Hops and heroes

Friday, May 3 — Craft beer and comic books are two things you wouldn’t normally associate with each other, but this Saturday, fans of both suds and superheroes have their choice of ways to celebrate. Two simultaneous national events, National Homebrew Day and Free Comic Book Day, will bring out the inner fanboys and beer hounds in mid-Michigan residents.

That’s How We Brew (sister business to the tobacco store, That’s How We Roll) is one of a growing number of local homebrew stores, including the Capital City Homebrew Supply, 1824 E Michigan Ave. in Lansing and Red Salamander, 902 E Saginaw Hwy. in Grand Ledge. But those hops and malts in the house aren’t just pretty to look at.

“We’ve brewed 45 batches in six months,” said Patrick Brazil, the store’s owner and operator. “When you’re brewing twice a week, you get good really fast.”

Brazil’s store, 3000 Vine St. Lansing Twp. near the Frandor Shopping Center, will hold a special National Homebrew Day Celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. This is the 25^th year for the event.

“I expect to fill the parking lot,” Brazil said. “We’ve had a growing number of people coming in here, and we’ve gotten to know a lot of people in the brewing community. It’s been a real learning experience.”

Brazil’s event will feature specials on kits and supplies, and will have on-hand members of the Lansing Brew Crew, a local homebrew club. He also plans to feature tastings of some of the store’s recent batches, including the Puppy Dog Pale Ale.

Meanwhile, the 12^th annual Free Comic Book Day will keep eager graphic novel fans eager as they await either the upcoming Superman movie reboot “Man of Steel” or settle in for a summer of DVRed episodes fans of AMC’s “The Walking Dead” — depending which side of the aisle they sit on.

Over 4.6 million free comic books are expected to be given away at more than 2,000 participating locations, including downtown Lansing’s Clem’s Comics and Games,

216 S. Washington Sq. Clem’s will pay for these books at a discounted rate, which they will then give away to clientele. Every store will have a slightly different selection.

For more information, go to freecomicbookday.com or homebrewersassociation.com