The festival's Open Day will be held on Saturday, June 7, from 11am to 5pm and is completely free of charge. Come along and meet some of the top artists and writers working in comics today, who have worked on Batman, Transformers, Star Wars, Star Trek, The Beano, Gorillaz and X-Men.

Get sketches of your favourite characters, get your comics signed and check out the work of the up and coming stars of tomorrow. There will be a large number of leading independent creators and publishers, as well as comic dealers selling a mix of the latest titles, classics and a massive selection of Manga merchandise.

If you are a fan of Star Wars, there will be the chance to get your picture taken with Darth Vader's very own Stormtroopers, as members from The Knights of the Empire will be attending the Open Day in full costume.

'2D' Events 2008

Workshops this year include a Making Comics Masterclass from 1pm-3.30pm on Friday, June 6, for those aged 16 and over, a How to Draw Cartoons Workshop on Saturday, June 7, from 1pm-2pm, for those aged 8 and over, and a Creating Manga Art Workshop later the same day from 3.30-4.30pm, also for those aged over 8-years-old. The workshops are open to the public but places are limited, so best book your place early by contacting the Verbal Arts Centre.

Following the phenomenal success of last year's guest panels, there will another series of Guest Panel Discussions taking place in Sandinos Bar, Water Street, where people will have the chance to question their favourite comics creators on a number of subjects from Comic movie adaptations to Getting started in Comics. The first set of panel discussions will take place from 7pm-9.30pm on Friday, June 6, with another two taking place on Saturday, June 7.

Organisers are currently finalising ideas for the panels so if anyone has ideas about what they would like to feature, please get in touch through the website or forum.

So prepare yourself for the triumphant return of '2D', featuring acclaimed artists and guests such as Jock (artist - Green Arrow, Hellblazer, 2000ad); Charlie Adlard (artist - Savage, The Walking Dead); Garry Leach (artist - Marvelman, Dan Dare, The VCs, The Twelve); Rufus Dayglo (artist - Tank Girl, Metal Gear Solid, 2000ad, Gorillaz); David Hine (writer - Spawn, Daredevil: Redemption); Laura Howell (artist – Beano, Toxic!), and many, many more.

'2D' urges anyone interested in comics to get involved with the festival and register with our new forum, where you can post your own artwork, chat and make suggestions for the festival. You can also join our Facebook group '2D - the Northern Ireland Comics Festival'.

The workshops and Open Day will take place in the Verbal Arts Centre.

Fantastic '2D' competition

'2D' are currently running a competition as part of the lead up to the festival and entrants are invited to create an original character of their own.