A Scottish comic book series set in the Orkney Islands has left its creators stunned after they learned of it's popularity across America and received requests from a Marvel Comics artist to work with them.

John Lees and Iain Laurie's comic book series, titled 'And Then Emily Was Gone', has been selling out in comic book shops across the US including New York, San Francisco, Texas and Colorado.

The comic duo have even been described as 'fantastic' by fellow Scot and comic artist legend, Frank Quietly, who has been responsible for drawing DC Comic's Batman, Superman and X-men.

Their five-part horror mystery series titled 'And Then Emily Was Gone' follows a detective who travels to the Orkney Islands in search of a missing girl and is tormented by terrifying aspirations on the islands.

John Lees, 28, from Burnside wrote the critically acclaimed story which has now been compiled into a single graphic novel.

Reflecting on the unexpected success John said: "To be honest we never thought the series would do so well, we just set out to create a comic that we would enjoy reading.

"We were amazed to hear that the first two issues sold out completely and we were really taken back at New York Comic Con last year we had people approaching us with copies of the first issue asking us if we would sign them.

The artist for the series is 42 year-old Iain Laurie from Leith in Edinburgh. He said: "Its been pretty amazing. Originally I hoped that it would sell about 20 copies to friends and family so to the reception is really mind blowing. I couldn't be prouder." The success of the series has landed the pair a place at the upcoming Free Comic Book Day on 2 May where selected comics are given away for free meaning a comics reputation can skyrocket.

Excited about the news John said: "We created a limited edition prequel specially for Free Comic Book day and we have 50,000 copies of the comic pre-ordered from comic book shops across the world including the US, Canada and Australia."

"What's really exciting is that Ryan Stegman, who is a massive artist from Marvel Comics and has drawn Spider-Man and Wolverine, read 'And Then Emily Was Gone' and approached us to work together.

"He has drawn the front cover for this special edition which will be available on 2 May for Free Comic Book Day.

"It's really great to be part of this because comic book shops around the world have ques outside their shop for the free comics and it's an incredible opportunity to have more people see our work.

The American publisher, Comix Tribe, have also been delighted with the pair's success and believe the series could be nominated for the comic book industry's version of the Oscars - an Eisner.

Tyler James, co-founder of the company, said: "Emily is by far our most critically-acclaimed series. In fact, Emily is one of the best reviewed series of 2014, and, knock on wood, should be in the running for Eisner consideration in 2015."

"We sold 10,300 copies of the series in issue form, with issue 1 and 2 selling out completely. It's by far the biggest selling comic we've ever had. In just one month we have sold 1,300 copies of the graphic novel worldwide and the free comic is largest single print run to date."

"When I first met John a few years back, I said that within a decade, he'll be writing Batman. I'm sticking to that. John has an incredibly bright future in comics ahead of him.

As for Iain, he's one of the most modest and hard working artists out there, and a true mad genius with pen and ink.

"I could see he and Lees becoming another all-time great writer/artist pairing. We're thrilled to be helping both those guys with their "Scottish Invasion" of the US comic scene!"