Civil War II Opening Salvo Lands On Free Comic Book Day

If you want to get in on the ground floor of Marvel’s big comic book event of 2016, you’re going to need to get to your local comic shop on May 7. That’s when Free Comic Book Day is being held this year, and it’s when the first chapter of Civil War II is coming from Marvel.

Marvel announced today that FCBD Civil War II #1 will be its free offering on May 7, with a story by writer Brian Michael Bendis (who is also penning the event series itself, which starts in June) and artist Jim Cheung. All we know about it is that it should illuminate the reasons for another schism in the Marvel superhero community, with factions led this time by Iron Man and Captain Marvel.

Also in that free comic will be a second story featuring the All-New Wasp, who we assume has something to do with Marvel’s mysterious teaser from earlier this week. That tale comes to us courtesy of Mark Waid and Alan Davis, and Marvel is promoting it this way:

"Beware the sting of the All-New Wasp! FCBD CIVIL WAR II #1 will also feature a special second story from All-New, All-Different Avengers writer Mark Waid and legendary artist Alan Davis. Be there as this mysterious new character makes their big debut! Are they friend or foe? How will their coming impact on the lives of the All-New, All-Different Avengers? The answers may surprise you, True Believer!"

Very interesting, I must say. FCBD Civil War II #1 also won’t be alone among the free books in participating comic shops, according to Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel.

“Free Comic Book Day this year is the perfect chance to dive headlong into the Marvel Universe,” Gabriel said in a press release. “Not only will you get a lead in to the escalating conflict of Civil War II, but you’ll also be introduced to a big new character with the All-New Wasp. Oh, and did we mention this is just one of our Free Comic Book Day offerings? Make sure you support your local retailers and head to a comic shop that weekend to get your hands on these!”

Next: All-New X-Men #4 Preview

The best part is that you already were planning on going to your favorite shop on May 7 anyway, so it’s not like you have to do anything different. Consider this a little extra motivation, and be prepared for another big hero vs. hero throwdown.