It seems like a geek’s wet dream — free comics. But it’s no dream. This Saturday is Free Comic Book Day, and an estimated two million comics will be given away.

The annual event is a promotional tool designed to get folks into the local comic book shops and to spread the joy of comics.

Many shops are holding special events Saturday to celebrate the giveaway. Essential Comics & Games in Exeter, Pennsylvania, will have the Imperial Troopers from the Garrison Carida of the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers appearing. Store owner Dave Phipps says the event was “huge” last year with well over 700 people flooding his shop.

Troy Hasbrouck, owner of Rebel Base Comics in Charlotte, North Carolina, points out some misconceptions of Free Comic Book Day. “Not every comic is free…just the promotional copies the publishers specifically print with the Free Comic Day Logo on it,” he says. “You’d be surprised how many people expect to come into the store and ransack the shelves ’cause it’s free!”

This year’s free titles include JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #1, ARCHIE COMICS 65TH ANNIVERSARY BASH, FUTURE SHOCK, STAR WARS/CONAN FLIP-BOOK, and LIBERTY GIRL #0.

Hasbrouck also points out that the comics aren’t free to the retailers. In fact, they cost shop owners anywhere from 21 cents to a dollar each. So after gobbling up those free comics, be a sport and buy a few, too.

Not every comic book shop is participating. Check out the Free Comic Book Day website to find a participating store. The site also has a full list of available comics and other information.