JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — Readers of Marvel, X-Men and Spiderman joined fans across the country to celebrate National Free Comic Book Day on Saturday.

The event isn’t just about giving away comics; it also draws people together who share a passion for the colorful world of storytelling.

What You Need To Know

May 2 was National Free Comic Book Day 

Comic book shops across the nation held special events

The event started in the early 2000s

Brian Skaggs has enjoyed flipping through the pages of a good comic book from the time he first learned how to read. Now at 43, and dressed as the Green Lantern, he continues to build his collection.

“Being a kid again, in a mental state, it’s pretty exciting for me because I like to see the other people come out, and see the camaraderie and the influence that the culture has here,” said Skaggs.

That culture was celebrated around the country on Saturday, on National Free Comic Book Day, an event that means serious business for store owners across the nation.

“Joe Field from Flying Colors in California came up with the idea back in the early 2000’s. When it first started, there were reprints of things, and now it’s new stories and things like that, and 20-30 publishers [are] involved. It’s a day that kind of celebrates comics,” said Scott Moore, owner of Galaxy Comics in Saginaw, MI.

“I get to share what I love,” said Al Steffens, owner of Chautauqua Comics in Jamestown.

Store owners say that, from the traditional superheroes like Superman and Spiderman, to more modern day stories, there’s a little something for everyone.

They say the event attracts readers and collectors of all ages, including a new generation not reading them on their electronic devices.

“People still want to touch it,” Steffens said. “It’s like books. It’s great to have a little tablet and you can read it off of a tablet, but I think people still want to have that physical touch.”

Like Hayley Mason, who says she’s interested in reading comic books about unicorns.

“I like picking up actual paper books more than reading or looking at stuff on screens because it’s just better for your brain,” said Mason.

“Brings them back to their childhood, you know,” said Steffens.

“It’s fun to be part of something, the idea of the comics themselves, but then to see the literal fandom itself manifest, I really enjoy it,” said Skaggs.