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

May has arrived, bringing with it the much-anticipated Free Comic Book Day, an annual event where comic shops around the globe participate by offering free books on the first Saturday of May. This year, on May 3, 2025, is no exception, promising a lineup of exciting titles that serve as introductions to major upcoming storylines and best-selling series. It's definitely worth venturing out to grab these coveted comics, despite the crowds.

Here are the standout titles you should look out for during Free Comic Book Day 2025:

The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel's first of several specials, this issue includes two original stories. The first, penned by Joe Kelly and illustrated by John Romita, Jr., introduces readers to the relaunched Amazing Spider-Man series. The second story, a collaboration between writers Deniz Camp and Cody Ziglar and artist Jonas Scharf, is a prologue to the upcoming Ultimate Universe crossover event, where Miles Morales is drawn into 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, including the vampire-centric Blood Type by Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino. For an early glimpse, pick up Blood Type #0, which reprints the short story from the anthology series 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 Free Comic Book Day to kick off 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 special issue spotlights two of its biggest franchises. One story is set in the Critical Role universe, where Beau and Caleb find themselves overly engaged in a dinner theater event. The other tale delves into the Black Hammer universe, focusing on Colonel Weird and exploring both its past and future.

Publisher: DC

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

Energon Universe 2025 Special #1

Publisher: Skybound

Skybound surprised fans with the revelation that Void Rivals was the launchpad for a new shared universe involving Transformers and G.I. Joe. This issue showcases all three pillars of the Energon Universe with three new short stories and a censored cover hinting at a major twist.

Fantastic Four/X-Men #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel's second major FCBD release pairs the X-Men with the Fantastic Four. This issue is a must-read, featuring a new Fantastic Four tale by Ryan North and Humberto Ramos, and a story revisiting the day Charles Xavier assembled the All-New, All-Different X-Men, revealing the one mutant who declined the invitation.

How to Participate in Free Comic Book Day

Free Comic Book Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025. Most comic book shops participate, but you can use the FCBD Store Locator to find a store near you and confirm their involvement. Many stores also offer promotions and sales, so consider supporting them by purchasing additional items, as they bear the cost of shipping these free comics.

For digital readers, most FCBD books are eventually added to platforms like Comixology, Marvel Unlimited, and DC Universe, though you might need to wait a few days or weeks for availability.

Gargoyles: Demona #1

Publisher: Dynamite

While Disney hasn't revived the animated Gargoyles series, Dynamite is expanding the franchise with comics. This special sets up the Gargoyles: Demona series, written by 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 and previews of the forthcoming Godzilla series, serving as an ideal introduction.

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

BOOM! Studios is launching a VR Troopers series from the Power Rangers Prime reboot. This issue offers a sneak peek at the new series and revisits past VR Troopers comics.

Star Wars #1

Publisher: Marvel

Marvel's final FCBD release focuses on their 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 issue stands out for its unique crossover between Thundercats and The Powerpuff Girls. The story explores what happens when Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles journey to Third Earth, promising an intriguing and entertaining read.

Let us know in the comments below which books you're excited to pick up on Free Comic Book Day 2025. If you're looking for additional reading, consider exploring the top 27 Batman graphic novels and the top 25 Spider-Man graphic novels.