Marvel man John Freeman is hoping to inspire a new wave of geeky art.
The sci-fi editor is releasing SciFi Art Now, which features the best sci-fi art the region can offer.
The 67-year-old has worked in the industry for 25 years and is hoping his book will inspire others.
He said: "I grew up reading science fiction in books and comics.
"Working on this book was a dream come true. I'm hoping the art featured will offer plenty of inspiration to artists and casual SciFi fans alike."
The proud geek admits being pigeonholed is something you can't avoid.
He said: "You just accept it - I lost track of the number of TV people who expected me to be sitting editing Star Trek Magazine in a Klingon costume."
Freeman, who worked for Marvel UK and Doctor Who Magazine, has teamed up with artists such as Doctor Who illustrator Adrian Salmon and veteran John Ridgway.
Artists from Blackburn, Manchester and Preston will rub shoulders with some of the worlds heavy-weights such as America's Ron Miller and Italy's Max Bertolini.
The book receives a foreword from world famous artist Chris Foss which is honour enough. SciFi Art Now will go some way to showing the world what Britain has to offer.
"I think British artists continue to make an impact on the world stage. We've got some great artists working in gaming, film design and on book covers, some of whom are in the book, like 'Nemons' from Liverpool" said Freeman.
Although widely criticised by hardcore fans, comic-film conversions have impressed the editor who admits he is a fan of Iron Man.
"One of the reasons superheroes have dominated comics for so long is because you couldn't duplicate them on film.
"That's changed with the development of visual effects but you still need good characters and good stories to make a successful movie. Some have been better than others"
"Being a science fiction fan is definitely something to be proud of. SF is pretty much mainstream these days.
"Everyone uses the internet these days, including my 80-year-old Mum. With all the gadgets we're expected to use, any SF geek is handy to have around!"
SciFi Art Now is available in shops.
BY CHRIS SEVERS
John Freeman, Lancaster, England around 1 year, 5 months ago