Today (Saturday, May 2) is Free Comic Book Day.

Fantastic Collectibles & Gift Shop in Manteca joins other specialty shops worldwide including the US and Canada.

Richard Simas and his son, Richard Jr, are inviting the public to come by their business at 162 W. Center St. to pick up their freebie or browse around the store.

Fantastic Collectibles is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

FCBD is held on the first Saturday of May each year and is sponsored by DK, a bestselling and award-winning publisher known for informing, entertaining, and educating global audiences using this media. 

“These sponsorships are key elements which have helped make Free Comic Book Day become the success that has been and continues to become every year,” FCBD spokesperson Deborah Moreland said.

Since the inception, she noted that this special event has been beneficial to both retailers and comic book fans.

According to DK, over 2,300 comic book shops throughout the world will look to distribute over 5.6 million comics to new and returning customers.

FCBD is the perfect opportunity to introduce friends and family to the wonder world of comics, from super heroes to slice of life to action / adventure.

Participating shops can be found by logging on to the FCBD website, www.freecomicbookday.com.

 To contact Fantastic Collectibles, call 209.647.4651 or log on to www.fantasticcollectiblesmanteca.com.