It’s not everyday you share a bus or Tube carriage with a superhero – but it was hard to avoid bumping into one if you were down Custom House way during MCM Comic Con.

Newham Recorder: Jack Frost (cosplay name), 14, from North Lincolnshire, Ickle Cosplay (cosplay name), 22, dressed as Tomb Raider 2013 and Ruxtano (cosplay name), 21, from Chicester, at the MCM Comic Con event at ExCeL London in Newham.Jack Frost (cosplay name), 14, from North Lincolnshire, Ickle Cosplay (cosplay name), 22, dressed as Tomb Raider 2013 and Ruxtano (cosplay name), 21, from Chicester, at the MCM Comic Con event at ExCeL London in Newham. (Image: Archant)

Why the superheroes chose to travel by public transport, though, when the ability to fly, run faster than a speeding bullet and jump tall buildings in a single bound are among the super powers they supposedly possess, wasn’t exactly clear.

Thousands of comic book and sci-fi fans, some dressed as their favourite costumed superhero, came from far and wide to the ExCeL Centre in the Royal Victoria Docks for the Europe’s annual biggest comic book convention.

The three-day festival showcases popular culture from the entertainment industry.

Apart from the usual attractions, such as special guests and stalls and sideshows, there were many who dressed-up as their favourite character, indulging in what is known as cosplay.

Some spend thousands of pounds recreating the costumes, make-up and props.

Many of them took part in the popular cosplay masquerade – one of the major highlights of the show.

Raquel Van Son and Danny Wijffelaars, who travelled from Holland and won acclaim in their impressive get-up as Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, said: “It is wonderful being here.

“It is a great place to express yourself and meet others with similar interests.”