Rutherglen Comic Creators: From the Town Hall to the Global Stage

Rutherglen is more than just a historic royal burgh; it is a powerhouse of comic book creativity. For years, the streets of Rutherglen have inspired some of the biggest names in the industry. Specifically, the Rutherglen Town Hall became a sanctuary for fans when BGCP hosted the first-ever Rutherglen Comic Con in 2017. This landmark event brought local legends back to their roots. While the final Rutherglen Comic Con took place in 2020, the legacy of the “Ruglonian” creators continues to dominate the global stage.

THE FIRST EVER RUTHERGLEN COMIC CON (2017)

In early 2017, BGCP made history by bringing a large-scale comic event to South Lanarkshire. Consequently, the Rutherglen Town Hall was packed with families looking for free family events in Glasgow and free kids events in Scotland.

Furthermore, the 2017 show featured an incredible guest list that was truly “made in Rutherglen.” Frank Quitely, Gary Erskine, and John Lees all appeared as guests, meeting fans and signing books in the very town where they grew up. This connection between creator and community made the Rutherglen dates some of our most cherished memories before the final 2020 show.

Meet the Rutherglen Legends

Rutherglen has produced a disproportionate amount of world-class talent. Moreover, each of these creators has left an indelible mark on the world of superheroes, horror, and sci-fi.

Frank Quitely (The Modern Master)

Born Vincent Deighan, Frank Quitely is arguably the most famous comic artist to emerge from Rutherglen. Specifically, his meticulous detail and unique style have made him a household name at DC and Marvel.

Biggest Books: All-Star Superman, New X-Men, Jupiter’s Legacy, and Batman & Robin.
Claim to Fame: Quitely is widely considered one of the greatest Superman artists of all time. His work on All-Star Superman is often cited as the definitive version of the Man of Steel.

Gary Erskine (The Versatile Visionary)

Gary Erskine grew up in Burnside and attended Stonelaw High School. Additionally, he has spent over 30 years working for every major publisher in the industry.

Biggest Books: The Authority, Knights of Pendragon, Star Wars, and Dan Dare.
Claim to Fame: Known for his incredible versatility, Erskine has worked on everything from gritty war stories with Garth Ennis to high-octane space operas in the Star Wars universe.

John Lees (The Horror Specialist)

Representing the new generation of Rutherglen talent, John Lees is a multi-award-winning writer known for his chilling and atmospheric storytelling.

Biggest Books: And Then Emily Was Gone, The Standard, Hotell, and Mountainhead.
Claim to Fame: Lees has become a staple of the independent horror scene, winning “Best Writer” at the Scottish Independent Comic Book Awards for his work on the terrifying And Then Emily Was Gone.

Rutherglen Town Hall: A Cultural Hub

The Rutherglen Town Hall served as the perfect backdrop for these events. Consequently, its grand architecture matched the epic scale of the stories told by our guests. Although our final comic con in the town was held in 2020, we still encourage fans to support local talent through our current shows.

If you are looking for free kids events in Scotland today, you should check our current schedule. Specifically, we still host massive takeovers across the country where you can find the latest books by these Rutherglen creators.

Visit our to see where the next “Town Hall” style takeover is happening! In summary, Rutherglen remains a vital part of the BGCP story, and we are proud to celebrate the creators who started their journey here.