A perfect Halloween treat – Comic Books and Candy from Acme and Starfighter

Iowa (KCAU) — While some Siouxland kids were enjoying Halloween at the farmers market, others celebrated with comic books and candy!

Acme Comics hosted its 14th Annual Trick-or-Read event at their shop in downtown Sioux City Saturday

Trick-or-readers got candy and a free comic book for stopping by. Some ghouls got to meet the Sioux City Ghostbusters, Spider-Man Noir, and see the Mystery Machine from Scooby-Doo.

Kevin McGarry, co-owner of Acme Comics says the popularity of comic books can have an unexpected positive effect on young readers.

“Comics are really huge right now, especially with all the TV shows and movies. It’s just crazy. Avengers is coming out and even things like Godzilla have comic books. Basically, I love having it when teachers come to me after a free Comic Book Day event and say, ‘Hey, you know what? Little Billy didn’t have any interest in reading. He got one of your books and now he’s reading in class.’ I mean, to me, that’s huge. I love that,” said McGarry.

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The event was also a fundraiser for the Starlight Foundation — a group that will give Ghostbusters-themed gowns to hospitals. Sony will be matching every dollar raised.

And Acme wasn’t the only one treating kids to some special treats.

Starfighter Comics also welcomed spooks of all ages for candy and comic books.
The Southern Hills Mall shop, which opened in 2022, kicked off its event at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Store owners say there are several reasons to have events like this one.

“It helps, just bring out the community, kind of gather everybody together. For one…for one cause, and that’s to promote the reading and promote the, the comic book industry. We’ve got cards, collectibles, comics…all sorts of things. Games. Other things for people to browse through as well.”

The event ended when the store closed at 8 p.m.

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