Superheroes and comic book stories are at the forefront of popular culture. This weekend will be a chance for fans to celebrate the larger-than-life characters by checking out the source material where they come from. 

Free Comic Book Day is coming up on August 14 and local comic book shop The Box has all of this year's offerings from top publishers, as well as plenty of other fun surprises and giveaways planned. Located at 450 Entrance Road in Leesville, The Box is a one-stop-shop for fans of comic books, collectibles, and tabletop gaming. Doors open at 10 a.m. 

Owner Keith Houin is encouraging everyone to come out to The Box and celebrate Free Comic Book Day. 

"We've got hundreds of books that we are going to give away," said Houin. He noted they would have all the special Free Comic Book Day titles from major publishers like Marvel and DC. Additionally, The Box will have surprise giveaways throughout the day. 

Houin noted that those in attendance could walk out with a box full of giveaway merchandise. 

He said: "Our customers come here and have a good time. So we want to pay them back for enjoying themselves here and spending time in our shop."

The special guest for Free Comic Book Day at The Box will be the CEO of Advent Comics, Tony Kittrell. Kittrell is an established talent in the world of independent comics, having started Advent Comics in 2009. Since then he has written comics of nearly every genre and launched 25 unique titles set in the Advent Universe. Advent Comics also publishes a number of creator-owned titles under the Unbound Realms imprint. 

Kittrell's signature superhero comic Titan was recently picked up by Diamond Distributors, which is the standard-bearer for distribution in the comic book industry. Titan is available for purchase at The Box, and Kittrell will be signing autographs at The Box while greeting those in attendance. 

Free Comic Book Day is celebrated at comic book shops nationwide and this year marks its 20th anniversary. Traditionally it is held in May, but this year it was moved to August 14th due to the global pandemic.

The Box opened in Leesville in June and has a wide variety of comic books, collectibles, trading cards, and tabletop role-playing games (RPGs). They regularly allow groups to play games like Dungeons and Dragons, Warhammer, Pokemon, Magic: The Gathering, and more. Their goal is to provide a place where people can enjoy their hobbies in a fun and friendly atmosphere. 

As for comics, The Box boasts a large selection of comics from industry titans like DC, Marvel, Image, and Dark Horse to name a few. However, they also have one of the largest selections of independent comics in Louisiana. Houin takes pride in the selection that The Box is able to offer its customers. He also enjoys giving a platform to independent creators and introducing them to a new audience.

He said: "Just like our customers take a chance on us, we take a chance on these independent comics and publishers."

Since the store opened, unique independent titles have become top sellers. Popular independent comics at The Box include "Harriet Tubman: Demon Slayer", "47 Furious Tales", "Titan", and "They Call Her…The Dancer."

Houin expressed his gratitude to the local community for their support. He stated that they have many regular customers in the Leesville area, but they have other customers who drive in to come to check out what they have at the store. 

He said: "It's been a good turnout, and I hope it continues to grow." 

The Box is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information on The Box, call (504) 390-8315, or visit their official Facebook Page.

This article originally appeared on Leesville Daily Leader: Celebrate Free Comic Book Day in Leesville at The Box