WRITER Matt Warner is taking his love of horror movies to the world of comic books.

The 37-year-old from Shotton showcased some of his comic book company’s creations at Wrexham’s Glyndwr University on Sunday where more than 1,000 fans flocked for a close encounter with their sci-fi heroes.

Wales Comic Con featured a host of stars including Doctor Who’s Colin Baker and Chris Barrie from Red Dwarf.

Matt, a journalist, who works for the Leader’s sister paper the North Wales Chronicle in Bangor, is an editor with Hellbound Media, an independent comic book house that specialises in producing two-part horror-themed comics.

He said: “Hellbound Media came out of Hellbound Chronicles, a fan produced webcomic based on the Hellraiser books and films by Clive Barker.

“We produce an issue every month working with artists from America and Europe as well as the UK.

“It has given myself, fellow writer Mark Adams, of Portishead, and talented artists like Jesse Thomas and Tony Emson the chance to show what we can do.”

First editions of the two-part stories have been gaining fans worldwide with orders coming in from America, Ireland and Eastern Europe.

But most of the comics have been bought by fans at conventions like the Wales Comic Con and the Bristol Comic and Small Press Expo.

Titles include Faith Healers and Kiss Me Deadly.

Faith Healers is an action horror tale about a group of half-angel nurses locked in a battle with demons while Kiss Me Deadly chronicles the adventures of Dublin vampire hunter Dawn Keenan.

Matt said many comics concentrate on superheroes rather than horror stories.

He said: “Our titles have been selling well and we have had some excellent feedback. Just a few years ago, most comic fans would only buy comics from the major publishers like DC Comics and Marvel, but now more and more people buy independents.”

Visitors to the conference were able to browse Hellbound Media’s collection along with stalls selling everything from action figures to autographs and retro memorabilia to limited edition prints.

A host of TV stars were on hand to meet and greet fans at the conference with Torchwood’s Gareth David-Lloyd, Green Lantern actor Spencer Wilding.

Paul Darrow from the classic TV series Blake’s Seven, Sam Comerie, who appeared in the Lord of the Rings saga, and Tim Rose, who played Admiral Ackbar in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi also proved a big hit with visitors.

For more information about Helbound Media visit www.thegreatesc.com/hellbound.