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

May has arrived, and that means it's time for another thrilling Free Comic Book Day! Every year, comic shops worldwide celebrate by offering free comics on the first Saturday of May. These books often serve as introductions to major upcoming storylines or popular series, making it a fantastic opportunity to dive into new narratives or catch up on your favorites. Despite the potential crowds, it's definitely worth venturing out to grab these coveted comics.

2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year with a range of titles you won't want to miss. From DC's DC All in 2025 Special Edition to Marvel's Fantastic Four/X-Men and The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe books, along with the latest from the Energon Universe, here are the standout comics to look out for this year:

The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel kicks off the festivities with this dual-story issue. The first tale, crafted by writer Joe Kelly and artist John Romita, Jr., serves as a perfect primer for the relaunched Amazing Spider-Man series. The second story, penned by Deniz Camp and Cody Ziglar with art by Jonas Scharf, sets the stage for the upcoming Ultimate Universe crossover event, where Miles Morales embarks on an adventure in the new Ultimate U.

Blood Type #0

Publisher: Oni Press

Oni Press is expanding its EC Comics imprint this summer with new series, including the vampire-centric Blood Type by Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino. Get an early taste with Blood Type #0, which reprints the short story from Epitaphs From the Abyss that launched the Blood Type saga.

Conan: Scourge of the Serpent #1

Publisher: Titan

Titan Comics continues its tradition of using FCBD to introduce its annual Conan crossover events. Conan: Scourge of the Serpent features three interconnected tales that set the scene for a monumental battle between Conan and the serpent god Set.

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

Publisher: Dark Horse

Dark Horse showcases two of its flagship franchises in this special. One story follows Beau and Caleb from the Critical Role universe as they get entangled in a dinner theater escapade. The other tale delves into the past and future of the Black Hammer universe, focusing on Colonel Weird.

Publisher: DC

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

Energon Universe 2025 Special #1

Publisher: Skybound

Skybound's Energon Universe, featuring Transformers and G.I. Joe, continues to surprise and delight. This issue includes three new short stories and a twist so significant that the cover had to be censored, making it a must-read for fans.

Fantastic Four/X-Men #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel's second big FCBD release pairs the Fantastic Four with the X-Men. Don't miss the new Fantastic Four tale from Ryan North and Humberto Ramos, and a fresh look at the day Charles Xavier 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 is set for Saturday, May 3. Most comic book shops will participate, but you can use the FCBD Store Locator to find a nearby store and confirm their involvement. Many shops also run promotions and sales during the event. Remember, while the comics are free for you, store owners still incur shipping costs, so consider supporting them by taking advantage of those sales.

For digital readers, most FCBD books eventually become available on apps 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 Gargoyles animated series, Dynamite is keeping the spirit alive with comics. This special sets up the Gargoyles: Demona series and is written by the franchise's creator, Greg Weisman.

Godzilla: The New Heroes #1

Publisher: IDW

IDW is launching a new shared Godzilla universe this summer. This issue offers a ten-page prelude story and previews of the upcoming ongoing Godzilla books, making it an essential read for fans.

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

BOOM! Studios is launching a VR Troopers series spinning out of the Power Rangers Prime reboot. This issue provides a sneak peek at the new series alongside a nostalgic look at past VR Troopers comics.

Star Wars #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel's final FCBD release focuses on their revamped Star Wars line. This issue features 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 unique crossover might be the highlight of FCBD 2025. Dynamite combines Thundercats and The Powerpuff Girls into one intriguing issue. Discover what happens when Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles venture into Third Earth.

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

Need some ideas for great comics to pick up along with your FCBD stack? Why not check out the top 27 Batman graphic novels and the top 25 Spider-Man graphic novels?