Free Comic Book Day 2025: The 13 Biggest Comics to Read This Year

May is finally here, which means it's time for one of the most anticipated events on the comic calendar — Free Comic Book Day. Taking place annually on the first Saturday of May, this beloved tradition sees comic book shops around the globe offering a selection of free titles to fans. Many of these books serve as excellent entry points into popular series or tease major upcoming storylines, making it well worth your while to make the trip and grab your favorites before they're gone.

2025 brings another exciting lineup of FCBD releases. From DC’s *DC All In 2025 Special Edition* to Marvel’s *Fantastic Four/X-Men* and *The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe*, along with new entries from Skybound, Dynamite, BOOM! Studios, IDW, and more, there's no shortage of must-read titles this year. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just getting into comics, this year’s event has something for everyone.

Free Comic Book Day 2025 Must-Have Titles

The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1

Publisher: Marvel

This double-sized special features two original stories in one package. The first, written by Joe Kelly with art by John Romita Jr., acts as an introduction to the newly relaunched *Amazing Spider-Man* series. The second, penned by Deniz Camp and Cody Ziglar with art by Jonas Scharf, serves as a prologue to the upcoming *Ultimate Universe* crossover, where Miles Morales finds himself at the center of a bold new chapter in the Ultimate Universe saga.

Blood Type #0

Publisher: Oni Press

As part of Oni Press' summer expansion of its EC Comics imprint, *Blood Type #0* offers readers a sneak peek into Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino’s upcoming vampire series. This issue reprints the short story originally featured in the *Epitaphs From the Abyss* anthology, marking the beginning of the *Blood Type* narrative arc.

Conan: Scourge of the Serpent #1

Publisher: Titan

Titan Comics continues its tradition of using FCBD to launch its annual Conan crossovers. *Conan: Scourge of the Serpent* presents three interconnected tales that set up an epic battle between Conan and the serpent god Set, delivering action-packed storytelling and rich world-building perfect for both newcomers and longtime fans.

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

Publisher: Dark Horse

Dark Horse showcases two of its flagship franchises in this split-issue release. One segment explores a lighthearted adventure featuring Beau and Caleb from *Critical Role*, while the other delves into the enigmatic past and future of Colonel Weird in the *Black Hammer* universe — a treat for fans of both series.

DC All In: 2025 Special Edition #1

Publisher: DC

Following the success of last year’s *DC All In Special*, DC returns with a flipbook format revealing the future of both the main DC Universe and the newly introduced Absolute Universe. One side introduces *Superman Unlimited* from Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque, while the other features a new Absolute Universe tale by Jeff Lemire and Giuseppe Camuncoli.

Energon Universe 2025 Special #1

Publisher: Skybound

Skybound makes a splash by expanding its Energon Universe with this special edition. Featuring all three major franchises — Transformers, G.I. Joe, and Void Rivals — the issue includes three new short stories and a massive twist so shocking that the cover had to be censored. A must-read for fans of interconnected universes and big reveals.

Fantastic Four/X-Men #1

Publisher: Marvel

MARVEL teams up the Fantastic Four and X-Men for a compelling FCBD release. Ryan North and Humberto Ramos deliver a fresh FF story, while Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing revisit the origins of the All-New, All-Different X-Men, including the surprising reveal of the mutant who turned down Charles Xavier’s offer to join the team.

How to Participate in Free Comic Book Day

Free Comic Book Day will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Most local comic book shops will participate, but it’s always wise to confirm using the [FCBD Store Locator](https://www.freecomicbookday.com) to find participating locations near you.

Many shops also run additional promotions and sales events alongside FCBD, so consider supporting them by picking up a few extra books or merchandise. While the comics are free to customers, stores still incur shipping costs, so every purchase helps keep your local shop thriving.

For digital readers, most FCBD titles eventually become available on platforms like ComiXology, Marvel Unlimited, and DC Universe. However, availability can vary by publisher, sometimes taking days or even weeks after the event.

Gargoyles: Demona #1

Publisher: Dynamite

Though Disney hasn't revived *Gargoyles* on animation, Dynamite Entertainment is keeping the spirit alive in comics. This FCBD special sets the stage for the *Gargoyles: Demona* series and is written by none other than the show’s co-creator, Greg Weisman — a dream come true for longtime fans.

Godzilla: The New Heroes #1

Publisher: IDW

IDW kicks off its new shared Godzilla universe this summer, and this FCBD issue provides the perfect primer. Including a ten-page prelude story and sneak peeks into upcoming Godzilla series, this comic is a must-have for kaiju enthusiasts.

Power Rangers/VR Troopers #1

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

BOOM! Studios unveils a new *VR Troopers* series spun directly from the pages of *Power Rangers Prime*. This FCBD issue gives readers a first look at the new series while also revisiting classic *VR Troopers* stories, bridging past and present for fans of Saban’s iconic franchises.

Star Wars #1

Publisher: Marvel

MARVEL wraps up its FCBD offerings with a *Star Wars* anthology featuring