Is it a seagull? Is it a plane? No, it’s the first big comic convention to be held in Aberdeen in 22 years.
The Granite City Comic Con (GCCC) will host its inaugural event on May 30 at the newly revamped Transition Extreme.
Featuring signings and talks from writers, artists and other titans of the comic book industry, costume competitions and children’s activities, the organisers have created the event to be a fun day out for the whole family.
But the organisers of the GCCC’s greatest superpower by far is their superhuman levels of altruism, as the entirety of the profits of the convention will go towards leading north-east cancer support charity Clan.
Colin Penny, who is one of the organisers, said: “Me and my pals used to go to cons all the time when we were kids.
“There was one in Aberdeen in about 1993 called Drak Con, but since then I don’t think there’s been another one up here.
“We basically got sick fed-up of travelling out of Aberdeen to all these other ones all over the country, so we thought we’d give it a go ourselves and see how we get on, and it’s just steamrollered since then.”
Since announcing the convention last year, the event’s Facebook page has received more than 3,000 likes, and Mr Penny expects more than 2,000 comic-book fans to attend.
He added: “The fact that we’re bringing this to Aberdeen is really good, we’ve had some great responses from a number of comic book artists who are all excited to meet their fans up in our neck of the woods.”
“Transition Extreme staff are even thinking of dressing up their climbing instructors as Batman and Spider-Man to teach the kids how to climb the walls in the centre, and even a guy dressed up as the Silver Surfer to show the kids how to skateboard as well.
“We’re so proud to help support Clan. All our families have been touched by cancer, and they are so unbelievable with all the hard work they do in Aberdeen and the Highlands and Islands.
“So although the event is free, we’re going to be going around with Clan buckets and we hope to raise as much as possible for them on the day.”
For more information visit www.granitecitycomiccon.co.uk