Shana Porteen, Owner of Black Ice Comics in Houghton, stands at the counter in Star Wars attire during the store's Free Comic Book Day events in 2024. (Photo courtesy of Shana Porteen)

MARQUETTE — Look up to the sky, it’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s a sign for Free Comic Book Day, a nationwide event held on the first Saturday in May.

The first Free Comic Book Day, held on May 4, 2002, marked the industry’s first broad cooperative promotional venture, according to freecomicbookday.com. The first comic strip dates back to the 1840s, and has been a part of American culture ever since.

Shana Porteen, Owner of Black Ice Comics and Books in Houghton, said this event is also celebrated internationally.

“Any bookstore who carries comics can order the designated books to be given away,” she said. “There will be numerous titles and genres to choose from on May 3.”

Porteen said that Free Comic Book Day is a great way to find a new favorite read or even get introduced to comics in general.

“So many folks look forward to this event each year,” she said.

Porteen said she had an older brother who was deep into comics when they were kids, so she was always getting into his books.

“I pretty much grew up loving Marvel and DC characters my whole life,” she said. “In the late 80s, my family decided to open a small comic shop in the town I grew up in Oklahoma. Going from just enjoying books to becoming a retailer within the industry has been a family passion for a very long time.

“My shop in Houghton has grown and evolved so much since I opened 9 years ago that even I’m amazed what it has become.”

As for Saturday’s event, she said that those who have never ventured out for Free Comic Book Day should certainly check it out.

“It’s always festive and a really fun time,” she said.

For participating shops in your area, visit freecomicbookday.com/StoreLocator on the web.