Comics have been a source of joy for over a century, and the way we enjoy them continues to evolve. From the transition from newsstands to local comic shops, from single issues to trade collections and graphic novels, the journey of comic reading has been diverse. The internet has now opened up even more avenues for discovering and enjoying comics, many of which offer free access. Whether through library apps or directly from comic companies, there are numerous ways to satisfy your comic cravings without spending a dime. We've compiled a list of the top ten places to read free comics in 2025.
Each of the following sites and apps provides a variety of free comics and graphic novels you can enjoy online.
Webtoon stands out as the most user-friendly and widely used platform on our list. Available on both mobile and desktop, it boasts an unparalleled selection of over 1 million free comics spanning various genres. While you won't find traditional comic shop heroes here, Webtoon offers everything from horror hits like "Hellbound," which inspired a Netflix series, to romance favorites like "Lore Olympus." DC's "Wayne Family Adventures" and the New York Times bestselling "Lore Olympus" both originated on this platform. Webtoon has transformed the comic reading and creation landscape, and it's completely free. Although users can pay for early access to new chapters, the vast catalog is accessible without any cost. The platform's infinite scroll feature makes it easy to read comics on your phone or iPad, ensuring a seamless reading experience.
Hoopla, a brilliant library app, is another top destination for free comics, books, and more. Accessing its vast collection requires a library card, obtainable at your local library or online. Hoopla offers iconic series such as "Invincible" and collected editions of "Y the Last Man," alongside weekly new releases from publishers like Archie Comics and IDW. With thousands of titles at your fingertips, reading on your phone or tablet is a breeze. Hoopla also features an impressive selection of on-demand movies, and your library card can unlock additional services like Kanopy. For scope and selection, Hoopla is unmatched in providing free access to your favorite comics.
The Viz website is a treasure trove for manga enthusiasts, offering free opening chapters of a diverse range of Shonen Jump and Viz titles. You can dive into hits like "My Hero Academia," "Demon Slayer," "One Punch Man," "The Legend of Zelda," "Assassination Classroom," and "Choujin X," among others. The site also features a variety of seinen and shoujo series, including "Maison Ikkoku," "Skip・Beat!," and "Fushigi Yûgi." It's a perfect way to sample new series or revisit old favorites before committing. The desktop interface is user-friendly, and the Viz app extends access to over 10,000 comics, with a subscription at $1.99 a month. A free seven-day trial is available, allowing you to explore the full catalog without immediate cost.
Weekly Shonen Jump pioneered the manga app market with its affordable $1.99 monthly subscription, now at $2.99. Even without a subscription, the app offers multiple free chapters of popular titles. With weekly updates, you can stay current with series like "Boruto: Naruto Next Generations," "Dragon Ball Super," and "One Piece" on the same day they release in Japan. Free access includes hits like "Chainsaw Man," "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure," and "Kaiju No 8," ensuring you can enjoy top manga without a subscription.
Marvel's website is not just for editorials and hero explainers; it also offers a selection of free comics. Though harder to find than on Viz, a quick search can lead you to nearly fifty free titles. These include exciting number ones like "Venom," "Giant-Size X-Men," and "Thanos," as well as Free Comic Book Day issues and unique promotional books for licensors like Lexus and Ford. While the collection is smaller, it's a great way to get to know your favorite Marvel heroes better.
DC Universe Infinite offers thousands of comics for $7.99 a month, but its desktop site also provides free access to Free Comic Book Day issues. The selection rotates, currently featuring 13 titles including "Batman," "Suicide Squad: King Shark," and "Wonder Woman: Rebirth." While limited, it's a worthwhile resource for fans of DC's iconic characters. A seven-day free trial is available, giving you full catalog access before deciding on a subscription.
Dark Horse Comics' website is an unexpected treasure trove with over 100 free comics, surpassing its big competitors. Titles include "Hellboy," "Mass Effect," "Overwatch," "Umbrella Academy," and "Stranger Things." Accessing these requires a free account, but it's well worth it as you can download issues for offline reading. The collection includes Free Comic Book Day books and regular issues, offering a diverse range of content.
Barnes & Noble's Nook app is a well-kept secret for legal free comic reading. With nearly 1000 comics available, from fantasy manga to DC superheroes, you can find everything from YA titles like "Raven Loves Beast Boy" and "The Nightmare Before Christmas: Zero's Journey" to full issues of "Batman" and "Countdown to Infinite Crisis." The app also offers an extensive selection of lesser-known manga titles, making it a surprising yet rich resource for comic enthusiasts.
Comixology hosts hundreds of free comics, accessible by searching "Free Comic Book Day." The platform offers an extensive collection of FCBD books from Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, and more, alongside hidden gems like "Marvel Voices #1," the first appearance of Batman in "Detective Comics #27," "Fatale #1," and "Chrononauts #1." Be sure to select titles without the Kindle Unlimited tag. Comixology also allows you to download comics for offline reading, making it easy to build a robust digital library.
Tapas rounds out our list with its focus on original web comics by independent creators. While some chapters are behind a paywall, most titles are available to read for free. Popular series on Tapas include "The Witch's Throne," "Torte and Lacey," and "The Beginning After the End." Although you won't find familiar characters, Tapas is an excellent platform for discovering new favorites and expanding your comic reading horizons.
For free manga, the best site is undoubtedly Viz.com. It offers free access to popular titles like "My Hero Academia," "Demon Slayer," and "One Punch Man." Another strong recommendation is Shonen Jump, which provides free chapters through its app.