HUNDREDS of comic book fans flocked to an Oxford shop to get their hands on free comics.

Videosyncratic, in Cowley Road, was handing out free superhero offerings on Saturday as part of the worldwide Free Comic Book Day.

Store owner Jon Spira said: "It was an amazing day, and we didn't think it would be as big a success as it was.

"I honestly thought that we would have comics left over, but we gave away thousands and the shop was full all day.

"There was a whole cross section that came in to look around and pick up comics.

"It's really shown that we are on to a good thing and that Oxford loves comics."

The free comics on the day - which is an annual event - were special one-offs, provided free of charge by publishers to help celebrate and raise awareness of comics.

Matt Smith, editor of 2000AD - who created the fiercesome Judge Dredd - was there, along with artist Simon Davis and writer Ian Edgington, signing artwork and comics for fans.

Mr Spira said: "They were there for about two hours and we had people queuing all that time to get stuff signed.

"We also had someone dressed as Wolverine, from the comic and film X-Men, in the shop and he was running out into the street scaring people."

The day was rounded off by a superhero-themed gig in the evening at the Port Mahon pub in St Clement's Street in the evening.

Oxford-based bands Smilex and The Palace of Righteous Justice performed on the night dressed as superheroes and supervillains.