Comic books are the feature of Invercargill's latest exhibition being held (4 May - 3 Jun) at Whare Taupua/Rest Room gallery on Forth Street.

Kapow! The Great Comic Art Show is showcasing not only the work of local, national and international artists, but also offering free hands-on workshops to anyone wanting to create their own superhero.

Auckland based comic artist Michel Mulipola (aka The Bloody Samoan) was on hand to lead the opening weekend workshops.

Comic artist Michel Mulipola (aka The Bloody Samoan) running a workshop at Kapow! The Great Comic Art Show.

Local comic artists from the Southern Institute of Technology are also in residence at the exhibition to showcase their skills.

The month-long event is being hosted by Greenlight Innovations (GI), who previously organised Comic Book Day at Invercargill Library.

GI Managing Director Leon Hartnett, said that the idea to develop the exhibition was based on the enthusiastic public response to previous Comic Book Days.

"This exhibition was about celebrating the many diverse art styles that people use."

"It's amazing to see talented people with amazing imaginations getting involved."

“ I’m so excited for people to come and see it,” Hartnell said.

"About 75 people attended the [Mulipola] workshops last weekend. It was a great success."

 "People were really enthusiastic and it was very educational to see Michael share his love for what he does."

Due to this years good turnout, organisers are looking into the possibility of hosting the show in other venues, and may next time expand the international showcase to include Mangas, the hugely popular Japanese style of comics, he said.

Kapow! The Great Comic Art Show, offers both a place to create or just relax and read, and is being held at Whare Taupua/Rest Room Gallery on Forth St between 4 May and 3 June.