One might not typically think about getting free comic books on Halloween, as candy is the go-to currency for the annual holiday centering on all things spooky. But the folks at Marvel Comics are trying to help add a different flavor for readers this year as they are bringing back the Trick-or-Read event in October. As the title implies, it’s very much like trick or treating, but with comic books.
Marvel unveiled a list of books that will be available at participating comic book stores on October 4. The best part? These books will be free for all, similar to those handed out at the annual Free Comic Book Day event. As for the titles themselves, it’s a pretty healthy mix of superheroes both for younger and older readers, with some Star Wars thrown in the mix as well.
The five books that will be available include Amazing Spider-Man: The Birth of Tombstone #1, Captain Marvel: Higher, Faster, Further #1, Moon Knight: Knight of Blood #1, Star Wars: The High Republic – Attack of the Hutts #1 and Spidey and His Amazing Friends Trick-Or-Read 2023. All of these books will be available at participating comic book shops. All you need to do is pop by on the date in question and scoop them up. Simple as that! The publisher also released descriptions of all five books, which you can check out below.
- Amazing Spider-Man: The Birth of Tombstone #1 reprints Amazing Spider-Man #3 by writer Zeb Wells and John Romita Jr., a key early chapter of Spider-Man’s current era. Witness a brutal battle between Spider-Man and Tombstone that proves without doubt that Tombstone is Spidey’s most terrifying foe! Tombstone will play a major role in an Amazing Spider-Man event later this year, and it all took root here as this iconic villain’s haunting origin is revealed for the first time
- Captain Marvel: Higher, Faster, Further #1 reprints Captain Marvel (2012) #1 by writer Kelly Sue DeConnick and artist Dexter Soy, the start of DeConnick’s groundbreaking run that took Carol Danvers from “Ms. Marvel” to Captain Marvel! Just in time for Marvel Studios’ The Marvels, soar higher, faster, and further with Captain Marvel as she proves herself to be Earth’s Mightiest Hero in this transformative saga.
- Moon Knight: Knight of Blood #1 reprints Moon Knight #18 by writer Jed Mackay and artist Federico Sabbatini, an action-packed entry in the character’s best-selling current ongoing series! The issue sees Moon Knight team up with fan-favorite hero Tigra against a deadly new gang of vampires. Tragedy will strike Moon Knight in the near future, so enjoy this perfect standalone adventure for the spooky season while you can…
- Star Wars: The High Republic – Attack of the Hutts #1 reprints Star Wars: The High Republic (2021) #5 by writer Cavan Scott and artist Ario Anindito, a pivotal turning point in Marvel’s first comic series set in the High Republic era! Part of the revolutionary multi-platform publishing initiative, enter the Golden Age of the Jedi with young Padawan Keeve Trennis as she learns shocking secrets amidst a breathtaking battle between the Jedi and the Hutts! The issue is also the first major comics appearance of Jedi Knight Vernestra Rwoh, a character who will appear in The Acolyte, an upcoming Star Wars Original series set during the final days of the High Republic era. The Acolyte will stream exclusively on Disney+ later next year.
- Spidey and His Amazing Friends Trick-Or-Read 2023 will give young readers a chance to enjoy a new collection of Spidey adventures! Swing into adventure with Spidey, Ghost-Spider, and Miles as they face classic villains and more in this spectacular special filled with all new stories from My First Time Comic Reader
Admittedly, this list is a little slim on flat-out horror titles, with the exception of perhaps Moon Knight: Knight of Blood. That having been said, there is no shortage of horror comics out there to read (we’ve got that covered). But this is a great way to get younger readers on the comic book train, and a unique way to get into the Halloween season. What’s not to like?
Trick-or-Read takes place on October 4. Check with your local comic book shop to see if they’ll be participating. If you need to find a comic book shop near you, check out ComicShopLocator.com.
