New Moon Comics, 463 Main St., Little Falls, is kicking off its first Comic Book Drive for Our Real American Heroes. The business will be collecting comic books for soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan on July 4 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the store as well as at its Little Falls Street Fair table, according to shop owner Robert Guadagno.

According to Guadagno, New Moon Comics is going all out for the initiative. The store will donate $1,000 worth of literature to the drive. The business also will complement each comic book purchased for donation will an equal value offering. In the store, ideal selections for the troops’ enjoyment will be highlighted with red, white, and blue tags.

In addition, several costumed superhero characters will be making appearances on July 4 to thank donors.

The store will continue collecting donations as well as the match deal until July 13. Only comic books will be excepted. No graphic novels or heavy magazines will be accepted.

The owner said all items will be shipped to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan through Soldiers’ Angels, a Pasadena Calif. based non-profit organization.

Guadagno said plenty of contributions are needed, since he wants enough fun publications for "every guy and girl over there."

"It’s not about money. It’s about comics. Getting 100,000 comic books plus, that would be fantastic. To me that would be a super success. The more we send, the better."

He said the undertaking is a prime opportunity for people to dust off their comic book stacks.

"If they have older books they want to donate, we’ll take them."

The proprietor said the aim is boosting service personnel’s morale adding that New Moon Comics stands ready to repeat the cause next year.

"Hopefully, it’s not needed," he said, reflecting his hope for the troops to come home, "but if it’s needed, it will be done."

Guadagno said the inspiration for the campaign came from a good friend, Michael E. Merwin, who served in the Army as sergeant during the Gulf War in the early 90s.

"When Mike was stationed overseas, he told me how much he loved reading the comic books I would send him. He said they helped him get away. I’ve been donating comics to the troops on my own for years now, but only recently did I draw up plans to get the whole community involved."

Anyone with questions about the comic book drive can contact Guadagno at 973-812-6642 or at rjguadagno@newmooncomics.com.