Southampton Comic Con: Best photos and cosplay costumes

The Echo had to avoid being eaten alive, cursed or sliced by swords at the event that attracted countless eye-catching costumes, many of which were made by hand, to the sports hall at Places Leisure on Sunday.

Portsmouth Ghostbusters were out in strong numbers. (Image: Newsquest) Adults, children and families were all dressed up at the event that boasted appearances from the seventh Doctor Who Sylvester McCoy, Red Dwarf's Hattie Hayridge and puppeteer Ronnie Le Drew best known for playing Zippy from Rainbow. 

Captain Jack Sparrow was in attendance. (Image: Newsquest) Sonic the Hedgehog 3 illustrator Duncan Gutteridge was also in attendance.

Mark Rossiter, who had dressed up as Loki from the first Avengers movie, said he always loves coming to conventions like the one held at Places Leisure.

Mark Rossiter was dressed up as Loki from the first Avengers film. (Image: Newsquest) "I never used to do comic cons but I did one in Basingstoke and I just fell in love with it," he said. 

"It’s nice to dress up as another character and I never come as myself, I always have to dress up and I love the photos and the buzz that comes with it."

Greg Rudman, who runs the award-winning Zombie Invasion experiences, said that his company does "a lot of comic cons" but the Southampton edition had "really good numbers".

Greg Rudman and a zombie from Zombie Infection. (Image: Newsquest) The southern-based Joker Squad, known for bringing costumed meet and greets to hospitals in Southampton, were also in full Star Wars gear at the event.

Mike and Eddie Rodburne's fantastic Ghostbusters costumes attracted attention, and they said they always "have a good laugh" at the Southampton comic con each year.

Mike and Eddie Rodbourne were dressed up as Ghostbusters. (Image: Newsquest) Gary Curtis, who was dressed up as Captain America, said: "We’ve done this event a few times and we always love it."

The 1989 Batmobile from Michael Keaton and Tim Burton's Batman film. (Image: Newsquest) A cosplay competition was held at 2pm for those dressed up to compete.

A stunning Batmobile was parked outside, famously known as the "Tim Burton" version of the car as used in the director's movies.

Driven by Michael Keaton in the 1989 "Batman" film, the car owned by Character Cars was equipped with a fully operational flame thrower, police lights and a fully electric opening cockpit with illuminated lights inside.