Top 13 Comics to Read on Free Comic Book Day 2025

May has arrived, and with it comes the much-anticipated Free Comic Book Day. This annual event, held on the first Saturday of May, sees comic shops worldwide handing out free books. These books often serve as introductions to major upcoming storylines or best-selling series, making it a worthwhile venture to brave the crowds and snag the most sought-after comics.

In 2025, the lineup is as exciting 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 books, and the latest Energon Universe special, here are the key titles to watch out for this year.

The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1

Publisher: Marvel

The first of several specials from Marvel, this issue features two original stories. 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 and drawn by Jonas Scharf, serves as a prologue to the upcoming Ultimate Universe crossover event, involving Miles Morales in 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 new series, Blood Type #0 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 has made a habit of using Free Comic Book Day to debut its annual Conan crossover events. Conan: Scourge of the Serpent continues this tradition, featuring 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 highlights 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, as well as 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, and a new Absolute Universe story by Jeff Lemire and Giuseppe Camuncoli.

Energon Universe 2025 Special #1

Publisher: Skybound

Skybound's surprise reveal that Void Rivals was the starting point for a new shared universe involving Transformers and G.I. Joe has generated buzz. This issue features three new short stories and a major twist, so significant that it led to the cover being censored.

Fantastic Four/X-Men #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel pairs the X-Men and Fantastic Four in their second major Free Comic Book Day release. This issue is noteworthy for featuring a new Fantastic Four story by Ryan North and Humberto Ramos, and a revisit to the day Charles Xavier first assembled the All-New, All-Different X-Men, revealing the one mutant who declined his invitation, courtesy of Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing.

How to Participate in Free Comic Book Day

Free Comic Book Day will take place on Saturday, May 3. Most comic book shops will participate, but you can use the FCBD Store Locator to find a nearby shop and confirm their participation. Many shops also run promotions and sales alongside the event. Remember, while the comics are free for readers, stores still incur shipping costs, so consider supporting them by taking advantage of their sales.

For digital readers, most Free Comic Book Day titles eventually become available on platforms like Comixology, Marvel Unlimited, and DC Universe, though there may be a delay depending on the publisher.

Gargoyles: Demona #1

Publisher: Dynamite

While Disney has not given Gargoyles fans the animated revival they crave, Dynamite is expanding the comic book 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 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 and a look back at previous 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, 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 could be the most intriguing pick of Free Comic Book Day 2025, as Dynamite combines its Thundercats and Powerpuff Girls comics into one crossover. The story explores what happens when Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles travel to Third Earth.

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 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.