With the new Wolverine movie opening in theaters, comic books will once again be at the forefront of pop culture this week, and the comics industry is taking advantage with its annual Free Comic Book Day event. All day on May 2, you can visit participating local stores for free introductory issues from companies ranging from big guns like Marvel and DC to smaller indie outfits. Marvel will offer a special issue of Avengers and a Wolverine origin story, while DC will present the first chapter of its new Green Lantern storyline Blackest Night. Other comics available showcase Star Wars, Transformers, G.I. Joe, Aliens, Predator, Sonic the Hedgehog, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Pixar’s Cars, as well as other lesser-known characters and properties.

Local store Comic Oasis (2121 N. Rainbow Blvd., 212-8885) will host a signing from legendary creators John Romita Sr., John Romita Jr., Herb Trimpe and Joe Rubinstein (who’ve worked on everything from The Amazing Spider-Man to Teenagents) at 2 p.m., and other stores will feature costume events, food and more. For a list of participating locations and all of the comic books featured, visit freecomicbookday.com.