Library celebrates May 4 with events

“Star Wars,” comic book and graphic novel fans of all ages are invited to celebrate Free Comic Book Day and “Star Wars” Day on May 4 at Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road during regular business hours, according to a news release.

Participants can pick up free comic books and enjoy several activities throughout the day, the release said.

Attendees can learn to draw their own comic book and create their own super stickers and meet and pose for selfies with popular comic book character figures and costumed members of the Ohio “Star Wars” Rebel Legion.

The free comic books are courtesy of Carol & John’s Comic Book Shop and will be available while supplies last.

The character figures, which will be in the library lobby, are provided by Westlake’s Mel Maurer, according to the release.

Members of the Ohio “Star Wars” Rebel Legion will be available to meet and take selfies from 1-3 p.m.

Aspiring comic book artists can learn how to create their own comic books during a drop-in session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Library staff will be on hand with templates and practical advice; no registration necessary.

As a lead-in to Free Comic Book Day, local comic book creator Ryan Drost will offer a presentation on the Art of Comic Book Creation at 7 p.m., April 30, according to the release.

The creator of two comic books in his “Stealth Hammer” series, Drost will discuss the importance of storytelling in everyday lives of people through the art of comic books, the release said.

To register, visit westlakelibrary.org/events.

Free Comic Book Day is an annual nationwide event advocating reading and appreciation of the comic book and graphic novel genre.

“Star Wars” Day is an informal commemorative day celebrating the “Star Wars” media franchise. Its name and date were chosen due to the pun “May the Fourth be with You,” which is based on the series’ catchphrase, “May the Force be with You,” the release said.