Top 13 Comics for Free Comic Book Day 2025

May has arrived, bringing with it the much-anticipated Free Comic Book Day. Every year, comic shops worldwide participate in this exciting event, offering free books on the first Saturday of May. These books often serve as primers for major upcoming storylines or best-selling series, making it worthwhile to brave the crowds and grab the most coveted comics. In 2025, the lineup is as thrilling as ever, with offerings from DC, Marvel, and other publishers that you won't want to miss.

Here's a look at the standout titles for this year's Free Comic Book Day:

The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel kicks off its FCBD specials with this issue, which includes two original stories. The first, crafted by writer Joe Kelly and artist John Romita, Jr., serves as a perfect introduction to the relaunched Amazing Spider-Man series. The second story, penned by Deniz Camp and Cody Ziglar and illustrated by Jonas Scharf, acts as a prologue to the upcoming Ultimate Universe crossover event, featuring Miles Morales in the new Ultimate U.

Blood Type #0

Publisher: Oni Press

Oni Press is set to expand its EC Comics imprint with the vampire series Blood Type by Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino. If you're eager for an early glimpse, Blood Type #0 is the comic for you. It 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 FCBD to debut its annual Conan crossover events. Conan: Scourge of the Serpent features three interconnected tales that set the stage for a grand 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 showcases two of its biggest franchises. This issue includes a tale set in the Critical Role universe, where Beau and Caleb find themselves entangled in a dinner theater adventure. Additionally, there's a Black Hammer story focusing on Colonel Weird, exploring both the past and future of the Black Hammer universe.

DC All In: 2025 Special Edition #1

Publisher: DC

Similar to last year's special, DC's 2025 flipbook offers a glimpse into the future of the core DC Universe and the new Absolute Universe. It introduces the upcoming Superman Unlimited series by Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque, as well as a new Absolute Universe story by Jeff Lemire and Giuseppe Camuncoli.

Energon Universe 2025 Special #1

Publisher: Skybound

Skybound surprised fans with Void Rivals, which launched a new shared universe involving Transformers and G.I. Joe. This issue features three new short stories and a twist so significant that the cover had to be censored.

Fantastic Four/X-Men #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel pairs the X-Men and Fantastic Four in this FCBD release. The issue includes a new Fantastic Four tale by Ryan North and Humberto Ramos, and a revisit to the day Charles Xavier assembled the All-New, All-Different X-Men by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, revealing the one mutant who declined.

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 shop near you and confirm their involvement. Many shops will also run promotions and sales, so consider supporting them by purchasing additional items, as they bear the cost of shipping these free books.

For digital readers, most FCBD books will eventually be available on apps like Comixology, Marvel Unlimited, and DC Universe, though you might need to wait a few days or weeks.

Gargoyles: Demona #1

Publisher: Dynamite

While Disney hasn't revived the animated Gargoyles series, Dynamite is expanding the comic book line with Gargoyles: Demona, written by creator Greg Weisman. This special sets up the new series.

Godzilla: The New Heroes #1

Publisher: IDW

IDW is launching a new shared universe of Godzilla comics this summer. This issue serves as a primer, featuring a ten-page prelude story and previews of the upcoming ongoing Godzilla books.

Power Rangers/VR Troopers #1

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

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

Star Wars #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel's final FCBD release focuses on its revamped Star Wars line, featuring three new tales 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 combines Dynamite's Thundercats and Powerpuff Girls comics into one intriguing issue. What happens when Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles travel to Third Earth? This comic promises to deliver an unforgettable adventure.

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?