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 distributing free comics to fans. These comics often serve as introductions to major upcoming storylines or popular series, making it a must-visit for any comic enthusiast. In 2025, several standout titles are set to make waves, from DC's DC All In 2025 Special Edition to Marvel's Fantastic Four/X-Men and The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe books, as well as the latest Energon Universe special. Here's a closer look at what to expect and which comics you should not miss.

The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel kicks off its FCBD offerings with this exciting dual-story issue. The first story, penned by Joe Kelly and illustrated by John Romita, Jr., sets the stage for the newly relaunched Amazing Spider-Man series. The second tale, crafted by writers Deniz Camp and Cody Ziglar with art by Jonas Scharf, acts as a prelude to the upcoming Ultimate Universe crossover event, where Miles Morales finds himself pulled into the new Ultimate U. This issue is a must-grab for fans eager to get a head start on these compelling narratives.

Blood Type #0

Publisher: Oni Press

Oni Press is expanding its EC Comics imprint with the vampire series Blood Type by Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino. If you're curious about this new saga, Blood Type #0 offers an early glimpse. This issue reprints the short story from the anthology series Epitaphs From the Abyss, which kicked off the Blood Type storyline. A perfect opportunity to dive into this thrilling new series.

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 tales that lay the groundwork for an epic clash between Conan and the serpent god Set. This issue promises to be a thrilling introduction to the upcoming narrative.

Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins/Black Hammer #1

Publisher: Dark Horse

Dark Horse's FCBD special showcases two of its flagship franchises. This issue includes a story set in the Critical Role universe, where Beau and Caleb find themselves embroiled 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. A must-read for fans of these expansive worlds.

DC All In: 2025 Special Edition #1 ----------------------------------

Publisher: DC

Similar to last year's special, DC's 2025 flipbook provides a glimpse into the future of both the core DC Universe and the new Absolute Universe. It introduces the upcoming Superman Unlimited series from Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque, while also featuring a new Absolute Universe story by Jeff Lemire and Giuseppe Camuncoli. A perfect primer for what's coming next in the DC world.

Energon Universe 2025 Special #1

Publisher: Skybound

Skybound made headlines with the surprise reveal that Void Rivals was the launching point for a new shared universe involving Transformers and G.I. Joe. This special issue features three new short stories and a twist so significant that they had to censor the cover. A must-pick-up for fans of these iconic franchises.

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 standout, 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, revealing the one mutant who declined his invitation. A must-read for fans of both teams.

How to Participate in Free Comic Book Day

Free Comic Book Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 3. Most comic book shops participate, but you can use the FCBD Store Locator to find a participating store near you. Keep in mind that while the comics are free, store owners still bear the cost of shipping, so consider supporting them by taking advantage of their sales and promotions.

For digital comic enthusiasts, 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 depending on the publisher.

Gargoyles: Demona #1

Publisher: Dynamite

While Disney hasn't given Gargoyles fans the animated revival they crave, Dynamite is making up for it with its comic line. The Gargoyles series expands with this special issue, setting up the Gargoyles: Demona series, and it's even written by creator Greg Weisman. A must-read for fans of the animated series.

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 forthcoming Godzilla ongoing series. A great introduction to the new universe.

Power Rangers/VR Troopers #1 ----------------------------

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

BOOM! Studios is debuting a VR Troopers series spun out of the Power Rangers Prime reboot. This issue offers a sneak peek at the new series and a look back at some of the classic VR Troopers comics. A must-have for fans of these nostalgic franchises.

Star Wars #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel's third 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. A perfect entry point for new and returning Star Wars fans.

Thundercats/The Powerpuff Girls #1

Publisher: Dynamite

This might be the most intriguing title of FCBD 2025, combining Dynamite's Thundercats and Powerpuff Girls comics into one wild crossover. What happens when Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles travel to Third Earth? This issue promises to answer that question in a fun and unexpected way.

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

For more reading recommendations, consider checking out the top 27 Batman graphic novels and the top 25 Spider-Man graphic novels.