Scotland and comic books go way back. 

Before the reign of DC Thomson – and long before Grant Morrison penned Batman thriller Arkham Asylum or Mark Millar sold his comic book empire to Netflix – the country produced the world's first comic.

The Glasgow Looking Glass, first published in 1825, is widely believed to be the first mass-produced publication to tell stories using illustrations. 

Read more: Meet the Glaswegian who draws Superman, Batman and The X-Men

Now it will be put on display for one night as part of a special comics-themed Night at the Museum, which is being held at The Huntarian next month.

The event, which takes place on Saturday, December 1, will showcase the research being done at the University’s College of Arts on the important role Scotland has, and has had, in developing the comics genre.

Internationally reowned comic book artist Frank Quitely, best known for his work on All Star Superman and Batman and Robin for DC Comics, is also confirmed to appear.

The Herald:

International comic book artist Frank Quitely will appear at special event (Photo: PA)

Professor Laurence Grove, professor of French and text/image studies at the University of Glasgow told how Scotland has always been the "cradle of comics".

He explained: “From earliest times from Egyptian hieroglyphs to medieval illuminated manuscripts we have used pictures to explain the world around us, so the culture of comics has always been here. 

Read more: Glasgow is home to world's oldest comic

“But there is an important story for everyone to know as well that Scotland was the cradle of comics. The world’s first modern comic book was published in Scotland."

“Called the Glasgow Looking Glass it poked fun at political issues and the fashion of the day.  It was an early example of satirical topical graphic journalism, a genre that became increasingly popular throughout the nineteenth century. "

The Herald:

The world's first comic book - the Glasgow Looking Glass (Photo: PA)

The free public event, held at the university’s Hunterian museum, is expected to be a popular night out for comic book fans - giving both children and adults the chance to explore the culturual and historical background of comics from the earliest times right up to the present day.

As well as bringing an opportunity to see the museum after-hours and mingle with dinosaurs, superheroes and the Mummy, attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favourite comic book characters for a special costume parade.

Steph Scholten as Director of The Hunterian at the University of Glasgow, said: “We look forward to welcoming fans of comic books to the Night at the Museum. I hope the public will get behind this great event and enjoy The Hunterian filled with all our favourite comic book superheroes.”