Holy Smokes, Batman—It's National Comic Book Day 2012!

Today is one of Napa Patch editor Louisa Hufstader's favorite mini-holidays.

Sept. 25 is National Comic Book day. This is a day for people of all ages to enjoy, since the first-ever comic book superhero made his first appearance in 1938. 

While some characters have new looks, and some of their storylines have changed completely, comic enthusiasts like Hufstader can still share their love of their favorite characters, old and new.

This geeky holiday is a great time for comic fans to honor their obsession, whether it be with superheroes or underground "comix."

Napa doesn't have a comic-book store, but both the Napa County Library and Copperfield's Books stock some graphic novels worth checking out, says Hufstader, whose favorite artists are Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez, a.k.a. "Los Bros Hernandez:" She's collected almost every issue of their 1980s Love & Rockets series along with hardcover editions.

Hufstader, who says she got the comics bug in her 20s "when Frank Miller was drawing Daredevil," is also a big fan of the comics artist Derf, of Punk Rock and Trailer Parks and My Friend Dahmer (available at Copperfield's). 

National Comic Book day is also a precursor for the famous New York Comic Con. This year, it will be held Oct. 11-14 at the Jacob Javits Center, where heroes and villains will walk the streets of Gotham.

From Batman to Archie and the gang to Maggie and Hopie, the "Locas" of Love & Rockets, be sure to celebrate everyone’s favorite comic characters.

TELL US: Who is your favorite comic book character? Also, join Hufstader and upload photos of your personal comic book collection.

Napa Patch becomes Napa Valley Patch this Thursday! Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for the daily email with links to the latest news | Got something to say? Start a blog and share your views with the valley.