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When annual comic industry event Free Comic Book Day returns in 2026, it’ll do so with a new owner — and with some of the largest publishers in the North American market missing, at least going by the current line-up.

Originally owned and operated by Diamond Comic Distributors — which went bankrupt at the start of 2025 and auctioned off its assets in a contentious sequence of events — Free Comic Book Day has been acquired by Canadian comic distributor Universal Distribution, which has announced that the 2026 event will take place on May 2 in a continuation of its traditional first weekend of May place in the comic book calendar.

As per Universal, the following comic book publishers have committed to taking part in next year’s event: Archie Comics, DC Comics, Dynamite Entertainment, Image Comics, Mad Cave Studios, Oni Press, Titan Comics, Udon Entertainment and Vault Comics. A final list of participating publishers is promised by December 18, when details of releases due on FCBD 2026 will be released, but it’s worth noting that the current list is absent Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, as well as BOOM! Studios, and IDW Publishing.

All four of those publishers are distributed by Penguin Random House Comics Retail; coincidentally, Universal Distribution has announced that it is partnering with Lunar Distribution and Diamond UK to broaden the distribution reach of the event in 2026, with no mention of Penguin Random House.

It’s worth pointing out that this doesn’t necessarily mean that there won’t be free comic books released by Marvel, Dark Horse, BOOM! or IDW on May 2; officially, DC Comics was not included as part of Diamond’s Free Comic Book Day events from 2021 through 2025 due to the publisher being distributed by Lunar Distribution, but DC released FCBD titles for each of those years. Further, it’s possible that any of the four not-listed publishers (or Penguin Random House Comics Retail as a distributor) will partner with Universal in the next nine days ahead of the final December 18 announcement.

Additionally, Universal Distribution has announced that Upper Deck and Wizards of the Coast have both signed on to support the event, although no further details about that deal have been announced.

In a statement, Universal Distribution’s CEO, Angelo Exarhakos said, “We are beyond thrilled to evolve Free Comic Book Day and involve cross-industry partners to participate in this beloved community event. Our staff is coordinating a path to success to grow participation from both comic and game stores. We encourage all Universal Distribution retail customers to participate in what has become a globally recognized brand!”

Look out for more news on Free Comic Book Day 2026 as it becomes available.

Get ready for what's next with our guide to upcoming comics, how to buy comics at a comic shop, and our guide to Free Comic Book Day 2025.