STAMFORD, Conn. — Stamford’s A Timeless Journey will once again be participating in the Free Comic Book Day on Saturday.

“It’s the industry giving back to its fans,” said Paul Salerno, owner of the Stamford shop. The event is partially tied to the release of the new movie, "Iron Man 3."

He is looking forward to the annual event, which draws 500 to 600 people to his shop for the one day, even though many come just for the free books. Salerno added that he also enjoys the day because many parents bring their kids and introduce them to comics for the first time.

Free Comic Book Day was started in 2002 to celebrate comics by Diamond Distributing, the major distribution venue for comics in the country. It has spread to become a worldwide event, a statement said. This year, more than 50 comics coming from almost all of the major companies as well as some mid-size and indie companies will be participating, making it one of the largest ever, it said.

Despite the day’s name not every comic is free -- only those issued on Free Comic Book Day are, the statement said. The free comics usually include special promotions of what is yet to come, reprints for previously issued comics, and special standalone stories for a specific event, the statement said.

Comic book companies participating this year include Marvel, DC, Archie and many more. Many of the free comics will be available at A Timeless Journey, Salerno said.

“It’s a way to get a taste,” he said comparing it with Baskin-Robbins “Free Ice Cream Day,” but for comic books.

A Timeless Journey, located at 2538 Summer St., will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Its regular business hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays through Saturdays, and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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