SUPERHERO fans across Oxford will be leaping buildings in a single bound to get their hands on free comics today.

Videosyncratic, in Cowley Road, is dishing out hundreds of free comics as part of the global Free Comic Book Day Jon Spira, owner of the shop, said the day was a great way of giving something back to regular comic book readers, enticing old readers back and trying to attract new fans.

He said: "Every publisher puts out a free comic for the day, which are one-offs only available on that day. A lot of them go on to become real collectors' editions.

"There will be the popular classics that everyone has heard of, like X-Men, Iron Man and Superman, but there will be other ones that people might not have heard of."

Free Comic Book Day will be taking place in comic shops around the world in the seventh year of the event.

It is usually timed to coincide with the release of a major film adaptation of a mainstream comic character.

This year's it ties in with the release of Marvel's Iron Man movie. Mr Spira said: "Every time a film comes out it definitely increases awareness and people become more interested in comics.

"A few years ago there was a bit of a decline in the industry, but things have definitely changed. Events like this are great for us, as not everyone is aware that we sell comic books as well as rent DVDs."

As well as handing out free comics, Videosyncratic has invited Matt Smith, the editor of 2000AD - who created Judge Dredd - along with artist Simon Davis and writer Ian Edgington to sign special Judge Dredd artwork created for the day, between 1-3pm.

Free comics will not be the only thing the day will have to offer, as Mr Spira has organised a gig at the Port Mahon in St Clement's Street, with Oxford-based bands Smilex and The Palace of Righteous Justice.

He said: "The Palace of Righteous Justice always dress up as superheroes on stage, but Smilex have said they will also dress up. It will make a great end to the day."