books on Thursday, as it previewed its latest exhibition.

It's the first time the library has put its name to the medium of comic books and hopes

to celebrate the impact British artists and writers have had the scene.

Co-curators John Harris Dunning and Paul Gravett are hoping the show will make visitors see

comic books in a whole new light.

We don't want to be apologist in any way about comics because I think people understand more

that comics are equal to literature or visual arts now but actually having somebody like the British Library

put themselves behind an exhibition like this really really shows a very, very wide audience

that they've arrived in a way they haven't up until now. I think it's a real game changer.

Not only does the exhibition show modern day graphic novels and comic books like V for

Vendetta and Kick Ass, it also goes back centuries to show Britain's long history in the art

of comics.

Almost certain to be swarmed with fans this summer,"Comics Unmasked: Art and Anarchy in

the UK" is on display at the British Library from today through to August.