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

May has arrived, bringing with it the much-anticipated Free Comic Book Day. Each year, comic book stores around the globe celebrate by distributing free comics on the first Saturday of May. These free issues often serve as introductions to major upcoming narratives or popular series, making it a worthwhile event to attend despite the bustling crowds. This year, 2025, promises an exciting lineup, 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 top picks you should look out for during Free Comic Book Day 2025.

The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel kicks off its offerings with this dual-story special. The first tale, penned by Joe Kelly and illustrated by John Romita, Jr., acts as a primer for the newly relaunched Amazing Spider-Man series. The second story, crafted by writers Deniz Camp and Cody Ziglar with art by Jonas Scharf, sets the stage for the upcoming Ultimate Universe crossover, drawing Miles Morales into the new Ultimate U.

Blood Type #0

Publisher: Oni Press

As Oni Press expands its EC Comics imprint this summer, Blood Type #0 offers an early look at the new vampire series by Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino. This issue 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 launch its annual Conan crossover events with Conan: Scourge of the Serpent. This issue features three interconnected tales that set up a monumental conflict between Conan and the serpent god Set.

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

Publisher: Dark Horse

Dark Horse's FCBD special highlights two of its flagship series. One story dives into the Critical Role universe, following Beau and Caleb as they become overly involved in dinner theater. The other tale focuses on Colonel Weird, exploring the past and future of the Black Hammer universe.

Publisher: DC

Similar to last year's DC All In Special, this flipbook introduces readers to the future of both the core DC Universe and the new Absolute Universe. One side previews the upcoming Superman Unlimited series by Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque, while the other features a new story set in the Absolute Universe by Jeff Lemire and Giuseppe Camuncoli.

Energon Universe 2025 Special #1

Publisher: Skybound

Following the surprise reveal of Void Rivals as the launch point for a new shared universe involving Transformers and G.I. Joe, Skybound presents three new short stories in this issue. The cover hides a major twist, adding to the excitement.

Fantastic Four/X-Men #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel's second major FCBD release pairs the Fantastic Four with the X-Men. The issue includes a new Fantastic Four story by Ryan North and Humberto Ramos, and an X-Men tale by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing that revisits the day Charles Xavier assembled the All-New, All-Different X-Men, revealing the mutant who declined his invitation.

How to Participate in Free Comic Book Day

Free Comic Book Day will take place on Saturday, May 3. Most comic book shops participate, but you can use the FCBD Store Locator to find a participating store near you.

Remember, while the comics are free for customers, store owners still incur shipping costs. It's a great idea to support 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 need to wait a few days or weeks, depending on the publisher.

Gargoyles: Demona #1

Publisher: Dynamite

While Disney hasn't revived the animated Gargoyles series, Dynamite is expanding the comic universe 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 Godzilla universe this summer, and this issue serves as an introduction. It includes a ten-page prelude story and previews of upcoming Godzilla books.

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

BOOM! Studios introduces a new VR Troopers series stemming from the Power Rangers Prime reboot. This issue offers a sneak peek at the new series and revisits past VR Troopers comics.

Star Wars #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel's final FCBD release focuses on its 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

Dynamite's most intriguing offering combines Thundercats and The Powerpuff Girls into a unique crossover. Discover what happens when Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles visit Third Earth in this bizarre and exciting tale.

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 to complement your FCBD haul.