Watchmen, Batman and Wolverine fans descend on Birmingham for British International Comic Show

An estimated 4,000 comic writers, artists, publishers and fans will be coming Birmingham this autumn when the UK's largest comic convention returns to the city.

The British International Comic Show, or BICS, now in its fourth year has grown rapidly as has interest in comics generally thanks to Hollywood adaptations such as the
Watchmen, Batman and Wolverine.

And in recognition of its growing size the Show, at the Thinktank Millennium Point on October 3 and 4, has scooped a £6,000 grant from the Arts Council.

Co-organiser Shane Chebsey said: "We are very honoured to receive this funding from the Arts Council.

"This extra money will help us to enhance the BICS experience for all those attending the show, from fans to guests, and from retailers to publishers.

"It's a huge step forward for the show and for the medium of comics in the UK. It's yet another sign of further recognition for comics as an art form and entertainment medium."

An Arts Council spokeswoman said they had been particularly impressed by the opportunity for up and coming artists and writers to take part in workshops and have their work presented, reviewed and rated by the experts.

She said: "Out statement of intent is 'great art for everyone' and the British International Comic Show supports this aim. The event offers good access and opportunity for portfolio reviews for contemporary artists in this field and offers information and opportunity to explore career and creative development."

Already confirmed as appearing is leading British artist and writer Bryan Talbot, who is launching his new graphic novel Grandville at the show.

He was a special guest two years ago when he gave a presentation on the creation of his critically acclaimed Alice In Sunderland.

A host of top international creators from the world's leading publishers and titles will be joined by the best British talent including Birmingham and Midland based writers and artists such as John McRea, Hunt Emerson, Mark Farmer, Paul H Birch, Mark Farmer and Phil Winslade.

A special theme for this year is the 70th anniversary of Marvel Comics - the publisher of Spider-man, X-men and Fantastic Four.

The IMAX cinema will also be showing tie-in films during the weekend including Watchmen, Transformers 2 and Star Trek.

To find out more about BICS visit: www.thecomicsshow.co.uk