May has arrived, bringing with it the much-anticipated Free Comic Book Day. Every year, comic shops around the globe 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 worthwhile venture to brave the crowds and secure the most coveted comics.
2025 is no exception, with a lineup featuring key releases from major publishers like DC, Marvel, and others. Here are the standout titles you should look out for during this year's Free Comic Book Day:
The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1
Publisher: Marvel
This Marvel special delivers two original stories in one issue. The first, crafted by writer Joe Kelly and artist John Romita, Jr., acts as a primer for the relaunched Amazing Spider-Man series. The second story, penned by Deniz Camp and Cody Ziglar with art by Jonas Scharf, is a prelude to the upcoming Ultimate Universe crossover event, featuring Miles Morales in 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. This issue offers an early look at the series by reprinting 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 introduce its annual Conan crossover events. Conan: Scourge of the Serpent features three interconnected stories 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 showcases two of its biggest franchises. The issue includes a story set in the Critical Role universe, featuring Beau and Caleb's misadventures during a dinner theater outing, as well as a Black Hammer tale 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 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 story in the Absolute Universe by Jeff Lemire and Giuseppe Camuncoli.
Energon Universe 2025 Special #1
Publisher: Skybound
Skybound's surprise reveal that Void Rivals was the starting point for a new shared universe involving Transformers and G.I. Joe has led to this special issue. Featuring three new short stories and a major twist, the cover is even censored due to its significance.
Fantastic Four/X-Men #1
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel pairs the X-Men and Fantastic Four in this second big FCBD release. It includes a new Fantastic Four story by Ryan North and Humberto Ramos, and an X-Men tale by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing that revisits Charles Xavier's first assembly of 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. 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 promotions and sales during the event. Remember, while the comics are free, store owners still incur shipping costs, so consider supporting them by taking advantage of their sales.
For digital readers, most FCBD books eventually become available on apps like Comixology, Marvel Unlimited, and DC Universe, though you might need to wait a few days or weeks, depending on the publisher.
Gargoyles: Demona #1
Publisher: Dynamite
While Disney hasn't revived the Gargoyles animated series, Dynamite is expanding the comic line with this special that sets up the Gargoyles: Demona series, written by creator Greg Weisman.
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 ongoing Godzilla books.
Power Rangers/VR Troopers #1
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
This issue offers a sneak preview of the new VR Troopers series spinning out of the Power Rangers Prime reboot, along with a look back at previous VR Troopers comics.
Star Wars #1
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel's third 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 intriguing crossover combines Dynamite's Thundercats and Powerpuff Girls comics into one issue, exploring what happens when Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles travel to Third Earth.
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 comics to add to your FCBD haul? Check out the top 27 Batman graphic novels and the top 25 Spider-Man graphic novels for some inspiration.
