Comics Giveaway Day, May 2nd

No, you’re not imagining things. This year will see a new freebie day for comics fans, dubbed Comics Giveaway Day. Put together by Penguin Random House, a longtime book publisher, the event land on May 2nd, 2026. And yes, it will see a collection of free comics hit participating stores.

We weren’t aware of this fresh happening, but if you’ve been paying attention to the industry over the last few years, it should ring familiar. After all, comics fans are already used to getting some free titles from time to time, so why not add one more? To get fans ready, Marvel Comics has released word on what they’ll have in store.

Fans can look for some big names to be included too. According to the press release, four titles will be in (again, participating) stores for the day. Fans can expect to see AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1000/QUEEN IN BLACK #1 CGD 2026, ARMAGEDDON/X-MEN #1 CGD 2026, ALIEN, PREDATOR & PLANET OF THE APES #1 CGD 2026, and SPIDEY & HIS AMAZING FRIENDS #1 CGD.

The official rundowns

So Comics Giveaway Day will bring some big names, but also some looks at big stories. Mentioned above, Armageddon and Queen in Black will both be present for the event, though we have to admit we’re most interested in one of the additional offerings.

A title that includes Alien, Predator, and Planet of the Apes? No, it’s not a three-way crossover, but all the same, it sounds like a pretty nice smorgasbord of non-superhero stuff.

Check out the official rundowns below.

• AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1000/QUEEN IN BLACK #1 CGD 2026
  • Written by JOE KELLY, AL EWING & PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON
  • Art by JOHN ROMITA JR., IBAN COELLO & NIC KLEIN
  • Cover by DIKE RUAN
  • The road to AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1000 takes a big turn here as fate bears down on Peter Parker! The Queen in Black has been coronated, and Mary Jane Watson as Venom is not ready for her! The Eldest has taken control of the Hulk, and what happens next will make every past Hulk battle look like a skirmish!
• ARMAGEDDON/X-MEN #1 CGD 2026
  • Written by CHIP ZDARSKY, JED MACKAY & RYAN NORTH
  • Art by FEDERICO VICENTINI, FRANK ALPIZAR & DELIO DIAZ, & FRANCESCO MOBILI
  • Cover by RYAN STEGMAN
  • The heroes of the Marvel Universe assemble to take on the Red Hulk in a critical story by Chip Zdarsky that sets the stage for this summer’s Marvel event…ARMAGEDDON! Armageddon is here, and no one is safe from the coming end.
  • PLUS: Your first look at this summer’s big X-MEN event…and DOOM!
• ALIEN, PREDATOR & PLANET OF THE APES #1 CGD 2026
  • Written by SALADIN AHMED, JORDAN MORRIS & GREG PAK
  • Art by ROLAND BOSCHI, EMILIO LAISO & ALAN ROBINSON
  • Cover by DAVIDE PARATORE
  • In this issue, you’ll find stories from across 20th Century Studios – from ALIEN to PREDATOR to PLANET OF THE APES! Saladin Ahmed presents a tale set on a planet that’s already succumbed to Xenomorphs! And in Jordan Morris’ story, a Yautja warrior stalks one of Earth’s greatest fighters.
  • All this and a return to the Planet of the Apes!
• SPIDEY & HIS AMAZING FRIENDS #1 CGD 2026
  • Written by DANIELLE KREGER 
  • Art by GOODMAN YAMADA
  • Cover by PACO MEDINA
  • SPIDEY AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS, Spin and Ghost-Spider, think they have their web-shooting hands full when JEFF THE LAND SHARK pays them a visit! But they haven’t seen anything yet – because shapeshifting alien SYMBIE is here to turn Jeff’s world upside down!

Marvel press release

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Con-tastic

As usual, retailer Sideshow has gone the online route to showcase its incredible selection of collectibles here in summer ’25. The company dips its toe into more than one part of the pop culture sphere of course, so there was a wide swath covered.

And this five day event wasn’t just Sideshow’s wares either. The company had goods from Tweeterhead, Hot Toys, New Wave Toys, and loads more on display in daily “booth tours”. Each video let fans get a peek at a collection of upcoming releases, and in detail.

You can find a separate post containing info about Day One here, but we’ve also got that day’s booth tour for you below, in case you don’t feel like clicking. Day One included “stars from gaming, animation, and more”, and led off with an incredible life-sized Pikachu statue.

Sideshow Con Day Two

Day Two was a bit more… let’s say ‘pinup-centric’. In this next video, fans got an eyeful with Bettie Page and the deadly Succubus, plus pieces from the Pulp Vixens and J. Scott Campbell lines. And did we mention a special appearance by one James Bond, from Hot Toys?

Sideshow Con Day Three

Star Wars led the way in day three of Sideshow Con. The company showcased figures from Hot Toys, HONŌ Studio, and Sideshow’s own line. Add to that a Wicket Premium Format Figure and a fine art piece detailing the dark forces of Knights of the Old Republic, and you’ve got a packed event.

Sideshow Con Day Four

Get ready to hide behind your couch, as Day Four of Sideshow Con was all about horror. Aliens, Predator, Beetlejuice, DC Comics’ Constantine, and more were included here, along with Sideshow’s own Originals lineup, and more.

Sideshow Con Day Five

And finally, Day Five of Sideshow Con was all about the comic book multiverse. Statues and figures based on the many heroes and villains of Marvel and DC took center stage to close things out.

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There’s something out there waiting for us

One of the flat-out greatest action/horror/sci-fi (whatever you want to call it) movies of all time, has to be 1987’s Predator. Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, the movie had it all, huge action, blood and gore to the max, a stellar cast of tough-guy action heroes, and one of the coolest villains to ever see the silver screen. Of course, we’re talking about the title alien, the Predator.

Of course, in the decades since that movie hit the silver screen, there’s been heaps of additional lore added to the property, and plenty of movies (to varying degrees of success). We’re feeling like it’s fairly inarguable though, to say that none of that has come close to the original Predator, and that’s one of the reasons we’re hyped for Hot Toys’ latest reveal.

Announced via retailer Sideshow, and coming to the company’s Movie Masterpieces line of 12″ figures, is Hot Toys’ latest adaptation of Predator, and it’s bringing all the trimmings. This new figure is packed with adjustable eyes, rubber dreads, two sets of mandibles, and an LED light-up mask.

The Predator 1/6 Scale Collectible Figure features an individually hand-painted screen-accurate headsculpt with adjustable eyes, finely crafted rubber hair, and two sets of interchangeable mandibles, plus a swap-out LED light-up mask, offering fans a wealth of posing and display options.

The Predator’s specially developed articulated 1/6 scale body is outfitted in the creature’s iconic weathered armor and net costume, with bone accessories. He is also equipped with an impressive array of weapons and gruesome accessories, including an articulated shoulder cannon, a variety of blades, and a spine trophy with the skull still attached! 

The Predator 1/6 Scale Collectible Figure is available for pre-order now, via Sideshow.com.

Sideshow press release

Predator (2.0) is priced in at $300 USD, and is up for pre-order now, with an April to September 2026 release window. If you’re a huge fan of the property though, you might want to see the Deluxe Version. While the figure itself isn’t any different than the Collector Edition, the Deluxe also includes the original mask from the movie’s concept art, and a jungle-themed base.

It has the same availability window, though the pricing is a little higher, at $340 USD.

For the ultimate Predator fan, Hot Toys has also unveiled a special Deluxe Version of the Predator 1/6 Scale Collectible Figure. 

The Predator 1/6 Scale Collectible Figure (Deluxe) features all of the features and accessories outlined above, but also includes a new ultra-detailed jungle-themed diorama base, complete with two skull accessories and an additional swap-out battle damaged mask, allowing fans and collectors to recreate even more awesome scenes from this classic movie.

Order the Predator 1/6 Scale Collectible Figure (Deluxe) now, via Sideshow.com.

Sideshow press release

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*Menacing recorded laugh*

He’s going to be in town with a few more days to kill. Of course, we’re talking about the Predator, and the “town” in question is the pages of a Marvel Comic. Don’t worry though, this doesn’t look like it’s going to be the Marvel Universe version of the alien killer.

From the sound of Predator: Black, White & Blood, the publisher’s newest stab at the license will be a self-contained mini-series that might be more to the liking of legacy fans. A four issue title, the book will present stories that span their own time periods and settings, all within “Predator history” according to Marvel.

In a cool twist, each issue will feature several stories, complete with their own separate creative teams. Issue #1 will star the talents of Joe Kelly, Álvaro López, Eliot Rahal, Brian Level, Sarah Gailey, and Fran Galán, and send Predators to the wilds of Australia, the middle-ages, and a… conference?

It’ll make sense, just scroll down to check out the details.

• From the mad imaginings of Joe Kelly (Amazing Spider-Man, Deadpool) and rising artist Álvaro López (Captain Marvel,Beware the Planet of the Apes) comes a gut-twisting new take on Predator! A young Predator trying to prove himself prowls the Australian frontier, but his hunt goes south when a run-in with a group of humans from a convict colony changes the trajectory of everyone’s lives and takes readers on a journey never before seen in the Predator universe!
• Writer Eliot Rahal makes his Marvel Comics debut with artist Brian Level in a bloody retelling of Arthurian legend that blends the horror of Predator’s space tech with classic sword and sorcery!
• Writer Sarah Gailey (White Widow) and artist Fran Galán (Carnage) put the Yautja’s honor code to the test in a story of Predator infiltrating an international weapons industry conference!

Marvel Comics press release

Predator: Black, White & Blood #1 arrives this spring, landing in stores on May 21st, 2025.

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Only in the hottest years this happens

The dust has long-settled on Wolverine’s formerly-ongoing battle with one of the cosmic hunters known as Yautja, but there’s more Marvel Universe action to come for the Predator. That’ll be by way of a surprising mix that brings the aliens to none other than Wakanda for a showdown with Black Panther. And this time around, it won’t be just a sole Predator who’s on the hunt.

From Predator-vet, writer Benjamin Percy, Predator vs Black Panther will feature the art of Chris Allen, who’ll be joined by Sean Damien Hill, Craig Yeung, and Lee Ferguson for the mini-series. It’s looking like it’ll be four issues of solid action too, with more than one Predator clan setting their sights on Wakanda.

The mission? Claim the African nation’s Vibranium for themselves, and give their tech a serious upgrade. Check out an unlettered preview below, for a sneak peek of what’s in store for Marvel’s Panther, and check out the full collection of variant covers for issue #1.

WAKANDA…IS PREY? You saw the Marvel Universe’s most tenacious mutant go up against one of the greatest killing machines in history in PREDATOR VS. WOLVERINE – and survive. Now the planet Earth lives on in Predator lore…a planet full of the most exhilarating prey they could imagine! And the strongest weapons in the Multiverse are in their sights. When a young Predator with something to prove comes for Wakanda’s vibranium, the Black Panther faces an enemy whose resources rival those of his great nation. Who will prove stronger?

Marvel Comics press release

Ready for a whole new hunt? Predator vs Black Panther #1 (of 4) arrives on the stands next month, on August 21st, 2024.

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I ain’t got time to heal

Marvel Comics’ own killing machine, Wolverine is about to meet his match in a big screen alien that’s terrified movie-goers for decades. Not content with publishing standalone tales of the Predator, the publisher will be bringing the Yautja species to the Marvel Universe next month.

Not only that, but one in particular will be a little bit obsessed with a certain feral X-Man. It’s a fight that will span the decades, with the Predator hunting Wolverine over and over again, throughout the mutant’s unnaturally long life. At least, that’s what we gather from the promotional material to this point.

Although the two images released yesterday don’t really say a lot, they do hint at the lengthy retcon that’ll be in place as these titans tussle. Image two clearly shows a bone-clawed Logan, taking the fight to an injured Pred, with image one showing one seriously messed-up, costumed Wolverine.

While the news on the actual story behind the mini-series might be slim right now, Marvel is just ramping up the hype machine for this one. You’re likely to see quite a bit in the weeks to come, as in short order we’re going to have issue #1. The mini-series debuts next month from writer Ben Percy and with Ken Lashley, Greg Land, and Andrea Di Vito all providing the interior pencils.

Predator vs Wolverine #1 (of 4) arrives in stores on September 20th, 2023.

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You-ah one uhgly…

With a debut already in the books, Marvel is dipping back into the Predator IP for another run with the interstellar hunters. Although, if the press release is anything to go by, its seems the alien Yautja will be more “the hunted”.

The new series will bring over the hero from the original Marvel series, Theta Berwick. A fresh character, Berwick is someone with a major grudge against the Yautja race, and she’s back on the trail of them in this March’s new-series debut.

Joined by rising star artist Netho Diaz, Ed Brisson will kick off the explosive next chapter of PREDATOR with a brand-new series that continues Theta’s thrilling journey! Set years after the opening arc, the new series will be perfect for newcomers and a must read for fans of Brisson’s PREDATOR run so far. The epic new saga will introduce a host of new characters trapped fighting for their lives against three distinct Predators. Each Predator uses their vicious skills and alarming expertise in distinct and terrifying ways but they all share the same objective: HUNT. KILL. REPEAT.

On a planet far from Earth, eight strangers find themselves in a deadly game. But this time, the Predators aren’t the only ones on the hunt. Someone has the Yautja in their sites – and they’ve been searching for this game preserve for a long time. Prepare for a brutal, carnage-filled adventure that will turn everything you thought you knew about Predators on its head!

Marvel Comics press release

Once again, it’ll be Brisson helming the book, with Netho Diaz’ pencils. Brisson is pretty happy about that, as the writer is a major Predator fan, and has much more to add to the cosmic-hunter’s story. Try to keep that in mind too, while you think about the fact that Marvel is turning “everything you thought you knew about Predators on its head”.

Predator #1 hits stands this March the 8th. In the meantime, issue #6 of the current series will arrive on January 11th. Also worth noting is that Brisson’s whole first run will be wrapped up in a collected edition some time this summer.

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*Clicking sounds*

It’s been a while since Predator was seen with regularity in the pages of a comic book. Formerly homed at Dark Horse, the big guy was last seen in 2020’s Predator: Hunters III.

That book was the final DHC release, before the license made the move to Marvel. And as of late the publisher has been talking up the imminent release of Predator #1, the start of a new ongoing.

But before we get to that, there’s a little semi-crossover set to take place. While Predators won’t be gracing the pages of Marvel’s in-universe comics (yet), they will be on the covers of some of Marvel’s biggest books.

These fantasy match-ups will showcase a little tease of what still might take place at some point. Actually, given the case of Conan, I’d be shocked if Marvel didn’t feature Aliens, Predator, and a mix thereof in its U.

But til we get to that point, there will be these:

Since making its debut in the landmark 1987 film, the remorseless alien killer has invaded pop culture in film, comic books, video games, and more. Now, the Predator begins a new conquest in a comic series launching this summer. Capturing the horrifying, unforgiving nature of Predator with classic Marvel Comics storytelling, these outstanding covers are sure to capture the imagination of both Marvel and Predator fans as they prepare for the launch of PREDATOR #1!

Marvel Comics press release

Look for the above crossover covers to arrive this July, along with the all-new Predator #1.

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Starting over

As you’re probably aware, the Predator is no stranger to comics. The property was a hit for Dark Horse Comics for decades, from almost the time of the original film through just a few years ago.

But now that status quo has been shaken up. With the Disney purchase of Fox, that studio’s properties (like Aliens and Predator) are making the leap to Marvel. And with the new surroundings, come both new possibilities and reboots.

While it remains to be seen just what kind of effect (if any) the horror properties will have on the Marvel Universe, we do know that they’ll both be their own thing either way. We’ve already seen what Marvel is doing with Aliens, and now it’s the Yautja’s turn.

A new series will kick off this July, homed by writer Ed Brisson, and illustrated by Kev Walker. Both talents are Marvel mainstays, having worked on titles like Doctor Strange and Ghost Rider.

The story kicks off when a young girl sees her family slaughtered by a Predator. Years later, though her ship is barely holding together and food is running short, Theta won’t stop stalking the spaceways until the Yautja monster who killed her family is dead…or she is. 

“I’ve been obsessed with Predator since first seeing the film at the drive-in theater as a kid. I can still remember sitting there in horrified fascination and then acting out the movie for my classmates the following week at school. I bought the VHS and wore the hell out of the tape. Getting to write the characters launch for Marvel is a dream come true. When they offered me the gig, I already had a million ideas ready to go,” Brisson said. “Not only am I excited to write a Predator book, but I’m doubly excited to be working with Kev Walker on the series. The pages he’s turned in so far and mind-blowing. He’s delivered awe-inspiring alien planets; huge, blood-pumping action scenes: and devastatingly emotional beats all in the space of the first issue. I really think we’re making something quite special here.”

Marvel Comics press release

Predator #1 lands on the racks this July the 6th.

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Hunting time… or maybe cooking

All in all, this isn’t a bad month for PS+ subscribers. There might not be any mega-hits on the menu, but what is available is pretty solid. It almost carries forward a theme too, since 2/3 of the month’s freebies are about hunting.

Breaking that flow is Overcooked!: All You Can Eat though, so I don’t think fans will mind too much.

Overcooked!: All You Can Eat | PS5

If you don’t know Overcooked!, then you’ve missed out on a kind of mini-sensation. The original game in the series was released a while back, and it spawned one sequel (so far).

If you’re wondering where Overcooked!: All You Can Eat fits into that, it’s a compilation. The pack includes both original games, plus all of the “additional content” released for them. And it packs all of that into a remastered format.

Predator: Hunting Grounds | PS4

The first of the 2 ‘hunting’ themed titles for the month, Predator: Hunting Grounds features the titular movie monsters in asymmetrical multiplayer action. Basically, that means that teams of players face off against one player cast as the Predator.

Hitman 2 | PS4

And the second of the two hunters for the month, as mentioned, is Hitman 2. The first sequel in the newly rebooted series, Hitman 2 once again stars Agent 47, and offers the same kinds of gameplay that you might’ve known from the original titles.

Source: PS Blog

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