2025 Free Comic Book Day: 13 Essential Comics to Grab
- By Gabriella
- Jul 24,2025
May is here, bringing the annual Free Comic Book Day. Comic stores worldwide join the celebration, distributing free comics on the first Saturday of May. These issues often preview major upcoming arcs or popular series, making it worthwhile to navigate the crowds and secure the standout titles.
This year’s 2025 lineup shines with highlights like DC’s All In 2025 Special Edition, Marvel’s Fantastic Four/X-Men and Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe issues, and the Energon Universe special. Here are the must-have comics to watch for at this year’s event.
The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe #1
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel kicks off with a dual-story special. Joe Kelly and John Romita, Jr. deliver a prelude to the relaunched Amazing Spider-Man series, while Deniz Camp, Cody Ziglar, and Jonas Scharf craft a prologue to the Ultimate Universe crossover, pulling Miles Morales into the reimagined Ultimate U.
Blood Type #0
Publisher: Oni Press
Oni Press expands its EC Comics imprint with new summer titles, including Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino’s vampire series Blood Type. This zero issue reprints a short story from Epitaphs From the Abyss, launching the Blood Type saga.
Conan: Scourge of the Serpent #1
Publisher: Titan
Titan Comics continues its tradition of launching Conan crossover events on FCBD. This issue features three linked stories that set up an epic clash between Conan and the serpent god Set.
Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins/Black Hammer #1
Publisher: Dark Horse
Dark Horse’s FCBD issue spotlights two major franchises. One story dives into the Critical Role universe, where Beau and Caleb get swept up in a chaotic dinner theater evening. The other, a Black Hammer tale, centers on Colonel Weird, exploring the past and future of the Black Hammer universe.
DC All In: 2025 Special Edition #1
Publisher: DC
Following last year’s format, DC offers a flipbook unveiling the future of the main DC Universe and the Absolute Universe. One side introduces Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque’s Superman Unlimited series, while the other features a new Absolute Universe story by Jeff Lemire and Giuseppe Camuncoli.
Energon Universe 2025 Special #1
Publisher: Skybound
Skybound stunned fans when Void Rivals launched a shared universe with Transformers and G.I. Joe. This issue includes three new stories across the Energon Universe, plus a major twist so surprising the cover was censored.
Fantastic Four/X-Men #1
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel’s second FCBD highlight pairs the X-Men and Fantastic Four. Ryan North and Humberto Ramos deliver a new Fantastic Four story, while Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing revisit the day Charles Xavier formed the All-New, All-Different X-Men, revealing a mutant who declined his offer.
How to Join Free Comic Book Day
Free Comic Book Day is set for Saturday, May 3. Most comic shops participate, but use the FCBD Store Locator to find a nearby store and confirm their involvement.
Many shops host promotions and sales alongside FCBD. Since stores cover shipping costs for these free comics, consider supporting them by taking advantage of their deals.
For digital readers, most FCBD titles eventually appear on platforms like Comixology, Marvel Unlimited, and DC Universe, though availability may take days or weeks depending on the publisher.
Gargoyles: Demona #1
Publisher: Dynamite
While Disney hasn’t revived Gargoyles as an animated series, Dynamite is delivering with its comic line. This special sets up the Gargoyles: Demona series, written by creator Greg Weisman.
Godzilla: The New Heroes #1
Publisher: IDW
IDW is launching a shared Godzilla comic universe this summer. This issue offers a ten-page prelude story and sneak peeks at upcoming ongoing Godzilla titles.
Power Rangers/VR Troopers #1
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios recently announced a VR Troopers series spinning out of the Power Rangers Prime reboot. This issue previews the new series and revisits classic VR Troopers comics.
Star Wars #1
Publisher: Marvel
Marvel’s final FCBD release focuses on its revamped Star Wars line, including 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 features three new stories, each tied to one of these titles.
Thundercats/The Powerpuff Girls #1
Publisher: Dynamite
This could be the standout of FCBD 2025 for its bold, unexpected premise. Dynamite combines its Thundercats and Powerpuff Girls comics in a single, wild crossover, exploring what happens when Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles arrive on Third Earth.
Share in the comments which comics you’re eager to grab on Free Comic Book Day 2025.
Looking for more comics to complement your FCBD haul? Explore the top 27 Batman graphic novels and the top 25 Spider-Man graphic novels.
