Faster than a speeding bullet, Free Comic Book Day has come and gone after millions of enthusiastic readers pack their favorite comic book stores.

The first Saturday in May is the ultimate present for any comic connoisseur, as independent comic book stores worldwide do a giveback releasing millions of free comics.

The mastermind behind the creation is John Field, owner of Flying Colors Comics in Concord, who said he published a magazine opinion piece 12 years ago arguing, “if Baskin Robins can do a free scoop night, then the comic businesses can do free comics night, and make it even cooler than ice cream.”

The day is now celebrated in 60 countries with 2,000 stores dispensing more than 4.5 million copies into the eager hands of readers, Field said.

“It feels like 4 million are given away here today,” he joked at his Concord location. The line stretched past several stores within the mini shopping center displayed a lengthy wait and characters dressed as their favorite comic book and movies heroes.  Their store alone attracts anywhere from 1,200 to 1,500 people, said Aaron Ruttenberg, employee of Flying Colors.

“Free comic book day is a great no-brainer idea, because you’re literally getting a free sample and everyone loves free samples no matter what it is,” said Ruttenberg.

Ruttenberg, who is a student at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, added it is something that attracts people who, “wouldn’t normally buy comics or look for comics.”

This day is special to comic audiences because it unleashes their most precious valuables said Matt Hawkins, writer and president of Top Cow comics, who attended Flying Colors to hand out signed copies.

“It’s gotten bigger and bigger every year,” said Hawkins. “And it’s become such a marketing point to promote and launch a project. I’ve done one every year for the last three years and each year we’ve done it, it has been our best selling book of the year.”

After a 10 year hiatus, Hawkin’s re-launched Aphrodite IX, a series involving a female protagonist in a war driven futuristic world, handing out signed first editions.

James Robinson of DC Comics’s Earth-2 and Starman, also in attendance, said it gives readers a chance to interact with the writers and illustrators in the industry.

“They come in and sign their books,” said Robinson about the comic makers. “It’s a chance for people to familiarize themselves with their creators, and hopefully give new books a try and open their eyes to what is going on, and to introduce kids to comics.”

Comic books provide something different to their audience Robinson added.

“The one thing you can say about comics is they are not as popular as videos or video games or anything like that,” he said. “They are totally unique, there is no medium like comic books, the closest thing to that would be like story boarding a movie and editing it at the same time.”

This growing phenomenon is stretching further than a male dominated audience said Cara Young, who was dressed head-to-toe in Wonder Woman gear.

“I think it is cool for young girls to be able to see a strong female character and see that it is not just about Superman and Batman, but there are plenty of characters,” she said.

Young adds that it promotes reading for kids, who can find interesting stories in any comic book they read.

“I’ve been an avid reader of My Little Pony for six years,” said Young. “So I like my fun stuff and there are lots of lessons in there too, and I think it’s important to have kids reading. If there’s photos in it great, I think it’s important for them to read and be able to see characters that are strong.”

Stepping into the store lined wall-to-wall with comics, feels as if you have entered the Fields’ home.

“Would you like some cake?” asked Joe’s wife Kim. Their family flies in to help with the somewhat chaotic processes, also giving the day a family oriented feel said Andy Striemer, a 18-year patron to Flying Comics.

“Some of the free places gives you get comics and everything, but one of the things Joe does is that he goes above and beyond, because they’ve got the cake and the brownies and it’s their whole family that does it,” Striemer said. “…He makes it something that’s really special for everybody and that’s really nice. That makes it more than just the free comic book day event.”