Of course, it’s a limited edition.

“We’re hoping to get some brand-new readers here,” Portlyn said. “We want to shatter the image of the scary, gross comic book store, like the one in ‘The Simpsons.”‘Ironically, Simpsons items are one of the hot sellers at Brave New World, along with shelves lining every wall with rows upon rows of books, from slick, glossy-cover magazines to library-bound volumes featuring more pictures than words.Comics have long since moved from strictly superheroes (think Batman), risk-taking reporters (think Brenda Starr) and daring detectives (think Dick Tracy). Now the picture pages tell readers about social issues such as homelessness, animal abuse, drunk driving, domestic violence and ocean pollution, just a few things with which Superman has dealt with recently.

Comics are now part of the everyday stacks at libraries around the world and are used by teachers to instruct students in areas of art, language, math, science and social studies. The Freemans keep a resource book on hand for educators and parents who come by the store, sometimes reluctant to let their children succumb to the temptations of the illustrated stories.

“Comic books do so much for reading comprehension,” Portlyn said. “Having the image next to the words increases their understanding. They are an incredible visual medium. As long as it gets people reading, we don’t care which ones they pick.”

Atom said he grew up reading comic books and decided his knowledge of the genre was a marketable skill. He joined Brave New World Comics “two locations ago” and eventually bought the business, moving it to its current location. The two have no children, but claim the hundreds of youthful customers who regularly come in as their extended family.

Portlyn was a regular reader of Archie, Betty and Veronica comics and credits an artistic family with her interest in the unusual.

The Freemans regularly participate in literacy and reading programs at libraries and schools, teaching children of all ages how to draw their own books (there is a section of instructional comic art books near the register) and contribute frequently to the local Toy Library and programs run by the county’s Child and Family Services bureau.

The store will accept contributions for the Los Angeles County Literacy Project during the event, which will also involve the neighboring bakery and music store. A deejay will be on hand to keep the anticipated comic fans entertained. Brave New World Comics is located at

, Newhall.