Comic cuts

With so many comic characters appearing on the silver screen in the last few years, it’s easy to forget where it all began for them.

In fact, it’s probably fair to say that for every 100 people who have seen Superman, Spiderman, The Hulk, X-Men, Ghost Rider et al in motion picture, only a handful have ever clapped eyes upon them in comic book form.

This weekend, however, the Hillhead Comic and Toy Fair offers kids and grown-ups the chance to properly acquaint themselves with their favourite superheroes – and all at some bargain prices too.

Organiser Dave Braysher says: “Comics usually cost £2, which is quite a lot of money for a kid to spend. At this event, they can buy them for 20p.”

Attractive prices to make comics accessible for kids is just one of the selling points of the fair – for veterans of the comic mart scene, there are plenty more.

“Items on sale will probably range in price from less than a pound to a few hundred pounds,” Dave adds. “At previous markets, people have turned up with special items, like Spiderman number ones, from the 1960s.”

Although such comics are rare, they’re not unique – but there’s always a small chance that something befitting that description could find its way onto the stands.

Dave says: “Most things on sale date from the present day back to the sixties, but sometimes something from as far back as the 1940s can turn up.

“It’s all down to the day – there will be plenty of dealers coming along so it’s a chance to pick up something you wouldn’t find in shops.

“Past comic fairs have usually thrown up a few surprises, from high standard collectibles to comics for kids to read in the back of the car on the way home.”

The Hillhead Comic and Toy Fair takes place on Saturday, March 10 at 11am in Hillhead Library, Byres Road, Glasgow. Admission is free.