AT walkers, Rebel airspeeders, and frozen weapons of mass destruction! Darth Vader employs a surprise character from the past to help him find Luke Skywalker. But Sabé, former handmaiden of Padmé Amidala, is also on a quest for the son of Vader. Having worked for him as an Imperial Commander, Sabé has enough resources to cause chaos for anyone who stands in her path. How will this affect the Dark Lord’s plans to remove Palpatine from power?"

The second title is an all-ages book from Dark Horse Comics. It's a crossover between the ongoing Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures and the Emmy award-winning preschool series Young Jedi Adventures. The comic is called Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures - Sky Parade Rescue , which has fan-favorite characters, Nubs, team up with Qort in the midst of an exciting event. However, things don't go as planned. You can see the full preview here at StarWars.com .

Free Comic Book Day is always a ton of fun, and it's extra exciting this year, falling on May the 4th. Make sure to find your local comic book store ( Comic Shop Locator is a great site! ) and check them out as part of your Star Wars Day celebrations!

And check in every Wednesday for the latest titles for This Week in Star Wars Comics !

Next. Star Wars: Inquisitors comic miniseries coming this summer!. Star Wars: Inquisitors comic miniseries coming this summer!. dark