Next weekend, ComicFest returns to Enniskillen even bigger and better, bringing the world of comicbooks and superheroes to the town for a huge celebration of sequential art and storytelling.

For the first time, Enniskillen ComicFest will run over an entire weekend, Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4, with the show taking place at St. Macartin’s Cathedral Hall, as before, on Saturday, June 3, then moving to the Enniskillen Hotel in Forthill Street on Sunday, June 4.

Both venues will be packed with comic creators, both professional and self-published, to sign and sketch; merchandise and comics will be on sale, and there will be lots to see and do for everyone with even a passing interest in comics.

This year, superstar writer Garth Ennis – creator of ‘Preacher’ and ‘The Boys’, and who has written hugely popular runs of ‘The Punisher’ and ‘Batman’ – returns to Enniskillen to officially launch his new ‘Battle Action’ comic, which will be on sale at ComicFest.

Such is the reputation ComicFest has built that many publishers now use it as an opportunity to launch new work.

Nigel Parkinson, who has been drawing Dennis The Menace in the Beano for several years now, continuing the legacy of Dennis and his dog, Gnasher, two of the most iconic characters in British comics, will also make a welcome return to Enniskillen ComicFest.

Making his ComicFest debut is one of the architects of British comics, Gerry Finley-Day, creator of ‘Rogue Trooper’ and ‘Fiends of the Eastern Front’ for 2000 AD.

Returning to ComicFest is John Wagner, creator of ‘Judge Dredd’.

Coming over from Greece for ComicFest is writer/artist DaNi who has gone on to work for DC Comics in the US, illustrating Superman and Batman linked stories.

Will Simpson also returns, a comic artist and storyboard artist for the smash hit ‘Game of Thrones’ television show.

These are just a few of the 22 guests from across Ireland and the UK who will be appearing at ComicFest.

All will be available on both Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4 for autographs and sketches, and if you’re an aspiring writer or artist, why not bring along some of your work and get some tips!

Outlining a particularly special part of this year’s programme, a spokesperson for Enniskillen ComicFest said: “At noon on Saturday, we will be conducting an interview with our guest of honour, Gerry Finley-Day, in the Cathedral Hall

“This promises to be a fascinating look at the golden age of British comics, and in the evening we will be presenting a Battle Action Launch Panel in Blake’s of the Hollow, where all our guests who have worked on the new series will take part.

“Admission for the launch panel is free, but be sure to get there early as it’s sure to be very popular!”

Admission to ComicFest over the weekend, in both venues, is free for everyone.

“Chances are you’ve read comics, so why not come along and join in the fun on Saturday, June 3 in St. Macartin’s Cathedral Hall and Sunday, June 4 in the Enniskillen Hotel?” added the spokesperson, noting that the full details of the programme of events along with updates will be posted on the Enniskillen ComicFest Facebook page.

Back in February, the Enniskillen ComicFest was voted the Best Comic Event in the ComicScene News Awards covering Great Britain and Ireland, which was a great honour and shows the recognition that ComicFest has built in the comics industry.

Enniskillen ComicFest would like to thank the Arts Council Of NI, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Enniskillen BID and Blake’s of the Hollow for their support.