Marvel at the kapow factor...

Comic Con, Oldham Library. (l-r) Emily Calder (8) as Chibiusa from the Sailor Moon manga series, Jessica Williams as Harley Fett and Amiee Taylor as character from Sailor Moon manga series.

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WOW! A comic book convention in Oldham attracted about 1,800 superhero, sci-fi, fantasy and graphic novel fans - far more than organisers had dreamed of.

Hundreds of children, teenagers and adults visited the first Oldham Comic Con, which was organised by a dad, Dennis Whittle, with Oldham Library.

Some guests wore amazing costumes to portray Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman or Judge Dredd. Others came as more contemporary characters including Deadpool or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The event celebrated the pleasure of reading comics and graphic novels which have led to so many films, television series and games.

Organiser Dennis, from Milnrow, said: "I bought my first comic when I was aged 10 and have collected them ever since. My favourites are DC comics and characters like Batman and Superman.

"My daughter Amy mentioned that I should organise a comic convention. She dared me to do it. So I contacted Oldham Council libraries and we've spent six months planning it.

"I expected 500 people, but I think we've had 1,800 so far. It's exceeded all my expectations.

"We wanted to focus on reading comics and graphic novels, rather than films and computer games. There is obviously a big crossover between comics and films, but we wanted to celebrate reading, good stories, great artists and authors.

"We've had great support from writers, illustrators and publishers from across the UK representing a huge variety of styles and publishers."

Among the visitors were Megan Hughes and Brent Holmes-Critchley with Harmony Franklin (seven), Destin Holmes-Critchley (three) and Summer Whittington (nine).

Harmony, who attends Hodge Clough School, Oldham, said: "I was going to come dressed as Harley Quinn (a Batman villain) but didn't have enough money for the outfit, so I've dressed as Wonder Woman instead. I like Harley Quinn, Batman and Batgirl."

Summer, who was dressed as Supergirl, said: "It took me an hour to get ready with the costume and face paint. I've also had my photo taken with some superheroes today."

Destin was dressed as Superman and said: "I like Superman because he fights crime. I also like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I think Batman and Batgirl are probably the best."

Another group included Kelvin Heney and Helen Knowsley, from Clarksfield, with youngsters Benj (10), James (nine), Jenson (three) and Logan (five) dressed as supernatural stunt biker Ghost Rider, Darth Vader from Star Wars, Batman and Raphael from the Ninja Turtles.

Logan said: "Ghost Rider is a crime-fighter. If he comes across you doing something wrong, he will punish you. He would tell you to look into his eyes and then take your soul. His bike is covered in fire."

As well as superhero stories, Benj said he also liked funny tales by authors such as David Walliams. James said he enjoyed drawing, especially dragons and Pokemon characters.

Older fans included a squad of Judge Dredd-style judges called the Brit Citi Judges. Among them was David Woods (48), from Blackburn, who said: "We support these events to promote awareness of reading and comics. It's a good way to get kids into books and graphic novels. Kids love it."

At a comic stall was Andrew Hulme (32), from Fitton Hill, with daughter Isabelle (six), sister Lyndsey Lowe and Ethan Lowe (16). Andrew said: "My favourite stories are probably the Star Wars ones. I used to visit comic shops in Manchester, but to have something like this in Oldham is fantastic."

Courtney Cotton (22), from Rochdale, was dressed as Daphne from Scooby Doo. She is a trainee teacher but draws art in her spare time. Her influences include Japanese "anime" comics.

Stalls sold comics, books, posters and merchandise, and highlighted story-writing, character development, illustration and publishing.

About 30 authors and illustrators included: Dave Windett from Marvel UK, Count Duckula and Loony Tunes; Grant Perkins from 2000 AD, Titan Comics and Time Shark; Nick Brokenshire of Amelia Cole and Future Queen; Jon Laight of Level 8 Comics; Mike Garley of Adventure Time and Wallace & Gromit; Marc Ducrow of Brit Attack and Dark Horse Comics; and Joe Matthews, from the Beano and Tom & Jerry.

• Check out more pictures from the Comic Con event, and order prints on our picture sales page.