Chautauqua Comics will host comic book enthusiasts of all ages in its observance of Free Comic Book Day on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants from last year’s observance of Free Comic Book Day at Chautauqua Comics are pictured. Submitted photo

It doesn’t always take a superhero to make someone’s day, but in this case it certainly wouldn’t hurt.

On Saturday, comic book enthusiasts and appreciators of all ages are invited to Chautauqua Comics, 214 Fairmount Ave., Jamestown, between 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to partake in the store’s annual observance of Free Comic Book Day.

A nationally observed occurrence every first Saturday in May, Free Comic Book Day encourages comic book fans both old and new to flock to the best place in the comic book community: local comic shops. Major publishers such as DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, IDW Publishing and Image Comics put out free comics for fans to enjoy at the more than 2,300 local comic shops participating in Free Comic Book Day.

Chautauqua Comics, officially established by owner Al Steffens in 1999, has been one such participant for the past decade. Steffans said his involvement in Free Comic Book Day is tied to his desire to dispel the notion that comic books are only for children.

“We at Chautauqua Comics want to spread the word that comics are perfect for today’s times. We’re literally handing out brand new comic books with brand new storylines, and just trying to get them out to anyone who’s interested in picking up 3-4 comic books for free,” Steffens said. “And these comic books aren’t just for kids; we’ve got storylines that people of all ages can enjoy.”

Among the several popular comic book series that will have brand new issues available for free are: “Dr. Who,” “Captain America,” “Star Trek,” “Wonder Woman,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Underdog” and “Rick and Morty.”

Additionally, the store will host Steve Geiger, an artist for Marvel Comics who has worked on heralded books such as “The Amazing Spider-man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “The Punisher” and “Weapon X.” Steffens said Geiger will bring some of his original lithographs and will be available to meet with fans throughout the day.

“This is a real special treat for us to have (Geiger) down here,” Steffens said. “This will be a good chance for those familiar with his work, but who are unable to visit some of the major conventions in larger cities, to meet him and get his autograph.”

Steffens said the store will have a number of specials for attendees throughout the day, such as the awarding of door prizes at half-hour increments and several giveaways. The door prizes include a number of collectible items such as autographed memorabilia by Kevin Sussman of “The Big Bang Theory” and Chandler Riggs of “The Walking Dead.” Free face painting sessions and balloons will be available for children who attend.

As it has done for several years, Chautauqua Comics will also take donations for the St. Susan Center throughout the course of Free Comic Book Day, offering an additional free comic book to anyone willing to donate a dollar or more to the soup kitchen.

“In our 20 years of business, the Jamestown community has been very welcoming and we are trying to give back,” Steffens said. “Every year we raise money for the soup kitchen knowing that they need all the help we can give, and we try to help out as much as we can.”

For more information about Chautauqua Comics and Free Comic Book Day, call 664-2287, visit chautauquacomics.com or find Chautauqua Comics on Facebook.