Every Saturday before Halloween for the past five years, Hollister’s comic shop, Bill’s Bullpen, has celebrated Free Comic Book Day. This year, Bill Mifsud gave away 817 comic Halloween fest bags that included comics like: “Batman Legends of the Dark Knight Halloween Special,” “Marvel Comics Issue One,” “Scooby Doo Team Up Issue One featuring Batman,” “Afterlife With Archie Issue One,” and many more. Many people enjoy the selection of comics Mifsud chose to hand out.

 Mifsud celebrates Free Comic Book Day because he said “reading is fundamental.” Mifsud hired some Heroes of Hope people, an organization that helps children, to dress up as Batman and Catwoman. They took pictures with fans and also signed comic books for free. Mifsud said that they made a good appearance and that they promoted reading by giving comics to children, teens, and even adults.

 There also was a costume party and a competition. The winners were a mom dressed as Harley Quinn and her son dressed as the clown price of crime, Joker. The prizes included candy and money. There are two free comic book days a year and the next will be on the first Saturday in May.

For more information about Bill’s Bullpen, located at 207 4th St, call (831) 636-1180.