Sunderland Comic Con event a hit with fans

Empire Cinema's first Minicon to coincide with the launch of Deadpool - Karl Hicks as Deadpool and David Golden as Wolverine, meeting youngster Callum Barker.

A comic con at a city centre cinema has been hailed a success by organisers.

Around 300 people walked through the doors of Empire Cinema in Sunniside to attend the event.

Stalls featuring comics and merchandise for sale packed the upstairs area of the venue, while costumes of comic book heroes were also on show.

Empire Cinema's first Minicon to coincide with the launch of Deadpool - Eden Smith as Lady Deadpool, and Dan Golden as Deadpool.

Local businesses were invited to come on board with singers entertaining visitors throughout the day.

Ami Dixon-Smith, from the marketing team, said: “We invited local businesses in to the event and we were given merchandise from Fox to giveaway as well as cinema tickets.

“It was the first time we have done anything like this and it was such a success. We had no idea how popular it would be.”

The event was organised by staff from the cinema’s marketing team who were asked to pitch a marketing event around a film of their choice.

The team chose Dead Pool and hosting a comic con.

James Brias, from the marketing team, said: “It’s been amazing, considering the football was on, we had quite a lot of people through the doors.

“Within the first hour, we had 80 people through the door.”

Marketing manager Ben Spence said: “I’m really proud of my staff, we have had around 300 people through the doors for this event - which is excellent. Because of its success, we will probably look at making it an annual event.”