May has arrived, heralding the much-anticipated Free Comic Book Day. Every year, comic shops worldwide participate in this event, distributing free books on the first Saturday of May. These books often serve as introductions to major upcoming storylines or popular series, making it a worthwhile endeavor to brave the crowds and secure these coveted comics.
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, to the latest Energon Universe special, these are the titles you won't want to miss during this year's event.
The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel's first special of the day, this issue includes two original stories. The first, penned by Joe Kelly and illustrated by John Romita, Jr., acts as an introduction to the recently 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 this summer with new series, including Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino's vampire title, Blood Type. Get an early glimpse of this exciting series with 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 FCBD 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 of its biggest franchises. This issue includes a tale set in the Critical Role universe, where Beau and Caleb find themselves a bit too immersed in an evening of dinner theater. Additionally, there's a Black Hammer story focusing on Colonel Weird, offering insights into both the past and future of the Black Hammer universe.
DC All In: 2025 Special Edition #1
Publisher: DC
Similar to last year's DC All In Special, this flipbook reveals 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 made waves 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 twist so significant that the cover had to be censored.
Fantastic Four/X-Men #1
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel pairs the X-Men and Fantastic Four for their second major FCBD release. This issue is a must-read, featuring a new Fantastic Four tale by Ryan North and Humberto Ramos, and an X-Men story by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing that revisits the day Charles Xavier first 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 will take place on Saturday, May 3. Most comic book shops will participate, but you can use the FCBD Store Locator to find a shop near you and confirm their involvement. Many shops also offer various promotions and sales, so consider supporting them by taking advantage of these offers, as they bear the cost of shipping these free books.
For digital readers, most FCBD books eventually become available on platforms like Comixology, Marvel Unlimited, and DC Universe. However, you might need to wait a few days or even weeks, depending on the publisher.
Gargoyles: Demona #1
Publisher: Dynamite
While Disney hasn't yet revived the Gargoyles animated series, Dynamite is filling the void with new comics. This special sets up the Gargoyles: Demona series and is written by the original creator, Greg Weisman.
Godzilla: The New Heroes #1
Publisher: IDW
IDW is launching a new shared Godzilla universe this summer. This issue serves as a primer, featuring a ten-page prelude story and previews of the upcoming Godzilla series.
Power Rangers/VR Troopers #1
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios is introducing a VR Troopers series spun out of the Power Rangers Prime reboot. This issue offers a sneak peek at the new series and a nostalgic look at past VR Troopers comics.
Star Wars #1
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel's third FCBD release focuses on their 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. This issue includes three new stories, each tied to one of these books.
Thundercats/The Powerpuff Girls #1
Publisher: Dynamite
Perhaps the most intriguing release of FCBD 2025, this issue combines Dynamite's Thundercats and Powerpuff Girls into a unique crossover. Discover what happens when Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles journey to Third Earth in this wacky and thrilling tale.
Let us know in the comments below which books you're excited to pick up on Free Comic Book Day 2025.
Looking for more great reads to add to your FCBD stack? Check out the top 27 Batman graphic novels and the top 25 Spider-Man graphic novels for some excellent choices.
