HISTORIANS have found evidence that the world's first ever comic book was created in Glasgow.

The Glasgow Looking Glass, first published in the city in 1825, predates all other known modern comics, it has emerged.

It will take centre stage at week-long conference on the history of graphic novels which will get under way today at Glasgow University.

The comic, which later became known as The Northern Looking Glass, casts a satirical eye over 19th century Scottish society, poking fun at the fashions and politics of the era.

It is regarded as a predecessor of Punch and other popular satirical comics of the Victorian age.

The International Graphic Novel and International Bande Dessinee Society (IBDS) Joint Conference will also feature a speech by the comic book author who will shortly bring popular Gallic warrior Asterix to Scotland.

Dr Laurence Grove, conference organiser, from Glasgow University, said: "We are delighted the university is playing host to so many distinguished scholars, authors and experts of the genre.

"Work being presented at the conference shows that not only is Scotland, and particularly Glasgow, right at the forefront of the comic book industry today, but it has been so throughout history.

"By hosting major events such as this we're helping 'reconceptualise' comic books.

"We're changing the cultural cannon, in a way."