Thousands of comic book fans are expected to flock to Mahon Point shopping centre next week for the Cork Comic Expo.

RECENT years have seen a number of Irish illustrators achieve their dream of working for Marvel, one of the giants of the comics business.

For many people, bookshops conjure fond images of intimate readings, in-store cafés and delight at the discovery of a new author. Despite this, many high street bookshops are under threat thanks to the rising popularity of eReaders and online shopping.

A group of Cork-based comic book artists have released their first anthology in the midst of what is being describd as a new golden age of comics, writes Don O’Mahony.