Top 13 Comics to Read on Free Comic Book Day 2025

May has arrived, and with it comes the highly anticipated Free Comic Book Day. Every year, comic shops worldwide participate in this exciting event, distributing free comics on the first Saturday of May. These free books often serve as introductions to major upcoming storylines or popular series, making it well worth your time to navigate the crowds and secure the most sought-after titles.

In 2025, the lineup is as impressive 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, and not forgetting the latest Energon Universe special, here are the must-have comics you should be on the lookout for during this year's event.

The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel kicks off the festivities with this special issue featuring two original stories. The first, penned by Joe Kelly and illustrated by John Romita, Jr., acts as a primer for the recently relaunched Amazing Spider-Man series. The second tale, crafted by writers Deniz Camp and Cody Ziglar with art by Jonas Scharf, is a prologue to the upcoming Ultimate Universe crossover, drawing Miles Morales into 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 the vampire-themed Blood Type by Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino. For an early glimpse into this series, pick up Blood Type #0, which 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 features three interconnected stories that set the stage for a monumental clash 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 major franchises. One tale is set in the Critical Role universe, where Beau and Caleb find themselves embroiled in a night of dinner theater. The other story focuses on Colonel Weird from the Black Hammer universe, exploring both its past and future.

DC All In: 2025 Special Edition #1

Publisher: DC

Similar to last year's event, DC's flipbook serves as a gateway to the future of both the core DC Universe and the new Absolute Universe. It introduces 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 shook the comic world with the surprise reveal that Void Rivals was the launchpad for a new shared universe involving Transformers and G.I. Joe. This issue features three new short stories and a twist so significant they had to censor the cover.

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 story by Ryan North and Humberto Ramos, and a revisit to the day Charles Xavier formed 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 set for Saturday, May 3. Most comic book shops will be participating, but you can use the FCBD Store Locator to find a shop near you and confirm their involvement. Keep in mind that while the comics are free for you, store owners still incur shipping costs, so consider supporting them by taking advantage of their sales and promotions.

For digital readers, most FCBD books eventually become available on platforms like Comixology, Marvel Unlimited, and DC Universe, though you might have to wait a few days or weeks, depending on the publisher.

Gargoyles: Demona #1

Publisher: Dynamite

While Disney hasn't given Gargoyles fans the animated revival they crave, Dynamite is compensating with its comic book offerings. The Gargoyles line expands with this special, setting up the Gargoyles: Demona series, written by creator Greg Weisman.

Godzilla: The New Heroes #1

Publisher: IDW

IDW is launching an entire new shared universe of Godzilla comics this summer. This issue serves as a primer, featuring a ten-page prelude story and previews of upcoming ongoing Godzilla books.

Power Rangers/VR Troopers #1

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

BOOM! Studios introduces a VR Troopers series spun from the Power Rangers Prime reboot. This issue offers fans 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 three 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

Potentially the highlight of FCBD 2025, this issue combines Dynamite's Thundercats and Powerpuff Girls in a unique crossover. What happens when Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles journey to Third Earth? Discover the answer in this intriguing comic.

Let us know in the comments which books you're excited to pick up on Free Comic Book Day 2025. If you're looking for additional reading, check out the top 27 Batman graphic novels and the top 25 Spider-Man graphic novels to enhance your FCBD stack.