A Better Look At Archaia’s FCBD Hardcover

Ever since we found out about it back in December, I’ve been looking forward to Archaia’s upcoming Free Comic Book Day more than I can really put words to. The company produces some simply gorgeous hardcovers, and the opportunity to get one for free, not to mention that it’s a sample of the company’s finest works, is a really exciting prospect.

Well, they’ve just sent out a preview copy of it, and let me tell you it holds up to expectations. The samples included are completely original pieces that serve as excellent intros for new readers, as well as fleshing out the back story for fans. This is going to be the top book for Free Comic Book Day, hands down, and definitely one you should get when you show up this Saturday.

MOUSE GUARD, LABYRINTH, AND OTHER STORIES (2012 Free Comic Book Day)
Original Anthology Hardcover
Retail Price: Free
Page Count: 48 pages
Format: Hardcover with no dust jacket (paper over board), 6” x 9”, full color
Rating: All ages
Written by Jeremy Bastian, Nate Cosby, Royden Lepp, Jim McCann, Ted Naifeh and David Petersen
Illustrated by Jeremy Bastian, Chris Eliopoulos, Cory Godbey, Janet Lee, Royden Lepp and David Petersen
Cover by David Petersen

This Free Comic Book Day, Archaia offers readers the chance to experience history in the making with a FREE, gorgeous, 48-page, 6” x 9” full color hardcover anthology featuring all-new material! David Petersen returns with an all-new Mouse Guard tale that’s guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings! Lose yourself once again in Jim Henson’s amazing world of Labyrinth, featuring a fantastical story from Eisner Award nominee Ted Naifeh (Courtney Crumrin), Adrianne Ambroise (Fraggle Rock), and Cory Godbey (Fraggle Rock). Get a new perspective on Jet Jones in Royden Lepp’s critically acclaimed Rust, with a short story seen through the eyes of younger brother Oswald Taylor. Jeremy Bastian’s acclaimed Cursed Pirate Girl hits the high seas in this whimsical, swashbuckling tale of wonderland journeys and unimaginable dangers. Nate Cosby (Pigs) and Chris Eliopoulos (Franklin Richards) present Cow Boy, a comedy/western that tells the tale of a young bounty hunter determined to send his entire outlaw family to jail. And Jim McCann and Janet Lee follow up their Eisner Award-winning Return of the Dapper Men with an all-new short story that leads into the upcoming sequel, Time of the Dapper Men. Witness the origin of a new, major character! And…the return of 41?!