Free Comic Book Day 2025: Top 13 Comics to Read

May has arrived, and that means it's time for another Free Comic Book Day! This annual event, held on the first Saturday of May, sees comic shops around the globe giving away free books. These comics often serve as introductions to major upcoming storylines or best-selling series, making it a perfect opportunity to snag some of the most anticipated releases. In 2025, 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, there are several standout books you should keep an eye out for during this year's event.

The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel's first of several specials, this issue combines two original stories into 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 writers Deniz Camp and Cody Ziglar with art by Jonas Scharf, is a prologue to the upcoming Ultimate Universe crossover event, featuring Miles Morales venturing 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. For an early glimpse into this exciting series, pick up Blood Type #0. 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 continues its tradition of using Free Comic Book Day to introduce its annual Conan crossover events. 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 shines a spotlight on two of its biggest franchises. This issue includes a story set in the Critical Role universe, where Beau and Caleb find themselves caught up in a dinner theater adventure. Additionally, there's 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 DC All In Special, DC's flipbook introduces the future of both the core DC Universe and the new Absolute Universe. One side features an introduction to the upcoming Superman Unlimited series by Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque, while the other includes a new Absolute Universe story by Jeff Lemire and Giuseppe Camuncoli.

Energon Universe 2025 Special #1

Publisher: Skybound

Skybound surprised fans with the reveal that Void Rivals was the launching point for a new shared universe involving Transformers and G.I. Joe. This issue showcases all three pillars of the Energon Universe with three new short stories and a twist so significant that it required the cover to be censored.

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-have, 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 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 in the event, but you can use the FCBD Store Locator to find a nearby shop and confirm their participation. Many shops also offer various promotions and sales alongside FCBD. It's worth noting that FCBD isn't free for store owners, as they still have to cover shipping costs for these books, 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 may need to wait a few days or even weeks, depending on the publisher.

Gargoyles: Demona #1

Publisher: Dynamite

While Disney hasn't revived the Gargoyles animated series, Dynamite is filling the gap with new comics. The Gargoyles line expands 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, and this issue serves as a primer. It includes a ten-page prelude story and previews of the upcoming ongoing Godzilla books.

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 classic VR Troopers comics.

Star Wars #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel's third and final 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 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? This issue promises to reveal all.

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 comics to add to your FCBD stack? Check out the top 27 Batman graphic novels and the top 25 Spider-Man graphic novels for some excellent reading material.