"Top 13 Comics to Read on Free Comic Book Day 2025"

May has arrived, bringing with it one of the most anticipated events on the comic calendar — Free Comic Book Day. Every year on the first Saturday in May, participating comic shops around the globe celebrate by offering a selection of free comics to fans. These books often serve as gateways to upcoming story arcs, reboots, or popular series, making it well worth your time to step into a shop and grab what you can before they run out.

In 2025, there’s no shortage of exciting titles to look forward to. From DC's *DC All In 2025 Special Edition* to Marvel’s *Fantastic Four/X-Men* and *The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe*, not forgetting the latest *Energon Universe* special, this year’s lineup promises something for every kind of comic reader.

The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1

Publisher: Marvel

This issue delivers two original stories in one package. The first is a primer to the newly relaunched The Amazing Spider-Man, written by Joe Kelly with art from John Romita, Jr. The second story, penned by Deniz Camp and Cody Ziglar and illustrated by Jonas Scharf, serves as a prologue to the highly anticipated Ultimate Universe crossover event. This tale pulls Miles Morales into the new Ultimate U, setting up major developments ahead.

Blood Type #0

Publisher: Oni Press

Oni Press expands its EC Comics imprint this summer with several new titles, including Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino’s vampire-themed series Blood Type. For those curious about what’s coming next, Blood Type #0 offers an early preview. It reprints the short story that launched the series in the anthology Epitaphs From the Abyss.

Conan: Scourge of the Serpent #1

Publisher: Titan

Titan Comics continues its tradition of launching annual Conan crossover events through FCBD. This issue features three interconnected tales centered around Conan’s battle against the serpent god Set, laying the foundation for a grand adventure sure to excite longtime fans and newcomers alike.

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

Publisher: Dark Horse

Dark Horse showcases two of its flagship franchises in one issue. One story follows Beau and Caleb as they dive headfirst into a chaotic dinner theater experience within the Critical Role universe. The other centers on Colonel Weird from the Black Hammer series, offering insight into both the origins and future of the Black Hammer universe.

DC All In: 2025 Special Edition #1

Publisher: DC

Following the success of last year’s edition, DC returns with another flipbook-style release. One side introduces the upcoming *Superman Unlimited* series by Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque, while the other explores the evolving Absolute Universe with a new story from Jeff Lemire and Giuseppe Camuncoli.

Energon Universe 2025 Special #1

Publisher: Skybound

Skybound made waves earlier this year when it revealed that *Void Rivals* was just the beginning of a larger shared universe featuring Transformers and G.I. Joe. This special includes three new short stories showcasing all three pillars of the Energon Universe, capped off with a shocking twist so big the cover had to be censored.

Fantastic Four/X-Men #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel pairs two iconic franchises together for a must-read FCBD title. This issue includes a new Fantastic Four story by Ryan North and Humberto Ramos, while X-Men writers Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing revisit the origin of the All-New, All-Different team and reveal which mutant turned Charles Xavier down.

How to Participate in Free Comic Book Day

Free Comic Book Day will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Most local comic book stores will be participating, but to be sure, you can use the official FCBD Store Locator tool to find a nearby shop that’s offering free comics.

Many shops also hold special promotions and sales during FCBD weekend. While the event is free for readers, stores still pay shipping costs for these books, so consider supporting them by purchasing additional items if possible.

Digital readers should note that most FCBD books eventually become available on platforms like ComiXology, Marvel Unlimited, and DC Universe. However, availability may vary by publisher, with some taking days or even weeks to appear online.

Gargoyles: Demona #1

Publisher: Dynamite

While Disney hasn’t revived the animated series, Dynamite is stepping up with a new addition to the Gargoyles comic line. Written by original creator Greg Weisman, this special sets up the new *Gargoyles: Demona* series, giving fans more of what they love.

Godzilla: The New Heroes #1

Publisher: IDW

IDW is launching an entirely new Godzilla shared universe this summer, and this FCBD special serves as the entry point. It includes a ten-page prelude story plus previews of upcoming ongoing titles, making it essential reading for kaiju fans.

Power Rangers/VR Troopers #1

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

BOOM! Studios reveals its plans to expand the Power Rangers universe with a brand-new *VR Troopers* series. This FCBD issue gives readers a sneak peek at the upcoming series and revisits classic *VR Troopers* stories from the past.

Star Wars #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marcus' third FCBD offering from Marvel spotlights the refreshed *Star Wars* comic line. Featuring contributions from Charles Soule & Luke Ross (*Legacy of Vader*), Marc Guggenheim & Madibek Musabekov (*Jedi Knights*), and Alex Segura & Phil Noto (*Star Wars*), this issue presents three short stories tied to each series.

Thundercats/The Powerpuff Girls #1

Publisher: Dynamite

One of the standout picks for FCBD 2025, this crossover combines two wildly different universes — *Thundercats* and *The Powerpuff Girls*. Follow Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles as they travel to Third Earth in a fun, bizarre, and surprisingly intriguing crossover story.

If you're heading out for Free Comic Book Day 2025, make sure to keep an eye out for these top-tier titles. Whether you’re a fan of superheroes,