May has arrived, signaling the return of Free Comic Book Day, an eagerly anticipated event where comic shops worldwide distribute free comics on the first Saturday of May. This annual celebration not only offers a chance to grab free books but also serves as a preview for major upcoming storylines and best-selling series. In 2025, the event promises an exciting lineup, including DC's DC All in 2025 Special Edition, Marvel's Fantastic Four/X-Men and The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe, and the latest Energon Universe special. These are the must-have titles you should look out for during this year's event.
The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel kicks off its offerings with this dual-story special. The first tale, 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, serves as a prologue to the upcoming Ultimate Universe crossover event, where Miles Morales is drawn into the new Ultimate U.
Blood Type #0
Publisher: Oni Press
Oni Press is set to expand its EC Comics imprint this summer, and Blood Type #0 offers an early look at Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino's new vampire series. This issue reprints the short story from the anthology series Epitaphs From the Abyss, which 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 of its biggest franchises. One story set in the Critical Role universe follows Beau and Caleb as they get caught up in an evening of dinner theater fun. The other is a Black Hammer tale focused 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 introduces the future of both the core DC Universe and the new Absolute Universe. It features an introduction to the upcoming Superman Unlimited series from Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque, alongside a new Absolute Universe story from Jeff Lemire and Giuseppe Camuncoli.
Energon Universe 2025 Special #1
Publisher: Skybound
Skybound's Energon Universe, which includes Transformers and G.I. Joe, is showcased in this special. The issue features three new short stories and a major twist, significant enough to warrant a censored cover.
Fantastic Four/X-Men #1
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel pairs the X-Men and Fantastic Four in this second major FCBD release. It includes a new Fantastic Four tale from Ryan North and Humberto Ramos, and revisits the day Charles Xavier first assembled the All-New, All-Different X-Men, revealing a mutant who turned him down, written by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing.
How to Participate in Free Comic Book Day
Free Comic Book Day will be held on Saturday, May 3. Most comic book shops participate in the event, but you can use the FCBD Store Locator to find a shop near you and confirm their participation. Many shops also offer promotions and sales alongside FCBD, and it's worth supporting them as they cover shipping costs for the free comics. For digital readers, most FCBD books eventually become available on apps like Comixology, Marvel Unlimited, and DC Universe, though availability may vary by publisher and could take a few days or weeks.
Gargoyles: Demona #1
Publisher: Dynamite
While Disney fans await an animated revival, Dynamite expands the Gargoyles comic line with this special, setting up the Gargoyles: Demona series, written by creator Greg Weisman.
Godzilla: The New Heroes #1
Publisher: IDW
IDW introduces a new shared Godzilla universe this summer, and this issue provides a ten-page prelude story along with previews of upcoming Godzilla books.
Power Rangers/VR Troopers #1 ----------------------------
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios previews the upcoming VR Troopers series, spinning out of the Power Rangers Prime reboot, alongside a look at past VR Troopers comics.
Star Wars #1
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel's final 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
Dynamite's intriguing crossover features Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles traveling to Third Earth, blending the worlds of Thundercats and The Powerpuff Girls into one unique story.
Let us know in the comments below what books you're excited to pick up on Free Comic Book Day 2025.
For more comic recommendations, consider exploring the top 27 Batman graphic novels and the top 25 Spider-Man graphic novels to enhance your collection alongside your FCBD haul.
