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 worldwide participate in this exciting event, giving away free books on the first Saturday of May. These books often serve as introductions to major upcoming storylines or popular series, making it a great opportunity to snag some of the most anticipated comics of the year. In 2025, the lineup is as thrilling as ever, featuring titles from DC, Marvel, and other publishers. Here’s what you should keep an eye out for during this year's event.

The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel kicks things off with this special issue, offering two original stories in one. The first, crafted by writer Joe Kelly and artist John Romita, Jr., acts 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, serves as 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, including Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino's vampire title, Blood Type. This issue provides an early glimpse into the new series by reprinting 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 continues its tradition of using Free Comic Book Day to debut its annual Conan crossover events. Conan: Scourge of the Serpent 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 showcases two of its biggest franchises. This issue features a tale set in the Critical Role universe, where Beau and Caleb get caught up in an evening of dinner theater fun. Additionally, it includes a Black Hammer story focused on Colonel Weird, exploring both the past and future of the Black Hammer universe.

DC All In: 2025 Special Edition #1

Publisher: DC

Similar to last year's DC All In Special, this flipbook reveals the future of both the core DC Universe and the new Absolute Universe. It introduces the upcoming Superman Unlimited series from Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque and 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 three new short stories and a twist so significant that it necessitated a censored cover.

Fantastic Four/X-Men #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel pairs the X-Men and Fantastic Four for their second major FCBD release. This issue is a must-read, featuring a new Fantastic Four 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, revealing the one mutant who declined his invitation.

How to Participate in Free Comic Book Day

Free Comic Book Day will be held on Saturday, May 3. Most comic book shops will participate, but you can use the FCBD Store Locator to find a shop near you and confirm their participation. Many shops also run promotions and sales alongside FCBD. Remember, while the comics are free for readers, store owners still pay for shipping, so consider supporting them by taking advantage of their 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 revived the animated Gargoyles series, Dynamite is expanding the comic line with this 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. This issue serves as a primer, featuring a ten-page prelude story and previews of the forthcoming ongoing Godzilla books.

Power Rangers/VR Troopers #1

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

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

Star Wars #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel's third and final FCBD release focuses on their revamped Star Wars line, which includes 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 features three new tales, each tied to one of these books.

Thundercats/The Powerpuff Girls #1

Publisher: Dynamite

This might be the most intriguing pick of FCBD 2025, combining Dynamite's 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 which books you're excited to pick up on Free Comic Book Day 2025. If you're looking for more great reads, consider checking out the top 27 Batman graphic novels and the top 25 Spider-Man graphic novels to add to your collection.