PORTAGE | The Rev. Tim Engel's introduction to comic books came at a church rummage sale when he was young enough not to understand that the nickel price meant five cents.

"My parents were concerned when I was in first and second grade that I only read comics," recalled Engel, pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. "My teacher said it was probably just a phase, and I would probably grow out of it."

The teacher was wrong.

Engel remains a fan of comic books, particularly the Superman titles published by DC Comics. He's a regular visitor at comic books shops such as Lightspeed Hobbies, 5884 U.S. 6, in Portage.

Lightspeed Hobbies is among thousands of comic book shops participating in Saturday's Free Comic Book Day. Between 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, visitors can select free comic books from a special selection available. Titles run the gamut from Archie's Pal Jughead to Hellboy. See the list of available titles at www.FreeComicBookDay.com. No purchase is required to get the free comic books.

The idea of handing out free comic books to folks who aren't already fans appeals to Engel, who said that is a way to introduce more readers to the genre and to generate additional business for Lightspeed Hobbies.

Engel is no mere comic collector. He reads a variety of comic books featuring Batman, the Justice League and his favorite, Superman.

"What I've always liked about Superman is the values he represented," Engel said. "In these story lines, good does triumph over evil. People are willing to make sacrifices for people they don't even know."

Engel compared the actions of his favorite super heroes to real-life heroes such as police and firefighters who help strangers every day.

"The comic books really can aspire people to higher ideals," he said.

This is the seventh year for Free Comic Book Day.

Area comic books shops participating in Free Comic Book Day include:

Lightspeed Hobbies, 5884 U.S. 6, Portage. Call (219) 764-7314.

Coruscant Comics, 2053 W. 45th St., Griffith. Call (219) 922-0008.

Creative Comics, 216 E. Main St., Griffith. Call (219) 924-1600.

Tenth Planet, 200 W. Lincoln Highway, Schererville. Call (219) 322-2902.

Stand Up Comics, 3429 Ridge Road, Lansing, Ill. Call (708) 474-6880.

Amazing Fantasy, 582 Torrence Ave., Calumet City, Ill. Call (708) 891-2260.

The Zone Comics, 18063 Dixie Highway, Homewood, Ill. Call (708) 798-1006.

Galactic Greg's, 1407 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso. Call (219) 464-0119.

Source: http://www.freecomicbookday.com/fcbd_locator.asp