Southwest Floridians can spring into action next weekend, as a Cape Coral store supplying all things hobby-related is taking part in a national initiative and giving away free comic books.

JP Sports Collectibles in the Cape once again will take part in Free Comic Book Day next Saturday, May 4, where every patron can take home six free comic books across the entire operating day, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

JP Sports also is offering a myriad of deals that day, including 15% off comic book and card supplies, as well as 30% off CGC graded comics.

“It’s just a lot of fun for everyone,” said JP Sports Store Manager Jonathan Powell. “There are free comics that pique interests anywhere from kids and everyone, to teenagers, to adults. It’s fun for the whole family, and gets the kids back into reading again. It also gives us a full, fun day of giving free stuff back to the community that’s supported us for so long.”

The first Free Comic Book Day (first Saturday in May) launched in 2002, and is made possible by the Diamond Comic Distributors. This year, 53 free comics will be available in participating shops. To make things even more apropos, the nation-wide effort takes place on a date near and dear to “nerds” everywhere, May 4 — or “May the 4th” — or what’s referred to as “Star Wars Day” due to May 4th sounding like “May the force (be with you).”

Last year at JPs, more than 2,000 comics were given away.

“Our staff all love working that day,” Powell said. “We know we’re going to be constantly busy, talking to people that love what we’re giving away.”

And there will be plenty of different universes and comic/media worlds to discover.

“There is a huge range and variety,” Powell said. “It’s going to be hard to only pick six.”

Titles from Marvel, to DC, to Image Comics, to independent comics and more will all be available.

“We don’t just stop at superheroes, there’s comics all over the place, different age ranges,” Powell said. “From ‘My Little Pony’ to ‘Pokemon’ to ‘Ninja Turtles’ and all different kinds.”

Other sales at JPs on May 4 include 20% off Funko Pop vinyl and statues,20% off gaming cards (boxes, packs, singles), 30% off Hot Wheels and diecast cars (excluding autographed cars), and 60% off comic book back issues (2020-2023.

“If you are missing any parts of your collection or just want to start collecting, this will be the day to do it,” Powell said. “There’s going to be a huge selection that will be heavily discounted.”

In honor of May the 4th, JPs is also hosting a “Star Wars” costume contest, where the winner receives a $100 gift card to the shop. Attendees of Free Comic Book Day can dress in their best from Alderaan to Tatooine for a chance to take home the prize, which is decided by JP’s employees.

“It’s a little fun thing we thought we could do for ‘Star Wars Day,'” Powell said. “It’s something we’ve never done before, and something new to get people even more into Free Comic Book Day.”

Powell said it’s great to see families come out, and hobbies and interests passed from generation to generation.

“It’s a nostalgia thing coming into JP Sports,” Powell said. “We used to collect Pokemon cards, now our kids are getting into it. This is a good way for that same thing to happen, but with comics. Sometimes a dad or mom is collecting something, and can bring their kids in and share that with them. Parents and children can both relate, and it’s a lot of fun. The day is about more than free comics.”

JP Sports Collectibles is at 2323 Del Prado Blvd. S. Suite 10. For more information, visit jpsports.net.