May is here, bringing another highly anticipated Free Comic Book Day. Annually, comic shops worldwide participate by offering free comics on the first Saturday of May. These often preview major upcoming storylines or popular series, making it worthwhile to visit a local shop and secure the standout issues.
2025 continues this tradition. From DC's DC All In 2025 Special Edition to Marvel's Fantastic Four/X-Men and The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe releases, along with the latest Energon Universe special, here are the key comics to look for this year.
The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1
Publisher: Marvel
This Marvel special features two original stories. The first, by Joe Kelly and John Romita, Jr., previews the recently relaunched Amazing Spider-Man series. The second, by Deniz Camp, Cody Ziglar, and Jonas Scharf, acts as a prologue to the upcoming Ultimate Universe crossover, drawing Miles Morales into the new Ultimate U.
Blood Type #0
Publisher: Oni Press
Oni Press expands its EC Comics imprint this summer, including the vampire series Blood Type by Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino. Blood Type #0 provides an early look, reprinting the short story from Epitaphs From the Abyss that started the saga.
Conan: Scourge of the Serpent #1
Publisher: Titan
Titan Comics uses FCBD to debut its annual Conan crossovers. Conan: Scourge of the Serpent continues this trend with three interconnected tales setting 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. It includes a Critical Role tale where Beau and Caleb get entangled in dinner theater fun, plus a Black Hammer story focusing on Colonel Weird, exploring the universe's past and future.
DC All In: 2025 Special Edition #1
Publisher: DC
Similar to last year, DC releases a flipbook revealing the future of 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 from Jeff Lemire and Giuseppe Camuncoli.
Energon Universe 2025 Special #1
Publisher: Skybound
Skybound made waves by revealing Void Rivals as the launch point for a shared universe with Transformers and G.I. Joe. This issue features all three pillars of the Energon Universe with three new short stories and a major twist that required a censored cover.
Fantastic Four/X-Men #1
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel's second major FCBD release pairs the X-Men and Fantastic Four. It includes a new FF tale from Ryan North and Humberto Ramos. On the X-Men side, Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing revisit the day Charles Xavier assembled the All-New, All-Different X-Men, revealing the one mutant who refused.
How to Participate in Free Comic Book Day
Free Comic Book Day is Saturday, May 3. Most comic shops participate; use the official FCBD Store Locator to find a nearby location and confirm availability.
Most shops also run promotions and sales. Remember, FCBD isn't free for store owners due to shipping costs, so consider supporting them with a purchase.
Digital readers can find most FCBD books on apps like Comixology, Marvel Unlimited, and DC Universe, though availability may be delayed by 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 filling the gap in comics. This special expands the line, setting up the Gargoyles: Demona series, written by original creator Greg Weisman.
Godzilla: The New Heroes #1
Publisher: IDW
IDW launches a new shared Godzilla universe this summer. This issue serves as a primer with a ten-page prelude story and previews of forthcoming ongoing Godzilla titles.
Power Rangers/VR Troopers #1
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Following IGN's exclusive news, BOOM! Studios debuts a VR Troopers series spinning out of Power Rangers Prime. This issue offers a preview of the new series and a look back at classic VR Troopers comics.
Star Wars #1
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel's third FCBD release focuses on its revamped Star Wars line: Star Wars: Legacy of Vader, Star Wars: Jedi Knights, and Star Wars. This issue features three new stories, each connected to one of these series.
Thundercats/The Powerpuff Girls #1
Publisher: Dynamite
This might be the most intriguing FCBD 2025 offering. Dynamite highlights its Thundercats and Powerpuff Girls comics with a bizarre crossover. Discover what happens when Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles travel to Third Earth.
Let us know in the comments which Free Comic Book Day 2025 titles you're most excited about.
Looking for more great reads? Check out our guides to the top 27 Batman graphic novels and the top 25 Spider-Man graphic novels.
