DOZENS of comic book enthusiasts descended on a York shop to meet three internationally-renowned writers and artists.

Award-winning American artist Tim Sale, writer Gail Simone and Canadian writer-artist Jeff Lemire all appeared at Travelling Man in Goodramgate, to sign copies of their books for fans who had travelled from around the region.

All three have worked for DC Comics, with Sale credited with illustrating popular Batman titles including The Long Hallowe’en and Dark Victory. He also provided artwork for the first series of US superhero drama Heroes.

Yusuf Ebrahim, a 22-year-old archaeology student at the University of York, said: “I’m a big fan of Tim, Jeff, and especially Gail’s work. I never would have expected to see something like this so close to home – it’s fantastic.”

York-born LA-based artist Richard Starkings was also at the store, and their appearance was a precursor to the Leeds Thought Bubble art festival, which features art and writing-based workshops for all ages, and more than 300 stalls including portfolio viewings, discussions, and film screenings.

Thought Bubble runs until Sunday at Saviles and the Royal Armouries Halls. For more information go to thoughtbubblefestival.com