May has arrived, and with it comes the eagerly anticipated Free Comic Book Day. Held annually on the first Saturday of May, comic shops worldwide participate by offering free comics, making it an event you won't want to miss. This year, 2025, is no different, with a lineup of exciting releases that serve as perfect introductions to major upcoming storylines and best-selling series. Whether you're a seasoned comic enthusiast or a curious newcomer, these are the titles you should be on the lookout for.
The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel kicks off the festivities with this dual-story special. The first story, penned by Joe Kelly and illustrated by John Romita, Jr., acts as a primer for the relaunched Amazing Spider-Man series. The second tale, crafted by writers Deniz Camp and Cody Ziglar with art by Jonas Scharf, sets the stage for the upcoming Ultimate Universe crossover event, drawing Miles Morales into the new Ultimate Universe.
Blood Type #0
Publisher: Oni Press
Oni Press is set to expand its EC Comics imprint with new series, including the vampire-themed Blood Type by Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino. This issue reprints the short story from the anthology series Epitaphs From the Abyss, providing an early look at the Blood Type saga.
Conan: Scourge of the Serpent #1
Publisher: Titan
Titan Comics continues its tradition of using FCBD to launch its annual Conan crossover events. Conan: Scourge of the Serpent features three interconnected tales that set up a major conflict between Conan and the serpent god Set.
Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins/Black Hammer #1
Publisher: Dark Horse
Dark Horse's special highlights two of its major franchises. It includes a story set in the Critical Role universe, featuring Beau and Caleb's misadventures at a dinner theater, and 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
DC's flipbook serves as an introduction to the upcoming Superman Unlimited series by Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque, as well as a new story set in the Absolute Universe from Jeff Lemire and Giuseppe Camuncoli, offering a glimpse into the future of both DC universes.
Energon Universe 2025 Special #1
Publisher: Skybound
Skybound's special features the Transformers and G.I. Joe in the Energon Universe. With three new short stories and a twist so significant it required a censored cover, this issue is a must-grab for fans of these iconic franchises.
Fantastic Four/X-Men #1
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel pairs the Fantastic Four and X-Men in this special release. Featuring a new Fantastic Four story by Ryan North and Humberto Ramos, and an X-Men tale by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing that revisits the formation of the All-New, All-Different X-Men, this issue is a must-read for fans of both teams.
How to Participate in Free Comic Book Day
Free Comic Book Day 2025 is scheduled for Saturday, May 3. Most comic book stores will participate, but you can use the FCBD Store Locator to find a participating shop near you. While the comics are free, remember that store owners still incur shipping costs, so consider supporting them by taking advantage of any sales or promotions they might offer.
For digital readers, most FCBD books are eventually available on platforms like Comixology, Marvel Unlimited, and DC Universe, though you might need to wait a few days or weeks post-event, 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 Gargoyles: Demona, written by creator Greg Weisman. This special sets up the new series, offering fans a thrilling continuation of the Gargoyles saga.
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 upcoming Godzilla books, setting the stage for epic monster battles.
Power Rangers/VR Troopers #1
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios introduces the VR Troopers series, spun out from the Power Rangers Prime reboot. This issue offers a sneak peek at the new series and revisits some classic VR Troopers comics, making it a must-have for fans of both franchises.
Star Wars #1
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel's final FCBD release focuses on the 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 wacky adventure. When Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles travel to Third Earth, fans can expect a thrilling and unexpected story.
Let us know in the comments below which books you're most excited to pick up on Free Comic Book Day 2025. For more reading recommendations, check out the top 27 Batman graphic novels and the top 25 Spider-Man graphic novels.
