Could Saltire be Scotland’s biggest comic book superhero?

A NEW superhero to rival Spiderman and Batman is putting Scotland on the comic book map.

Named after the Scottish flag Saltire is a big, blue, ginger-haired warrior who battles the villainous characters from folklore to defend the nation.

The graphic novel has been compared to Braveheart and Game of Thrones and its hero character is fast becoming a worldwide hit.

The 200-page comic book called Saltire: Immortal Guardian has received massive critical acclaim and is expected to sell out when it goes on sale next week.

Author John Ferguson believes his book could become a genuine competitor to globally-renowned superheroes and is hoping to make Saltire a household name. With appearances at the Dundee Literary Festival and the Edinburgh Book Festival behind him, Ferguson is excited about the upcoming launch.

“I can’t wait,” he said. “This book is a genuine competitor to Batman and Spider-Man and it’s illustrated by some of the most talented artists in the country including Fife artist Claire Roe.

“Superhero fans are going to love it but it’s also attracting a lot of interest from all over the world because of the Scottish connection.”

Before creating his superhero John, who was born in Glasgow, ran a successful retail and wholesale business.

The new release is going to be part of an ongoing series that takes the protagonist from ancient times through all the most iconic moments in Scottish history, all with an added twist.

“Both superheroes and the story of freedom have universal appeal so this isn’t just a book for the Scottish market,”

Before creating his superhero John, who was born in Glasgow, ran a successful retail and wholesale business .

He also wrote for popular music magazines interviewing rock bands but his real passion for Scottosh history inspired his superhero creation.

Married to wife Claire since 2005 the couple live with their two young children in St Andrews in Fife

Reviews from comic book magazines have been universally positive with Geek Legacy describing it a ‘one of the best modern mythologies out there.’

Time Warriors magazine said: “Saltire delivers on great imagery and grabbing the root of its source, Scottish legend making it an epic experience. There is something Avengerish about it but also Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones with its deadly battles, dialogue and overall atmosphere”

Saltire: Immortal Guardian will be in stores nationwide from Monday – fittingly St Andrew’s Day.