COMIC book characters were brought to life today (Sunday October 12) by hundreds of enthusiasts of fictional super heroes and sci-fi classics.

KingCon, described as Durham’s first “geek” convention, was staged over three floors of the city’s Gala Theatre.

It featured a mix of trade stalls, which included comic books, collectables, jewellery, merchandise and art works as well as a working tattooist.

There were also popular exhibits, active and inter-active, including a Star Wars speeder bike, guarded by Imperial storm troopers.

It also offered the chance for fans to dress in their favourite characters’ costumes, with prizes up for grabs for the best CosPlay, or fancy dress outfits, which even featured an early appearance from Father Christmas.

KingCon was the first convention staged by Dark Matter Cafe, the North-East’s first comic book and gaming cafe, which opened in the former RAFA club in Crossgate, Durham, last December.

Director Dan Pye, who co-organised the convention with Lindsey Brown, said: “It’s proved a great success.

“It was full on from the moment we started. There was a huge queue before the doors even opened and you could see how keen everyone was by the costumes they have come in.

“We’ve had a 500-ticket sell-out and, considering how well it’s gone, we can only get bigger and better next year.

“We’re hoping to expand into the main auditorium to offer more of a live experience”

He said the show has built on the success of the Dark Matter Cafe which has attracted its own regular audience, or “community”, who enjoy the atmosphere and vibe offered by being able to socialise with like-minded people.