Niven Govinden The second novel from Govinden, who’s been cruelly dubbed as the new Hanif Kureishi, is Graffiti My Soul, a fizzy, witty, horrific take on being a British youngster. Canongate Read review

Will Hutton Is China about to roll the rest of the world into submission with its economic strength? Maybe not, according to the accessible economist. Little, Brown Read review

Ed Brubaker & Trevor Hairsine Fans of X-Men will be thrilled with this stand-alone tale, Deadly Genesis, a deliciously black chapter in the superhero crew’s evolution. Marvel Read review

Jason The Living and the Dead is the latest one from the acclaimed Norwegian cartoonist without a surname. This is an exquisite take on horror movies from the likes of George A Romero. Fantagraphics Read review

Charlie Higson A quiz night to mark the release of the ex-Fast Show guy’s latest Young Bond book. Double Or Dead is its title. Waterstone’s, Glasgow, Thu 25 Jan

The Big Word A somewhat alternative Burns celebration with more inventive lyrical doings. City Café, Edinburgh, Thu 25 Jan

Winter Words 2007 Why not take a trip out of the central belt to catch this fine-looking festival with William McIlvanney and Ronnie Corbett among the top Scots on show. Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Thu 25-Sun 28 Jan

Duncan Bannatyne The man with the killer stare and devilish business brain talks about his life with some top scran and liquor to aid proceedings. Radisson SAS Hotel, Glasgow, Thu 1 Feb