Cascade Comics and Games in North Bend will join thousands of comic book shops around the world in celebrating the comic book art form on Saturday, May 3.

On that day, designated as “Free Comic Book Day,” about 2 million comic books will be given away by participating stores, introducing as many people as possible to the wonders of comic books.

The event is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the store, located at 226 E. North Bend Way.

“The wide array of comic books being published today ensures that readers of all ages — children, teens, and adults — can find something appropriate that will stir their imaginations,” said Jack Leatherman, owner of Cascade Comics and Games.

Now in its seventh year, Free Comic Book Day has proven to be a big success, he said, spreading the word that comics are terrific reading.

“Even if you have never picked up a comic book, stop in, because you never know what you will end up finding,” Leatherman said. “We at Cascade Comics and Games want to spread the word that comics are alive and well in 2008.

“Comic books and graphic novels are considered hip, hot and smart.”

Comic Books have propelled to the front ranks of pop culture, with many being adapted into movies. The new movie “Iron Man” hits the big screen on Friday, May 2, the day before Comic Book Day.

“The first weekend of May is going to be a big day in the comic book world,” Leatherman said.

To learn more about the event and get information about comic books and lists of participating publishers (and their comics) go online and visit www.FreeComicBookDay.com. Or, call Leatherman at (425) 888-0880 or e-mail to cascadecomics@comcast.net.