Scottish superhero Saltire returns in a new graphic novel, launched this weekend at Dundee’s DeeCon.
Fans have already viewed the online trailer for the upcoming comic 25,000 times, and Dundee will get an exclusive pre-release launch and signing with artist Claire Roe.
The big, blue and ginger protagonist returns in Saltire: Annihilation, and creator John Ferguson has his sights set on conquering the world.
Billed as a sweeping superhero epic, the series is considered part of “Caledonian cool” by its fans, looking to help Scotland lose the tartan cringe and begin a new era of modern cultural relevance to a worldwide audience.
With the books being translated into both Scots and Gaelic, there is a new understanding of the comic book medium and its place in creating a modern image for Scotland.
The last few months have been busy for series publisher Diamondsteel Comics and their comic book creation with award nominations for Arts and Culture, Best British Comic, Illustrated Book of the Year and recently representing graphic arts at the City of Design Awards ceremony.
Mr Ferguson said: “This year we want to take Saltire’s popularity across the Atlantic. With the reviews and fan reaction over the last 18 months we think it’s time we let the big guy loose on an international audience.
“The series is set in an immersive pseudo history of the country with Annihilation taking place in the Dark Ages.
“It is an expansive story with a cinematic feel and uses many of Scotland’s myths and legends to extend the Saltire universe, and it’s time the rest of the world got to enjoy its success.”
With discussions about Scottish culture and identity brought into the mainstream by the independence referendum, Saltire is more relevant than ever.
Mr Ferguson continued: “The trend to reassess Scottish culture is great. What we’ve created is a confident reflection of Scotland, something the country is often quite shy to do unless it’s nostalgia based.
“We step away from the traditional parodies of Scottishness which is why it has been embraced by thousands of fans, excited by a dynamic and iconic Scottish hero.
“The books encompass many aspects of the Scottish personality and Saltire’s weakness is part of that, hinted at in the first book but laid bare in the new title.”