Located at 214 Fairmount Avenue, the store’s Free Comic Book Day events run all day that Saturday, including activities such as a raffle drawing for St Susan’s Soup Kitchen, and with every person who comes in set to walk away with two free comic books.

Free Comic Book day is a national event put on by the company who created Comic Book Stores, according to Chautauqua Comics owner Al Steffens, who said there is a template that the store follows from the national event every year, with this year being their 22nd year hosting the event.

“We have many comic books to hand out, including Dr Seuss, which we’ve never had before, along with things like Superman and The Fantastic Four, which are two big movies coming out this summer,” Steffens said. “Everyone gets at least two comic books for free. We have hourly door prizes and if someone donates they can spin the wheel for a prize, with all of the money going towards St Susan’s.”

This event is not just for people who enjoy comic books, Steffens said. Anyone who enjoys movies that have superheroes or things like Godzilla will be able to stop by on the day and find something they like. Manga options are also available, and Steffens added that anyone in general who is looking to help the community can stop by to donate to St Susan’s and know their money is going towards a good cause.

Pictured are customers during last year’s Free Comic Book Day event. Everyone who comes to Chautauqua Comics on the day will walk away with at least two free comic books.

“No one stands alone in this community,” Steffens said. “This is our way of helping out.”

Someone will be at the store on that day dressed as Batman to meet and interact with the kids, and other kid activities such as face painting will be included, all for free. If customers show up in costume there will be a costume contest for the chance to win a gift card.

Free Comic Book Day is an event that Steffens said the industry uses to launch what people can expect to see in the coming year. Chautauqua Comics themselves offer a diverse selection with over 30 titles to choose from.

“This is an opportunity for me that I enjoy to share my enthusiasm about comic books with others,” Steffens said. “We have people that come in and pick up their first comic book and start their love for them. I’ve had parents say that their child has problems reading but can read comic books, and at least that is reading something. Helping parents and the community is what we are all about.”

One of the most important things people need to know about this event, Steffens said, is to get there early. There will be a line that Steffens said tends to go around the block, but he added to not be discouraged by the line as it tends to move fast.

“I want to reemphasize that this is a once a year event,” Steffens said. “You will have the opportunity to walk away with a raffle prize, an hourly door prize, and two free comic books. Everything is free unless you choose to spend money on the raffle. We’ve had local businesses and other box stores donate gift cards and more, and all of the money goes to St Susan’s.”

For more information follow Chautauqua Comics on Facebook or Instagram or call 716-664-2287.