In 1970 the first Comic Con was held in San Diego, the one day ‘minicon’ attracted around 100 people but in 2015 the same happened in Wycombe, attracting 1,200 people and it returns this year as a full-fledged, two day Comic Con.

Wycombe founder Gary Cole explains how it all began: “It was a random idea because I am one of the UK Garrison of Stormtroopers, the biggest Star Wars costuming group in the UK, part of the 501st Legion, which is the biggest worldwide Star Wars costuming group.

“I went to a few events with them and one evening I was sat on the sofa with my other half and thought ‘I wonder if I can pull off a Comic Con’.

“The first show was last year in June. We started planning it the November before and because it was so popular and we got such good feedback – there were so many people who couldn’t make it and said do it over two days – we’ve taken a bit of a gamble doing two days this year.”

Many people will know Comic Con for its Cosplay – costume play – which sees people flock to the various events around the world in lycra and rubber-clad film or comic related fancy dress. Gary, however, doesn’t stress this side of the event too much so there is no pressure.

“You get quite a few in dress up and cosplay but, especially with the one in Wycombe, you get a lot of people who don’t really know what these things are about and who turn up and see. I think word has got out since last year so we’re expecting a big turnout of people this year.

“I did have a full Stormtrooper costumes but I got rid of the kit and I’m looking to do other things now with other costumes. I do miss it, it’s a break from reality.

“We had some professional costume groups down last year, the UK Garrisons and we had a group from Doctor Who called Cyber Legion so Cybermen, generally there were loads of different characters from Japanese anime, it was really diverse.”

Gary himself isn’t into the comic side of it all as a member of the UK Garrisson Stormtroopers I’m sure you can guess where his interest lies… “I’m a massive star wars fan, I’ve been a fan since I was 4 years old and it’s just stuck with me, unfortunately” he laughs. “It’s a way of life. My son is named after Harrison Ford, my two year old is called Harrison. My other two kids managed to get away without star wars names, it’s a massive thing to me.”

Having named his child Harrison I, of course, assumed that Hans Solo was his favourite character, but Gary struggled to choose.

“I think I’ll have to say Stormtroopers, after that it would probably be Hans Solo and then, from the dark side it would be Darth Vader and Boba Fett.”

It is unsurprising, then, that many Star Wars celebrities will be appearing at the event this weekend including the original Darth Vader, David Prowse; Jeremy Bulloch who played Boba Fett; Pam Rose who played Leesub Sirln; Stormtroopers Alan Flying and Pheonix James; and Ewok Brian Wheeler.

Whether Star Wars, comic and graphic novels, anime or sci fi is your thing, there will be something of interest with guests such as Chris Barrie from Red Dwarf, professional cos player and artists Kitty Booker, Ian McEihinney of Game of Thrones and John Challis of Only Fools and Horses fame.

Buckinghamshire New University, High Wycombe Campus, Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe, HP11 2JZ, Saturday, June 11, 10am to 5pm and Sunday, June 12, 10am to 4pm. Details: 07943 703 657, wycombe-comic-con.com