May has arrived, and with it comes the much-anticipated Free Comic Book Day (FCBD). Every year, comic shops around the globe participate in this event, distributing free comics on the first Saturday of May. These comics often serve as introductions to major upcoming storylines or best-selling series, making it worthwhile to venture out and navigate the crowds to secure the most sought-after titles.
2025 is set to be another exciting year for FCBD. From DC's DC All In 2025 Special Edition to Marvel's Fantastic Four/X-Men and The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe books, and the latest Energon Universe special, there are several must-have comics to look out for during this year's event.
Publisher: Marvel
The first of several specials from Marvel, this issue contains two original stories. The first, penned by Joe Kelly and illustrated by John Romita, Jr., acts as a primer for the recently relaunched Amazing Spider-Man series. The second story, crafted by writers Deniz Camp and Cody Ziglar with art by Jonas Scharf, serves as a prologue to the upcoming Ultimate Universe crossover event, drawing Miles Morales into the new Ultimate U.
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. For an early glimpse into this series, pick up Blood Type #0, which reprints the short story from the anthology series Epitaphs From the Abyss that launched the Blood Type saga.
Publisher: Titan
Titan Comics continues its tradition of using FCBD to debut its annual Conan crossover events. Conan: Scourge of the Serpent includes three interconnected tales that set the stage for a grand conflict between Conan and the serpent god Set.
Publisher: Dark Horse
Dark Horse's FCBD special highlights two of its biggest franchises. This issue features a tale set in the Critical Role universe, where Beau and Caleb find themselves a bit too caught up in a dinner theater event. Additionally, it includes a Black Hammer story focusing on Colonel Weird, showcasing both the past and future of the Black Hammer universe.
Publisher: DC
Similar to last year's DC All In Special, this flipbook introduces readers to the future of both the core DC Universe and the new Absolute Universe. It features a preview of the upcoming Superman Unlimited series by Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque, alongside a new Absolute Universe story by Jeff Lemire and Giuseppe Camuncoli.
Publisher: Skybound
Skybound made waves with the surprise reveal that Void Rivals is the launching point for a new shared universe involving Transformers and G.I. Joe. This issue features three new short stories from all three pillars of the Energon universe, with a twist so significant that the cover had to be censored.
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel's second big FCBD release pairs the X-Men with the Fantastic Four. This issue is a must-read, featuring 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 first assembled the All-New, All-Different X-Men, revealing the one mutant who declined the invitation.
Free Comic Book Day will take place on Saturday, May 3. Most comic book shops are expected to participate, but you can use the FCBD Store Locator to find a shop near you and confirm their participation. Many shops also offer various promotions and sales alongside FCBD. Remember, these books aren't free for store owners as they still incur shipping costs, so consider supporting them by taking advantage of these sales.
For those who prefer digital reading, most FCBD books are eventually added to apps like Comixology, Marvel Unlimited, and DC Universe. However, availability might take a few days or even weeks, depending on the publisher.
Publisher: Dynamite
While Disney hasn't revived the animated Gargoyles series, Dynamite is expanding the comic book line with Gargoyles: Demona, written by creator Greg Weisman. This special sets up the upcoming series and is a must for fans of the franchise.
Publisher: IDW
IDW is launching a new shared universe of Godzilla comics this summer. This issue serves as a primer, featuring a ten-page prelude story and previews of the forthcoming ongoing Godzilla books.
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios is debuting a VR Troopers series spinning out of the Power Rangers Prime reboot. This issue offers a sneak preview of the new series along with a nostalgic look at past VR Troopers comics.
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel's third and final FCBD release focuses on its 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 tales, each tied to one of these books.
Publisher: Dynamite
This issue might be the highlight of FCBD 2025 due to its unique and intriguing premise. Dynamite combines its Thundercats and Powerpuff Girls comics into one crossover. Discover what happens when Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles travel to Third Earth.
Let us know in the comments 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 additions to your collection.
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