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 exciting event by offering 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 your time to venture out and navigate the crowds to grab the most sought-after comics.

In 2025, the event promises to be just as thrilling. From DC's DC All in 2025 Special Edition to Marvel's Fantastic Four/X-Men and The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe books, and the latest Energon Universe special, here are the key comics you should be on the lookout for during this year's Free Comic Book Day.

The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel's first of several specials, this issue includes two original stories. The first, from writer Joe Kelly and artist John Romita, Jr., acts as a primer for the recently relaunched Amazing Spider-Man series. The second, crafted by writers Deniz Camp and Cody Ziglar and artist Jonas Scharf, is a prologue to the upcoming Ultimate Universe crossover event, featuring Miles Morales entering the new Ultimate U.

Blood Type #0

Publisher: Oni Press

Oni Press is expanding its EC Comics imprint this summer with several new series, including Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino's vampire title, Blood Type. If you're eager for an early look at this new series, Blood Type #0 is your ticket. 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 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 Free Comic Book Day special showcases two of its biggest franchises. This issue includes a tale set in the Critical Role universe, where Beau and Caleb get caught up in a dinner theater adventure. It also features a Black Hammer story focusing 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 introduces the future of both the core DC Universe and the new Absolute Universe. It features an introduction to the upcoming Superman Unlimited series by Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque, as well as a new Absolute Universe story by Jeff Lemire and Giuseppe Camuncoli.

Energon Universe 2025 Special #1

Publisher: Skybound

Skybound made waves with the surprise reveal that Void Rivals was the starting 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 they had to censor the cover.

Fantastic Four/X-Men #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel pairs the X-Men and Fantastic Four for their second major Free Comic Book Day 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 and reveal the one mutant who declined.

How to Participate in Free Comic Book Day

Free Comic Book Day will be held on Saturday, May 3. Most comic book shops participate in the event, but you can use the FCBD Store Locator to find a participating store near you and confirm they'll be distributing free comics.

Many shops also run various promotions and sales alongside Free Comic Book Day. 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 and contributing a few dollars.

For those who prefer digital reading, most Free Comic Book Day books are eventually added to apps like Comixology, Marvel Unlimited, and DC Universe. However, you might need to wait a few days or even weeks for them to become available, depending on the publisher.

Gargoyles: Demona #1

Publisher: Dynamite

While Disney hasn't given Gargoyles fans the animated revival they've been hoping for, Dynamite is filling the gap with new comics. The Gargoyles line expands with this special, setting up the Gargoyles: Demona series, and it's 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 with 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 along with a look back at some of the classic VR Troopers comics.

Star Wars #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel's third and final Free Comic Book Day 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 just be the standout of Free Comic Book Day 2025, thanks to its intriguing premise. Dynamite combines 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.

Looking for more great comics to add to your Free Comic Book Day haul? Check out the top 27 Batman graphic novels and the top 25 Spider-Man graphic novels for some excellent reading suggestions.