Free Comic Book Day 2025: Top 13 Must-Read Comics

May has arrived, heralding the annual celebration of Free Comic Book Day. On the first Saturday of May, comic shops worldwide participate by offering free comics to fans. These comics often serve as introductions to major upcoming storylines or popular series, making it a worthwhile endeavor to brave the crowds and grab the most sought-after issues. 2025 promises an exciting lineup, from DC's DC All in 2025 Special Edition to Marvel's Fantastic Four/X-Men and The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe, along with the 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's first special features two original stories in one issue. The first, written by Joe Kelly and illustrated by John Romita, Jr., is a primer for the recently relaunched Amazing Spider-Man series. The second story, penned by Deniz Camp and Cody Ziglar with art by Jonas Scharf, serves as a prologue to the upcoming Ultimate Universe crossover, where Miles Morales is drawn into the new Ultimate U.

Blood Type #0

Publisher: Oni Press

Oni Press is set to expand its EC Comics imprint this summer with new series, including Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino's vampire title, Blood Type. Blood Type #0 offers an early look at this series by reprinting the short story from the anthology Epitaphs From the Abyss, which launched the Blood Type saga.

Conan: Scourge of the Serpent #1

Publisher: Titan

Titan Comics continues its tradition of debuting annual Conan crossover events on FCBD. Conan: Scourge of the Serpent 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 highlights two major franchises. It includes a story set in the Critical Role universe, where Beau and Caleb get entangled in dinner theater fun, and a Black Hammer tale focusing on Colonel Weird, exploring both the past and future of the Black Hammer universe.

Publisher: DC

Similar to last year's edition, DC's 2025 Special Edition is a flipbook that introduces the future of both the core DC Universe and the new Absolute Universe. It features a preview of the upcoming Superman Unlimited series by Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque, and a new Absolute Universe story by Jeff Lemire and Giuseppe Camuncoli.

Energon Universe 2025 Special #1

Publisher: Skybound

Skybound's Energon Universe special includes Transformers and G.I. Joe, following the surprise launch of Void Rivals. This issue contains three new short stories and a censored cover hinting at a major twist.

Fantastic Four/X-Men #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel pairs the X-Men with the Fantastic Four in this special, featuring a new Fantastic Four story by Ryan North and Humberto Ramos. On the X-Men side, Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing revisit the day Charles Xavier assembled the All-New, All-Different X-Men, revealing the one mutant who declined his invitation.

How to Participate in Free Comic Book Day

Free Comic Book Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 3. Most comic book stores participate, but you can use the FCBD Store Locator to find a nearby shop and confirm their participation. Many stores also host sales and promotions, so consider supporting them by purchasing additional items, as they bear the cost of shipping these free comics.

For digital readers, most FCBD titles eventually become available on platforms like Comixology, Marvel Unlimited, and DC Universe, though you may need to wait a few days or weeks for them to appear.

Gargoyles: Demona #1

Publisher: Dynamite

While Disney hasn't revived the animated Gargoyles series, Dynamite is expanding the comic line with Gargoyles: Demona. This special, written by creator Greg Weisman, sets up the new series.

Godzilla: The New Heroes #1

Publisher: IDW

IDW is launching a new shared Godzilla universe this summer. Godzilla: The New Heroes #1 serves as a primer with a ten-page prelude and previews of upcoming Godzilla titles.

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

BOOM! Studios introduces a VR Troopers series spinning out of the Power Rangers Prime reboot. This issue offers a sneak peek at the new series and revisits past VR Troopers comics.

Star Wars #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel's third FCBD release focuses on their revamped Star Wars line, featuring new stories tied to 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.

Thundercats/The Powerpuff Girls #1

Publisher: Dynamite

This intriguing crossover combines Dynamite's Thundercats and Powerpuff Girls comics into one story. Discover what happens when Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles journey to Third Earth.

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

Looking for more great reads? Check out the top 27 Batman graphic novels and the top 25 Spider-Man graphic novels to add to your collection.