Top 13 Comics to Read on Free Comic Book Day 2025

May has arrived, bringing with it the much-anticipated Free Comic Book Day. This annual event sees comic shops worldwide distributing free comics on the first Saturday of May, offering a perfect opportunity to delve into major upcoming storylines or best-selling series. In 2025, the excitement continues with a stellar lineup of free comics from top publishers like DC, Marvel, and more. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of comics, here are the titles you won't want to miss this year.

The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1

Publisher: Marvel

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

Blood Type #0

Publisher: Oni Press

Oni Press is set to expand its EC Comics imprint with new series this summer, and Blood Type #0 offers an early glimpse into the vampire saga by Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino. This issue reprints the short story from the anthology series Epitaphs From the Abyss, marking the beginning of the Blood Type narrative.

Conan: Scourge of the Serpent #1

Publisher: Titan

Titan Comics continues its tradition of using FCBD to launch its annual Conan crossover events. Conan: Scourge of the Serpent features three interconnected stories that set the scene for an epic showdown between Conan and the serpent god Set.

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

Publisher: Dark Horse

Dark Horse's FCBD special shines a spotlight on two of its biggest franchises. One story immerses readers in the Critical Role universe, following Beau and Caleb's misadventures during a dinner theater outing. The other story delves into the Black Hammer universe, focusing on Colonel Weird and exploring both its past and future.

Publisher: DC

DC's flipbook special offers a glimpse into the future of both the core DC Universe and the new Absolute Universe. On one side, it introduces the upcoming Superman Unlimited series by Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque. On the other, it features a new story set in the Absolute Universe from Jeff Lemire and Giuseppe Camuncoli.

Energon Universe 2025 Special #1

Publisher: Skybound

Skybound's Energon Universe, which surprised fans with the launch of Void Rivals, continues to expand. This special issue showcases three new short stories featuring Transformers and G.I. Joe, and includes a twist so significant it required a censored cover.

Fantastic Four/X-Men #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel pairs the X-Men and Fantastic Four in this exciting FCBD release. The issue includes a new Fantastic Four story by Ryan North and Humberto Ramos, and on the X-Men side, Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing revisit the day Charles Xavier formed the All-New, All-Different X-Men, revealing a surprising rejection by a potential member.

How to Participate in Free Comic Book Day

Free Comic Book Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 3. Most comic book shops will participate, but you can use the FCBD Store Locator to find a store near you and confirm their participation. Many shops also offer special promotions and sales, so consider supporting your local comic shop by taking advantage of these offers. While FCBD books are free, remember that store owners still incur shipping costs, making your support invaluable.

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

Gargoyles: Demona #1

Publisher: Dynamite

While Disney hasn't revived the Gargoyles animated series, Dynamite is expanding the franchise with comics. This special sets up the Gargoyles: Demona series and is written by the original creator, Greg Weisman, ensuring a faithful continuation of the beloved story.

Godzilla: The New Heroes #1

Publisher: IDW

IDW is launching a new shared universe of Godzilla comics this summer, and Godzilla: The New Heroes #1 serves as an introduction. This issue includes a ten-page prelude story and previews of upcoming ongoing Godzilla titles.

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

BOOM! Studios introduces the VR Troopers series, spinning out of the Power Rangers Prime reboot. This issue offers a sneak peek at the new series and a nostalgic look at past VR Troopers comics.

Star Wars #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel's final FCBD release for 2025 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

This intriguing crossover brings together Dynamite's Thundercats and Powerpuff Girls comics. Discover what happens when Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles journey to Third Earth in this unique and exciting story.

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

For more great reads to add to your FCBD haul, consider exploring the top 27 Batman graphic novels and the top 25 Spider-Man graphic novels.