ELMIRA HEIGHTS (WENY) -- The second annual 'Free Comic Book Day and Pop Market' hosted by Heroes Your Mom Threw Out Comic Shop, took place Saturday afternoon at the Elmira Heights American Legion from 11-4, but don’t worry if you missed it, it'll be open again Sunday, May 5th, from 12-3. 

The first Free Comic Book Day was May 4th, 2002. It was created by a man named Joe Field, the owner of Flying Colors Comic Shop, who at the time was a column writer with a deadline and nothing written. That’s when Field looked out his window and saw a line of people waiting for “Free Scoop Night” at a local ice cream shop, and decided the only thing cooler than ice cream was comics. He went on to write an article titled "Power of Free" where he proposed the idea of Free Comic Book Day.

Jared Aiosa, Owner of Heroes Your Mom Threw Out Comics, collaborated with multiple local businesses to bring this event of free comics and local goods to the area. He said one of the greatest moments was seeing the line of people waiting for the event to begin.


"We had people right at the door very patiently waiting until five of eleven to come in, people waiting in their cars. So that's always a great feeling to open the door and say, Welcome. Come on in. It's a free Comic Book Day," said Aiosa, 

Jared is passionate about getting comics and books into the hands of people in our area and hopes to eliminate whatever obstacles may be in the way, starting with waiving admission costs.

"We’re giving comics as gifts to get rid of that hurdle. Like hey, if you’re interested in comics, which ones? Here, take a handful. We want you to read. Let’s get rid of whatever hurdles are in the way of people enjoying comics and reading," said Aiosa.

Volunteers at the event were happy to give up their weekend to be a part of an event that gives old and new comic fans a place to share their love of comic books.

“I think it’s awesome to have an opportunity to not just give back to the community but do it in a way that I'm personally passionate about. It’s just nice actually to be in an environment where people are looking and talking at each other,” said volunteer Josh Knoll.