Now in its fifth year, Glasgow Comic Con brings together artists, authors, publishers and sellers in a celebratory showcase of comics, graphic novels, comic art and writing. Following a sell-out year in 2014, the two-day event expects to welcome 5,000 visitors.

Rather than fill a vast, impersonal hall, the Con offers hubs of activity to explore across three city centre venues: the CCA, the Art School and the Renfield Centre. All guests have their own exhibiting table where they can sell their work, sign copies and take commissions in addition to appearing in a packed programme of talks, workshops, screenings and cosplay.

So who should you look out for? We caught up with festival director Sha Nazir to find out …

Nigel Parkinson and Nika Nartova
Nigel Parkinson is the artist responsible for drawing iconic Beano characters Dennis the Menace, Gnasher and Minnie the Minx, while Nika Nartova is their colourist. The pair will be hosting an all-ages comic talk. as well as 'how to draw' sessions where Parkinson live draws and Nina live colours: Dennis and Gnasher on Saturday, Minnie and her associated characters on Sunday.
Sha says: 'It's really good to get them because it's only the fourth ever convention they've done, and he's been drawing Dennis and Nasher for 25 years now.'
nigelparkinsoncartoons.blogspot.co.uk

John Wagner
Wagner is the co-creator of Judge Dredd, who celebrated his 35th birthday in 2012. As well as nearly four decades in print, the 2000 AD character has appeared twice on the big screen portrayed by Sylvester Stallone in 1995 and Karl Urban in 2012. Wagner's list of creations also include Strontium Dog, Button Man, Robo-Hunter and Chopper.
Sha says: 'John is a legend of comics, a game changer with his contribution to British comics. We're very pleased to have John reunite with Alan Grant to work on a new book for BHP Comics.'

Hunt Emerson
A veteran of the comic art scene, Emerson has drawn for titles including The Adventures of Mr Spoonbiscuit, Thunderdogs, Firkin and Ruskin Comics. He currently draws Little Plum for the Beano. Emerson hosts a cartoonist masterclass on Saturday.
Sha says: 'He's a really amazing cartoonist. Coming from an indie background he's produced a broad range of work, from adult comics in the early years of his career to making amazing graphic novels.'
largecow.com

Mark Millar
A local writer from Coatbridge, Millar is one of 'the top five most well known contemporary comic people.' This is in part due to the fact that several of his creations have made the leap from page to big screen with feature film adaptations including KickAss, Wanted and Fantastic Four. His success has earned him the no doubt highly-coveted role of Fox Movies Superhero Consultant. Millar visits Glasgow on Sunday for a talk and to sign copies of his latest blockbuster triumph, Kingsman: The Secret Service.
Sha says: 'Mark is also working with us on his Millar World exhibition at the Glasgow Print Studio. It's called Comic Art: Millar World and Beyond and some of the top artists in the world have contributed to it.'

The Big Comic Draw
Not technically a guest, but definitely something you want to get involved in. Held in the CCA Intermedia Gallery in the first week of July (Wed 1–Sun 5) Glasgow Comic Con invite you to create your own strip, comic page or poster art using the alphabet as inspiration. Illustrator Clare Forrest hosts the space, and over the weekend of GCC, 14 artists including big name guests such as Karrie Fransman and break out talent like Iain Laurie will be doing slots in the gallery drawing with people.
Sha says: 'As people start contributing and making their art we'll start pinning it to the wall in alphabetical order, adding to what will be a giant comic book.'

Other guests at Glasgow Comic Con include John Higgins, David Lloyd and Sean Phillips. Unfortunately Cameron Stewart can no longer attend. For a full list visit glasgowcomiccon.com

Glasgow Comic Con, various venues, Glasgow, Sat 4–Sun 5 Jul.