Break out that Spiderman outfit. Comic book writer Peter David will be in Lansing this weekend.

David will be at Capital City Comics and Books, 2004 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

But who is the man behind the superhero?

“He’s one of the most renowned writers in the past decade,” said Stephen Jahner, owner of Capital City Comics and Books. “His contributions to the science fiction world and the comic book world have been absolutely astounding.”

During his career, David has written comic books such as “The Incredible Hulk,” “Aquaman” and the classic “Spectacular Spiderman.”

Currently he writes “Supergirl,” “Young Justice,” “Captain Marvel” and, most recently, “SpyBoy.”

“This is the first store signing he’s done in a while,” said Bob Cooley, manager of Capital City Comics and Books. “We usually see him at the real big conventions.”

Riding the coattails of the Great Depression, comic books relied on superhero characters to help people forget about their worries for a while.

“They offered great escape and fantasy,” said Gary Hoppenstand, an American Thought & Language professor who specializes in film. “Plus, they offered an inexpensive form of entertainment - only 10 cents.”

Today, comic book prices range from $2 to $5, and sometimes more.

“Comic books are fairly high priced,” Hoppenstand said. “It’s become less of a working-class medium and more of an affluent, middle-class medium to collect - hundreds of dollars a month if you’re serious.”

Of the nearly 44,000 students on campus, Jahner estimates that about 20 percent to 25 percent of them read comic books regularly and another 10 percent read them religiously.

“(Popularity) has definitely decreased in terms of sales of comics,” Hoppenstand said. “What is popular is the merchandising. These companies make huge amounts of money off merchandising toys, clothing and film adaptations.”

Jahner says, however, that comic books have “definitely” increased their sales in the past few years.

But both recognize that comic books are no longer just for kids. Instead, comics today are geared toward a wide audience.

“Comics appeal to children of all ages - from 6 to 96,” Jahner said.

Following the signing, Capital City Comics and Books is holding a benefit to raise money for the Capital Area Humane Society.

The event will be held at the Frandor Quality Inn, 3121 E. Grand River Ave. in Lansing, and will cost $30. Included is all-you-can-eat lasagna, live music performed by local band Smajick and the chance to hear David read some of his work.

Tickets for the benefit can be purchased at Capital City Comics and Books. For more information, call 485-0416.