Astrokitty Comics, 15 7th St., is a symbol. It may not be a glimmering bat beacon in a troubled night’s clouds, but it represents an identity and a community.

 Joel Pfannenstiel wields this symbol as the owner of Astrokitty Comics. When he established the store in 2005, he wanted to create an atmosphere where people could come in and enjoy themselves. Sometimes when you walk into a comic book shop you get the feeling that you are breaking up a secret club of the employees, Pfannenstiel says. Some other comic book stores get lost in the merchandising of collectables by trying to sell rare back-issues of comics.

 “I’m interested in people reading comics and appreciating what’s out now rather than looking at something and thinking it’s going to be worth something,” Pfannenstiel says.

 Pfannenstiel’s main duties are dealing with retail distributors for ordering comics and collectables as well as promoting and organizing events.

 Some of the events he organizes include “Super Nerd Night” and participating in community dodgeball and kickball events. Super Nerd Nights are five hours of drinking and drawing illustrations, tabletop games, video games and of course, comic reading. They are events where people can come in, relax and be themselves around other people without hiding their interests.

 Pfannenstiel also sells illustrations from the drink and draw sessions, giving the proceeds to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. The organization seeks to protect retailers from legal issues that can come up when selling comic books.

 Astrokitty Comics’ symbol may be a space outfit-wearing cat, but Pfannensteil sees it as representing an accepting community and freedom of personal interests.