May the comics be with you

1:20pm Wednesday 9th May 2007

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Science fiction fans of all ages enjoyed meeting characters from Star Wars at an event in Corsham.

Eager youngsters and their parents turned out on Saturday to meet Darth Vader and some Storm Troopers and had their photographs taken with them.

The event was organised by Automattic Comics in Pickwick Road and the town's library, which is opposite.

Devizes childrens' author David Johnson gave two workshops at the library.

Saturday was Free Comic Book Day and visitors to Automattic Comics received free comic books.

Mr Johnson said: "We had almost 200 children and their parents visit us. There were queues outside the shop and the library before the event started."

Mr Johnson's latest book was on sale at Automattic Comics and his workshops were popular.

He spoke about how he got his ideas and passed on tips about writing his books as well signing his books.

The 49-year-old author said: "The children were asking lots of questions. I was very impressed with the ideas they were coming up with and their enthusiasm for writing.

"They were asking very specific questions about structuring a story which shows they've put some thought into it.

"There were also a few teachers and governors from local schools who were looking for ideas to get youngsters interested in reading and writing.

"The library was very pleased as they had an increased number of visitors than they would normally get.

"The link up with Automattic Comics was great. I got into reading and writing through comics from an early age, as many people do. It gets you thinking about ideas and plots for stories."

Mr Johnson has written two books in his Crystal Quest saga and is working on his third book.

To check out our picture gallery from this event, click here