May has arrived, bringing with it the much-anticipated Free Comic Book Day. Every year, comic shops worldwide participate in this event, generously distributing free books on the first Saturday of May. These free comics often serve as introductions to major upcoming storylines or popular series, making it a worthwhile venture to brave the crowds and secure the most coveted titles.
In 2025, the lineup is as exciting as ever. 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 standout titles to look out for during this year's event.
The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel's first of several specials, this issue includes two original stories. The first, crafted by writer Joe Kelly and artist John Romita, Jr., acts as a primer for the recently relaunched Amazing Spider-Man series. The second story, penned by Deniz Camp and Cody Ziglar with art by Jonas Scharf, is a prologue to the upcoming Ultimate Universe crossover event, pulling Miles Morales into the new Ultimate U.
Blood Type #0
Publisher: Oni Press
Oni Press is set to expand its EC Comics imprint this summer with new series, including Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino's vampire title, Blood Type. For an early glimpse of this series, Blood Type #0 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 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 highlights two major franchises. This issue includes a story set in the Critical Role universe, where Beau and Caleb find themselves overly involved in a dinner theater escapade. 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 offering, DC's flipbook introduces readers to the future of the core DC Universe and the new Absolute Universe. It features an introduction to the upcoming Superman Unlimited series by Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque, as well as a new Absolute Universe story from Jeff Lemire and Giuseppe Camuncoli.
Energon Universe 2025 Special #1
Publisher: Skybound
Following the surprise reveal that Void Rivals launched a new shared universe involving Transformers and G.I. Joe, this issue features all three pillars of the Energon universe. It includes three new short stories and a twist so significant that the cover had to be censored.
Fantastic Four/X-Men #1
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel's second major FCBD release pairs the X-Men with the Fantastic Four. This issue is essential, featuring a new Fantastic Four story by Ryan North and Humberto Ramos, and on the X-Men side, Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing revisit the day Charles Xavier first assembled the All-New, All-Different X-Men, revealing the mutant who declined his invitation.
How to Participate in Free Comic Book Day
Free Comic Book Day will take place on Saturday, May 3. Most comic book shops participate, but you can use the FCBD Store Locator to find a nearby shop and confirm their involvement. Many stores also run promotions and sales alongside FCBD. Keep in mind that while the comics are free for customers, store owners still incur shipping costs, so supporting them by taking advantage of sales can be a great way to show appreciation.
For digital readers, most FCBD books eventually become available on platforms like Comixology, Marvel Unlimited, and DC Universe. However, availability may vary by publisher, and you might need to wait a few days or weeks.
Gargoyles: Demona #1
Publisher: Dynamite
While Disney has yet to revive Gargoyles in animation, Dynamite is expanding the comic book universe with Gargoyles: Demona. This special, written by creator Greg Weisman, sets the stage for the new series.
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 with a ten-page prelude story and previews of the upcoming Godzilla books.
Power Rangers/VR Troopers #1
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios is debuting a VR Troopers series from the pages of the Power Rangers Prime reboot. This issue offers a sneak preview of the new series and revisits some classic VR Troopers comics.
Star Wars #1
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel's final FCBD release focuses on the revamped Star Wars line, featuring 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. The issue contains three new tales, each connected to one of these books.
Thundercats/The Powerpuff Girls #1
Publisher: Dynamite
This unique FCBD offering combines Dynamite's Thundercats and Powerpuff Girls comics into an intriguing crossover. What happens when Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles journey to Third Earth? This special promises to deliver a fun and unexpected adventure.
Let us know in the comments below which books you're excited to pick up on Free Comic Book Day 2025.
Need some recommendations for great comics to add to your FCBD stack? Why not explore the top 27 Batman graphic novels and the top 25 Spider-Man graphic novels?
