THE world’s first comic was published in Glasgow in 1825 – or was it?

According to a new exhibition in Clydebank, comics have been around forever, because we have always told our stories in pictures.

Professor Laurence Grove is co-curator of Comic Invention, which spans centuries and genres to explore the appeal of illustration and storytelling.

He explains: “We have always used pictures to explain the world around us.

“The culture of comics has always been here - although it is nice for Glasgow to be able to claim the first official one...."

“The Looking-Glass was a publication which satirised public and social life in 1820s Scotland, and it only ran for a few issues, poking fun at all levels of society including the fashion and pursuits of the day.

“It is an early example of topical graphic journalism, a genre that became increasingly popular throughout the nineteenth century. While many of these satirical publications were short lived, several - such as Punch - became national institutions.”

The Clydebank exhibition, which runs until July 29, follows on from its successful launch at the Hunterian Museum last year.

Iconic images of Batman and Superman, as well as work by William Hogarth and Picasso, feature in the collection at Clydebank Town Hall.

It offers both art lovers and comic fans alike the chance to explore the cultural and historical background of graphic narrative from the earliest times up to the present day.

Highlights include artwork by Scotland’s Frank Quitely, one of the world’s top comic book artists with the legendary DC Comics, as well as copies of Punch.

Visitors will also see artefacts and fine art pieces from the Council’s collection and The Hunterian, and the University of Glasgow special collections.

This includes the ninth century Skellat Bell, a work by Dumbarton-born artists William Strang and the 'Wilfred Owen of cartooning', Archie Gilkison.

Alan Grant, author of Judge Dredd will be holding a question and answer session at one of the events and more than 100 international delegates are expected to visit the exhibition.

Susan Ferguson, Head of Marketing and Development at The Hunterian, said: “Comic Invention takes an enigmatic look at how stories are told with pictures.

“We show how the themes of the past match those of today, that you cannot separate high art from low art, and that every picture tells a story- although not always the story that was intended.

“Visitors will discover the culture of comics is all around, and predominately in Clydebank, with its rich history of the Blitz and the shipyards.”

Bailie Denis Agnew, Convener of Communications, Museums and Cultural Development said: “West Dunbartonshire Council is pleased to host this exhibition. Comics appeal to all ages and I’m sure everyone who visits this exhibition will fully appreciate the talent of these disparate artists.”

“It offers a fascinating insight into the history of comics and along with drawings of some very popular characters, visitors can also see selected pieces from the Council’s own collection.”

Professor Grove, who is a professor of French and Text/Image Studies Laurence at Glasgow University, says: “It has been fascinating taking the exhibition to Clydebank which is full of brilliant stories, from the Blitz and the Second World War to shipbuilding and Singer, and the rise and decline of industry.”

He adds: “By involving children in the process with a school artwork competition, we have had a real buzz about it, and really feel like it has become a part of the community.

“The children’s art competition we ran was incredibly successful and the standard of entries blew us away.

“As a result we have Clydebank schoolchildren’s art on the walls alongside the works of Picasso and Frank Quitely.”

As well as a comic exhibition, it is also an important social history project and there are now plans to take the exhibition to other areas of the city and beyond.

“We would love to do it in other parts of Glasgow, which will have different stories to tell,” says Professor Grove.

“We are also planning trips to Montreal and Eindhoven – the beauty of Comic Invention is that it is adaptable and will work in all kinds of places.”

Professor Grove would love to create a ‘national comic centre’ in the city.

He explains: “Glasgow does have a long and successful tradition of art and artists, with many famous comic book artists, illustrators and Turner Prize winners hailing from the city.

“Something like a national museum would need the technical capacity, the cosmopolitan feel and artistic talent – and the down-to-earth humour – that Glasgow can provide to make it a success, so it’s the perfect place for it.

“It could become a great tourist attraction – culture, some patter, and a bit of a smile along with it.”

A range of Comic Invention events and activities will be held throughout the summer at Clydebank Museum and Art Gallery

Visitors can view the exhibition at The Garden Gallery, until July 29, Mondays to Saturdays from 10am until 4.30pm. Admission is free.