May has arrived, and with it comes another exciting Free Comic Book Day. Every year, comic shops worldwide participate in this event, distributing free comics on the first Saturday of May. These books often serve as introductions to major upcoming storylines or popular series, making it a great opportunity to grab some of the most anticipated comics, even if it means braving the crowds.
2025 promises to be no different, with a range of enticing titles from top publishers. From DC's DC All in 2025 Special Edition to Marvel's Fantastic Four/X-Men and The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe books, and the latest Energon Universe special, here are the comics you should be on the lookout for this Free Comic Book Day.
The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1
Publisher: Marvel
This issue from Marvel is a double treat, featuring two original stories. The first, penned by Joe Kelly and illustrated by John Romita, Jr., serves as an introduction to the relaunched Amazing Spider-Man series. The second story, crafted by writers Deniz Camp and Cody Ziglar with art by Jonas Scharf, is a prologue to the upcoming Ultimate Universe crossover event, drawing Miles Morales into the new Ultimate U.
Blood Type #0
Publisher: Oni Press
Oni Press is expanding its EC Comics imprint with new series this summer, including the vampire-themed Blood Type by Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino. Blood Type #0 offers a preview of this new series, reprinting the short story from the anthology 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 launch its annual Conan crossover events. Conan: Scourge of the Serpent includes three interconnected tales, setting 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 Free Comic Book Day special highlights two of its biggest franchises. The issue features a story set in the Critical Role universe, where Beau and Caleb find themselves overly involved in an evening of dinner theater. Additionally, there's a Black Hammer story focused on Colonel Weird, exploring both the past and future of the Black Hammer universe.
DC All In: 2025 Special Edition #1 ----------------------------------
Publisher: DC
DC's flipbook, similar to last year's release, gives readers a glimpse into the future of 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 surprised fans with the announcement that Void Rivals would launch a new shared universe featuring Transformers and G.I. Joe. This issue showcases all three pillars of the Energon Universe with three new short stories and a twist so significant that it required a censored cover.
Fantastic Four/X-Men #1
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel pairs the X-Men and Fantastic Four in this eagerly awaited Free Comic Book Day release. This issue is a must-read, featuring a new Fantastic Four story by Ryan North and Humberto Ramos, and an X-Men tale by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, revealing the mutant who declined Charles Xavier's invitation to join the All-New, All-Different X-Men.
How to Participate in Free Comic Book Day
Free Comic Book Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 3. Most comic book shops participate, but you can use the FCBD Store Locator to find a nearby shop and confirm their participation. Many stores also run promotions and sales, and it's worth noting that while the comics are free for customers, store owners still incur shipping costs. Supporting these sales can be a great way to show appreciation.
For those who prefer digital reading, most Free Comic Book Day titles are eventually added to apps like Comixology, Marvel Unlimited, and DC Universe, though you may need to wait a few days or weeks, depending on the publisher.
Gargoyles: Demona #1
Publisher: Dynamite
While Disney hasn't revived the animated Gargoyles series, Dynamite is expanding the comic line with Gargoyles: Demona, written by the series' creator, Greg Weisman. This special sets up the new series and is a must-grab for fans.
Godzilla: The New Heroes #1
Publisher: IDW
IDW is launching a new shared universe of Godzilla comics this summer, and this issue serves as a primer. It includes a ten-page prelude story and previews of the forthcoming ongoing Godzilla books.
Power Rangers/VR Troopers #1 ----------------------------
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios is debuting a VR Troopers series spinning out of the Power Rangers Prime reboot. This issue offers a sneak preview of the new series and a look back at some classic VR Troopers comics.
Star Wars #1
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel's final Free Comic Book Day release focuses on their revamped Star Wars line, including Star Wars: Legacy of Vader by Charles Soule and Luke Ross, Star Wars: Jedi Knights by Marc Guggenheim and Madibek Musabekov, and Star Wars by Alex Segura and Phil Noto. This issue features three new tales, each connected to one of these books.
Thundercats/The Powerpuff Girls #1
Publisher: Dynamite
This unique crossover might be the highlight of Free Comic Book Day 2025. Dynamite combines its Thundercats and Powerpuff Girls comics into one issue, where Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles journey to Third Earth. The result is a fascinating and wacky adventure.
Let us know in the comments below what books you're excited to pick up on Free Comic Book Day 2025.
For more great reads, consider checking out the top 27 Batman graphic novels and the top 25 Spider-Man graphic novels to add to your collection.
