Top 13 Comics to Read on Free Comic Book Day 2025

May has arrived, heralding the return of Free Comic Book Day, an annual event where comic shops worldwide distribute free comics on the first Saturday of May. This year's lineup promises to be as exciting as ever, offering previews of major upcoming storylines and best-selling series. Whether you're a seasoned comic enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Free Comic Book Day 2025 is the perfect opportunity to explore new narratives and characters. Here are some must-grab titles for this year's event:

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 writer Joe Kelly and artist John Romita, Jr., serves as an enticing introduction to the relaunched Amazing Spider-Man series. Meanwhile, the second story, penned by Deniz Camp and Cody Ziglar with art by Jonas Scharf, sets the stage for the thrilling Ultimate Universe crossover, featuring Miles Morales navigating the new Ultimate Universe.

Blood Type #0

Publisher: Oni Press

Oni Press is set to expand its EC Comics imprint with the vampire series Blood Type, and this FCBD issue offers an early glimpse. Blood Type #0 reprints the captivating short story from the anthology series Epitaphs From the Abyss, providing a thrilling introduction to the saga crafted by Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino.

Conan: Scourge of the Serpent #1

Publisher: Titan

Titan Comics continues its tradition of using FCBD to launch its annual Conan crossover events with Conan: Scourge of the Serpent. This issue weaves three interconnected tales that lay the groundwork for an epic confrontation between Conan and the serpent god Set, promising a gripping narrative for fans of the barbarian hero.

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

Publisher: Dark Horse

Dark Horse's FCBD special showcases two of its flagship franchises. One story delves into the Critical Role universe, where Beau and Caleb find themselves entangled in a night of dinner theater fun. The other tale focuses on Colonel Weird, exploring the rich tapestry of the Black Hammer universe's past and future.

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

Publisher: DC

DC's flipbook special offers 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 and features a new Absolute Universe story by Jeff Lemire and Giuseppe Camuncoli, providing fans with exciting previews of what's to come.

Energon Universe 2025 Special #1

Publisher: Skybound

Skybound's Energon Universe special is a must-read, featuring the Transformers and G.I. Joe in a shared universe. This issue includes three new short stories and a shocking twist that's so significant, it necessitated a censored cover, ensuring a thrilling read for fans of these iconic franchises.

Fantastic Four/X-Men #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel's second FCBD release brings together the Fantastic Four and the X-Men. This issue is a must-have, featuring a new Fantastic Four story from 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 his invitation, written 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 participate, but you can use the FCBD Store Locator to find a participating store near you and confirm their involvement. Many shops also offer additional promotions and sales, so consider supporting them by taking advantage of these offers—remember, while the comics are free for you, stores still incur shipping costs.

For those who prefer digital reading, most FCBD titles eventually become available on platforms like Comixology, Marvel Unlimited, and DC Universe, although 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 Gargoyles animated series, Dynamite is keeping the spirit alive with its comic line. This special sets the stage for the upcoming Gargoyles: Demona series and is even penned by the original creator, Greg Weisman, making it a must-read for fans.

Godzilla: The New Heroes #1

Publisher: IDW

IDW is launching a new shared universe of Godzilla comics this summer, and this FCBD issue serves as a primer. It includes a ten-page prelude story and previews of the forthcoming ongoing Godzilla books, offering an exciting introduction to this expansive universe.

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 FCBD issue offers a sneak peek at the new series alongside a nostalgic look at past VR Troopers comics, catering to both new and long-time fans.

Star Wars #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel's final FCBD release focuses on its revamped Star Wars line, featuring three new tales connected 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, providing fans with exciting new stories from this beloved universe.

Thundercats/The Powerpuff Girls #1

Publisher: Dynamite

Dynamite's offering might be the most intriguing of FCBD 2025, blending the worlds of Thundercats and The Powerpuff Girls into a single crossover issue. Discover what happens when Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles venture to Third Earth, promising a unique and entertaining read.

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

For more reading suggestions, consider exploring the top 27 Batman graphic novels and the top 25 Spider-Man graphic novels to complement your FCBD haul.