PORT RICHEY, Fla. – Saturday is the biggest day of the year for comic book fans: Free Comic Book Day!

Several local stores are participating, where readers can come in and get comic books for free.

“Besides Black Friday, it’s probably the second busiest day of the year,” said Steve Henderlong, owner of Yancy Street Comics at the Gulf View Square Mall.

He’s been getting his shop ready for weeks, even spending thousands of dollars for the big day.

“They cost us quite a bit money actually,” Henderlong said. “It’s a cool thing. Really cool for the kids. A lot of kids can’t afford comic books. It helps them start reading and maybe get into the comic book world.”

That’s the whole idea behind Free Comic Day for stores everywhere: To get new readers interested. The day, usually on the first Saturday in May, has become bigger and bigger in recent years.

Several DC, Marvel and independent comics will be available at no cost.

Henderlong says he’ll give out thousands of books for the day but he says having lots of customers inside is never a bad thing.

He took over Yancy Street nearly three years ago. Just a short time in, the pandemic hit and he had to shut down.

Then like so many businesses, he started dealing with supply issues, too. That also impacted the mall he’s in, which had many stores close.

“Here at the Gulf View Square mall, they’re trying to come back. I’m trying to be a part of that,” Henderlong said.

Despite the challenges, he’s been able to keep the shop going.

“There’s been a lot of challenges. But we got through it. We’re here. It’s healthy. People are happy to be back out,” Henderlong said.

Yancy Street will be giving out free comics throughout the day.

They will also have Marvel artist Greg Land in the store to sign some copies from 11 AM – 1 PM.

For more information, click here.

You can also see more local stories participating at freecomicbookday.com/storelocator