Top 13 Comics to Read on Free Comic Book Day 2025

May has arrived, heralding another exciting Free Comic Book Day. Each year, comic shops worldwide participate in this beloved event, distributing free books on the first Saturday of May. These books often serve as introductions to major upcoming storylines or popular series, making it worthwhile to venture out and navigate the crowds to secure the most coveted comics.

In 2025, the lineup promises to be as thrilling as ever. From DC's DC All in 2025 Special Edition to Marvel's Fantastic Four/X-Men and The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe to the latest Energon Universe special, here are the key titles to watch for during this year's event.

The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel kicks off with this special, offering 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, penned by Deniz Camp and Cody Ziglar with art by Jonas Scharf, is a prologue to the upcoming Ultimate Universe crossover event, drawing Miles Morales into the new Ultimate Universe.

Blood Type #0

Publisher: Oni Press

Oni Press is expanding its EC Comics imprint this summer, and Blood Type #0 provides an early glimpse into Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino's vampire series. This issue reprints the short story from the anthology Epitaphs From the Abyss that launched the Blood Type saga.

Conan: Scourge of the Serpent #1

Publisher: Titan

Titan Comics continues its tradition of using FCBD to debut its annual Conan crossover events with Conan: Scourge of the Serpent. This issue features 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 shines a spotlight on two major franchises. It includes a story set in the Critical Role universe, where Beau and Caleb find themselves entangled in an evening of dinner theater, and a Black Hammer tale focusing on Colonel Weird, exploring both the past and future of the Black Hammer universe.

Publisher: DC

DC's flipbook introduces the future of both the core DC Universe and the new Absolute Universe. One side features a preview of the upcoming Superman Unlimited series by Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque, while the other side showcases a new Absolute Universe story by Jeff Lemire and Giuseppe Camuncoli.

Energon Universe 2025 Special #1

Publisher: Skybound

Skybound's surprise reveal of Void Rivals as the launch point for a new shared universe involving Transformers and G.I. Joe continues with this special. The issue features three new short stories and a twist so significant that the cover had to be censored.

Fantastic Four/X-Men #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel pairs the X-Men and Fantastic Four in their second major FCBD release. This issue is a must-read, featuring a new Fantastic Four tale by Ryan North and Humberto Ramos, alongside a revisit to the day Charles Xavier first assembled the All-New, All-Different X-Men, revealing the one mutant who declined, crafted by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing.

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 nearby shop and confirm their involvement. Many shops also host various promotions and sales, so consider supporting them by purchasing additional items, as they incur shipping costs for the free comics.

For digital readers, most FCBD books eventually become available on platforms 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 revived the animated Gargoyles series, Dynamite is expanding the comic line with Gargoyles: Demona, written by creator Greg Weisman. This special sets up the new series, offering fans an exciting continuation of the beloved franchise.

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 and previews of the upcoming Godzilla ongoing series.

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

BOOM! Studios is debuting a VR Troopers series spun out of the Power Rangers Prime reboot. This issue offers a sneak peek at the new series and a nostalgic look at past VR Troopers comics.

Star Wars #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel's third FCBD release focuses on their revamped Star Wars line, 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 stories, each tied to one of these books.

Thundercats/The Powerpuff Girls #1

Publisher: Dynamite

Perhaps the most intriguing offering of FCBD 2025, this issue combines Dynamite's Thundercats and Powerpuff Girls comics into a unique crossover. Discover what happens when Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles venture to Third Earth.

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

For more comic recommendations, consider exploring the top 27 Batman graphic novels and the top 25 Spider-Man graphic novels to complement your FCBD haul.