Top 13 Comics to Read on Free Comic Book Day 2025

May has arrived, and that means it's time for another Free Comic Book Day. Every year, comic shops across the world participate in this event, giving away free books on the first Saturday of May. These books often serve as introductions to major upcoming storylines or best-selling series, making it well worth braving the crowds to snag the most important comics. 2025 is shaping up to be no different, with a lineup that includes DC's DC All in 2025 Special Edition, Marvel's Fantastic Four/X-Men and The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe books, and the latest Energon Universe special. Here are the books you should keep an eye out for this year.

The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1

Publisher: Marvel

This issue from Marvel is a double treat, featuring two original stories. The first, crafted by writer Joe Kelly and artist John Romita, Jr., serves as a primer for the recently relaunched Amazing Spider-Man series. The second, a collaboration between writers Deniz Camp and Cody Ziglar and artist Jonas Scharf, offers a prologue to the upcoming Ultimate Universe crossover event, drawing Miles Morales into the new Ultimate U.

Blood Type #0

Publisher: Oni Press

Oni Press is expanding its EC Comics imprint with several new series this summer, including the vampire title Blood Type by Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino. If you're eager for an early glimpse, Blood Type #0 is the book for you. This issue reprints the short story from the anthology series Epitaphs From the Abyss that launched the Blood Type saga.

Conan: Scourge of the Serpent #1

Publisher: Titan

Titan Comics has made a tradition of using FCBD to debut its annual Conan crossover events, and Conan: Scourge of the Serpent continues this trend. This issue includes three interconnected tales that set the stage for a grand conflict between Conan and the serpent god Set.

Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins/Black Hammer #1

Publisher: Dark Horse

Dark Horse's FCBD special highlights two of its biggest franchises. This issue features a tale set in the Critical Role universe, where Beau and Caleb get a bit too caught up in an evening of dinner theater fun. It also includes a Black Hammer story focused on Colonel Weird, exploring both the past and future of the Black Hammer universe.

Publisher: DC

Much like last year's DC All In Special, DC is releasing a flipbook that reveals the future of both the core DC Universe and the new Absolute Universe. On one side, it introduces the upcoming Superman Unlimited series by Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque. On the other, it features a new Absolute Universe story from Jeff Lemire and Giuseppe Camuncoli.

Energon Universe 2025 Special #1

Publisher: Skybound

Skybound made waves with the surprise reveal that Void Rivals was the launching point for a new shared universe involving Transformers and G.I. Joe. This issue features all three pillars of the Energon universe, with three new short stories and a twist so big they had to censor the cover.

Fantastic Four/X-Men #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel pairs the X-Men and Fantastic Four for their second big FCBD release. This issue is a must-read, featuring a new FF tale from Ryan North and Humberto Ramos. On the X-Men side, Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing revisit the day Charles Xavier first assembled the All-New, All-Different X-Men and reveal the one mutant who turned him down.

How to Participate in Free Comic Book Day

Free Comic Book Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 3. Most comic book shops participate, but you can use the FCBD Store Locator to find a shop near you and confirm their involvement. Many shops also run promotions and sales alongside FCBD. Keep in mind that while the comics are free for readers, store owners still have to cover shipping costs, so consider supporting them by taking advantage of those sales.

For digital readers, most FCBD books eventually become available on apps like Comixology, Marvel Unlimited, and DC Universe, though you might need to wait a few days or weeks, depending on the publisher.

Gargoyles: Demona #1

Publisher: Dynamite

While Disney hasn't given Gargoyles fans the animated revival they crave, Dynamite is making up for it in comics. The Gargoyles line expands with this new special that sets up the Gargoyles: Demona series, written by creator Greg Weisman.

Godzilla: The New Heroes #1

Publisher: IDW

IDW is launching a new shared universe of Godzilla comics this summer, and this issue serves as a primer. It includes a ten-page prelude story along with previews of the forthcoming ongoing Godzilla books.

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

BOOM! Studios is debuting a VR Troopers series spinning out of the Power Rangers Prime reboot. This issue gives fans a sneak preview of the new series along with a look back at some of the VR Troopers comics of yesteryear.

Star Wars #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel's third and final FCBD release focuses on their revamped Star Wars line, now featuring Charles Soule and Luke Ross' Star Wars: Legacy of Vader, Marc Guggenheim and Madibek Musabekov's Star Wars: Jedi Knights, and Alex Segura and Phil Noto's Star Wars. This issue includes three new tales, each tied to one of these books.

Thundercats/The Powerpuff Girls #1

Publisher: Dynamite

This might just be the highlight of FCBD 2025, thanks to its intriguing premise. Dynamite is combining its Thundercats and Powerpuff Girls comics into one wacky crossover. What happens when Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles travel to Third Earth? We're about to find out.

Let us know in the comments below what books you're excited to pick up on Free Comic Book Day 2025.

For more comic recommendations, why not explore the top 27 Batman graphic novels and the top 25 Spider-Man graphic novels?