It's going to be super

Photo: Studio G Photography

COMIC book heroes and villains will be the centre of attention at Oldham Comic Con

OLDHAM will host the first comic convention of its kind as writers and graphic designers galore descend on the borough.

Hundreds of comic book, sci-fi and fantasy fans are expected to descend on Oldham Library for a reading and writing event on May 6.

Comic-creating workshops, book readings, panels and face painting form part of the line-up for Oldham Comic Con, which coincides with Free Comic Book Day.

Free comics will be up for grabs at the not-for-profit event, with all proceeds going towards buying books, comics and graphic novels for Oldham libraries, community groups and schools.

Organiser Dennis Whittle, who owns some 165,000 comics, said: "This is a completely brand new event taking place in partnership with Oldham Library.

"There has been a huge interest in this and we hope to see around 2,000 people on the day."

Dennis will be joined by daughter Amy Whittle (11), a comic fan who is "constantly reading" and shares her dad's interest in meeting the artists and writers.

There will be a workshop focused on telling stories through comics, a live drawing, a selection of book readings, a talk from a freelance graphic writer who designs movie posters, as well as a panel to discuss what it is like working within the comic industry.

Photo opportunities with Batman, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man and Green Arrow are also on the cards, as well as about 30 stalls selling everything from comics to action figures and original artwork.

Adults and children are encouraged to dress for the occasion and take part in the afternoon's superhero cosplay competition, complete with winner and runner-up prizes.

Dennis (39) said: "I bought my first comic when I was 10 and now have a collection of 165,000.

"I've attended comic cons for some 20 years.

"When I was growing up comic cons were all about comics. As a fan I want to see and meet the writers, get my comics signed and go to panels."

He added: "The library will be stocking the work of guest authors and writers at the event so they are available afterwards."

Comic guests at the event include a mixture of up-and-coming writers, authors who have worked for Marvel and Dark Horse Comics and Manchester-based writers and graphic novelists.

Emmy-nominated writer Mike Garley, Neil Roche of Bhuna, Marc Ducrow of Wisdom Comics, Jon Laight of Level 8 Comics, Tim Perkins, formerly of Marvel and DC Comics, and freelance comics artist and illustrator Dave Windett are among the confirmed guests.

Executive director of health and wellbeing at Oldham Council Maggie Kufeldt said: "We're really excited about our first Comic Con and it's something we see becoming a regular feature in the Oldham Library's calendar."

Free parking for up to three hours will be available to visitors at all Oldham Council car parks for the duration of the event.

Residents are invited to Oldham Library between 10am and 4pm on May 6.

For more information, visit oldham-council.co.uk/libevent/events/view/united-kingdom/oldham/oldham-library/oldham-comic-con.