Legendary artists behind globe's most beloved comic book heros come to Portsmouth

The VIPs are the latest names to be unveiled by organisers of the spectacle, which is being staged at the Guildhall next year.

All of the guests had a hand in writing stories for or drawing superheroes from the likes of Superman and Batman, to Captain America and the X-Men.

Among those on the guest list is Walt Simonson, the man behind the early 80s renaissance of Thor.

During his 50-year career in the industry, he has also drawn comic favourites Superman, Fantastic Four and Batman.

In recent years he has turned his attention to the creator-owned Norse fantasy epic Ragnarok, for which he has been winning plaudits.

Joining him is his wife Louise Simonson, a comic writer and editor of the same stature as her husband.

A major figure at Marvel and DC in the 80s, she has worked on and written for many of their major titles, including Star Wars, New Mutants and Superman: Man of Steel.

This will be the first time the pair have been over to the UK in more than a decade.

From Los Angeles comes comic creator Tess Fowler, who’s best known for Rat Queens, Heathen for Vault, Heavy Metal and currently Kid Lobotomy with Peter Milligan.

American artists Shawn Martinbrough is also in attendance. He has drawn characters from the likes of Hellboy and Black Panther to Captain America. He was also involved in co-creating the supporting characters in Marvel’s Deadpool movie.

The last guest on the roster is Tim Bradstreet, a comic illustrator who counts Star Wars in his long list of credits, as well as more than 70 covers for Marvel’s The Punisher and DC’s Hellblazer.

Portsmouth’s Comic Con International is being held on May 5 and 6. The event is the brainchild of Portsmouth Guildhall and comic publisher Tripwire Magazine.

Tickets range from £14 to £28. For details, see portsmouthcomiccon.com