Top 13 Must-Read Comics on Free Comic Book Day 2025

May has arrived, bringing with it the much-anticipated Free Comic Book Day. Every year, comic shops worldwide participate in this event, distributing free comics on the first Saturday of May. These free books often act as introductions to major upcoming storylines or popular series, making it well worth the effort to brave the crowds and grab the most significant releases of the year.

2025 promises an exciting lineup of free comics. 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 must-have comics for this year's event.

The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel kicks off the event with a dual-story special. The first tale, crafted by writer Joe Kelly and artist John Romita, Jr., serves as a primer for the recently relaunched Amazing Spider-Man series. The second story, penned by Deniz Camp and Cody Ziglar with art by Jonas Scharf, is a prologue to the upcoming Ultimate Universe crossover event, where Miles Morales finds himself drawn into the new Ultimate U.

Blood Type #0

Publisher: Oni Press

Oni Press is set to expand its EC Comics imprint with several new series, including the vampire-centric Blood Type by Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino. For an early look at this new series, Blood Type #0 reprints the short story from the anthology series Epitaphs From the Abyss, which 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 highlights two of its biggest franchises in this special issue. One story delves into the Critical Role universe, where Beau and Caleb get a bit too involved in a dinner theater escapade. The other features a Black Hammer tale 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 release, DC's flipbook offers a glimpse into the future of the core DC Universe and the new Absolute Universe. It introduces the upcoming Superman Unlimited series by Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque, alongside a new Absolute Universe story by Jeff Lemire and Giuseppe Camuncoli.

Energon Universe 2025 Special #1

Publisher: Skybound

Skybound's surprise reveal of Void Rivals as the launchpad for a new shared universe involving Transformers and G.I. Joe continues with this special. Featuring three new short stories and a major twist that led to a censored cover, this issue encompasses all three pillars of the Energon Universe.

Fantastic Four/X-Men #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel's second major release pairs the Fantastic Four with the X-Men. This issue is a must-read, featuring a new Fantastic Four story by Ryan North and Humberto Ramos, and a tale revisiting the day Charles Xavier first assembled the All-New, All-Different X-Men, revealing the one mutant who declined, penned by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing.

How to Participate in Free Comic Book Day

Free Comic Book Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 3. Most comic book shops will be participating, but you can confirm using the FCBD Store Locator. While the event offers free comics, remember that store owners still incur shipping costs. It's a great idea to take advantage of their sales and promotions, supporting them with a purchase or two.

For digital readers, most FCBD books eventually become available on platforms like Comixology, Marvel Unlimited, and DC Universe, though you might need to wait a few days or weeks for them to appear.

Gargoyles: Demona #1

Publisher: Dynamite

While Disney hasn't revived the animated Gargoyles series, Dynamite is expanding the comic line with Gargoyles: Demona, written by creator Greg Weisman. This special sets the stage for the new series.

Godzilla: The New Heroes #1

Publisher: IDW

IDW is launching a new shared Godzilla universe 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

Following the announcement of 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 classic VR Troopers comics.

Star Wars #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel's final FCBD release focuses on their revamped Star Wars line, featuring new tales 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

This intriguing crossover combines Dynamite's Thundercats and Powerpuff Girls comics into one unique story. What happens when Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles visit Third Earth? This special promises to answer that question.

Let us know in the comments which books you're excited to pick up on Free Comic Book Day 2025.

Looking for more comic recommendations? Check out the top 27 Batman graphic novels and the top 25 Spider-Man graphic novels to add to your collection alongside your FCBD haul.