Free graphic novels are available across the Bradford district as part of a growing West Yorkshire comics convention that is taking place this week.

The Thought Bubble festival is running in Leeds, culminating in a convention this weekend which sees major creators and industry figures from top publishers such as Marvel and DC – homes of the Avengers and Spider-Man, and Batman and Superman respectively – converging on the region for workshops, talks and panel discussions.

But Thought Bubble is reaching out to Bradford by offering free graphic novels through libraries.

In a “book crossing” event tomorrow – whereby books are left for people to pick up free and pass on if they wish to others – sponsored by distributor Diamond Comics, there are titles such as GI Joe, Wolverine, Spiderman, Green Hornet, Star Trek, Code Geas and Transformers up for grabs at libraries in Baildon, Bingley, Eccleshill, Keighley, Laisterdyke, Manningham, Shipley, Wibsey and Wyke.

The comics will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Several comics creators from the Bradford district are taking part in the Thought Bubble festival.

Among them is Keighley writer-artist Darryl Cunningham who, after his comics-reportage works Psychiatric Tales and Science Tales, is launching his new book Uncle Bob Adventures. Also present throughout the week will be Ilkley’s Adi Granov, one of the star artists of Marvel Comics who shot to fame with his work on Iron Man. He was later asked to provide concept art for the big-screen Iron Man movies.

And Chris Lackey, an American creator also living in Keighley, will be present following the release of his science fiction graphic novel Transreality, which was produced with money raised on the crowd-funding website Kickstarter.

Former Ilkley resident and artist Sean Phillips, who has worked for Marvel, DC and classic British comic 2000AD is attending, as is Richard Starkings, formerly of Rawdon and now an industry legend for his lettering and font-design work, as well as for his comic Elephantmen which is currently in production as a movie.

Thought Bubble runs to Sunday. For more information, go to thoughtbubblefestival.com