Tens of thousands of comic book fans decked out in fancy dress gathered in London today for one of the UK's biggest celebration of animated culture. The London Super Comic Book Convention, which kicked off last today, saw fans donning elaborate and often skimpy costumes in homage to their comic book favourites. Comic super-fan and television presenter Jonathan Ross was among the celebrity guests for day one alongside Storage Wars' Sean Kelly and John Romita Junior- son of comic book legend by the same name- who draws for DC comics. There were a number of tributes to Guardians of the Galaxy's tree-like character Groot and characters from the Lego Movie. Among the best-dressed were also a trio who posed as Batman and his nemeses the Joker and Harley Quinn. A total of 25,000 fans are expected to pay the Excel Centre, in east London, a visit over the course of the event, which lasts until tomorrow. The annual event, now in its four year, is the biggest comic book themed event in the UK, and the third for pop culture. One of the event organisers, Gary Morris, said: 'It's been an incredible first day. The atmosphere has been amazing and the level of costumes has been out of this world. 'People have really brought their A-game this year. 'The market for these sort of events is definitely growing. Just look at the films which are in the box office at the moment- they're all based on comic books. We like to look at the heritage that led to that.' Mojo Jones dressed as Black Cat from Marvel comic book poses for a photograph at the London Super Comic Convention . Groot and his little saplings: A fan dressed as Marvel's Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy queues with his children . Sexy superheroes: L-R: Penny Bune as Mary Jane from Spiderman, Lise as Poison Ivy from Batman and Hannah Brown in a Spider Suit as Black Cat . Comic fans dressed in a dazzling array of costumes queue at the London Super Comic Convention . Among the best-dressed at the comic convention was a trio who posed as Nite Owl, The Joker and Harley Quinn . A create tribute to one of the characters from the hugely successful Lego Movie- the film inspired several costumes at this year's event . Fans dressed as Lego-styled comic book heroes including X Men's Wolverine and DC comics' Wonder Woman . Bit nippy Leonidas? This bare-chested fan dressed up as King Leonidas from  300- a historically inspired 1998 comic book limited series . Leonidas and the Queen of Sparta from 300, which was later made into a film, on their way to London's Excel Centre for the convention . Batman fan Vlod in costume as The Joker at first day ofthe London Super Comic Convention at Excel . Ashley (surname not given) in costume as the Marvel character Medusa at the London Super Comic Convention at ExCel, London . Visitors stop for a bit of lunch at the annual event, now in its four year, which is the biggest comic book themed event in the UK . Feline fancy: Dressed in matching costumes, the Thundercats were on the prowl at the convention centre . Killer heels: These red pistol shoes were on show at the event which organisers described as being the biggest to date . Cosplay as supervillian Harley Quinn, the girlfriend of the Joker and evil foe to Batman in the DC comics . One fan appeared to arrive as a steam punk-styled monster with hideous blue mask, black hat and goggles and intricate time-piece themed outfit . A female take of one of the Avengers crew Captain America, one fan dons the American Flag themed costume and shield . A lot of Lycra: Friends arrive dressed in tight-fitting costumes at the London Super Comic Convention . Guardians of the Galaxy's Groot character was a popular choice among those who attended the first day of the event . In one fan's particularly impressive tribute, he has Groot's trusty sidekick Rocket Raccoon on his back . A man dressed as super villain Bane, another of Batman's nemeses, complete with the character's intricate face mask . A convention classic, a man dresses up as his hero Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean complete with dreadlocks and pirate boots . A comic fan devotee dressed at The Bride from Kill Bill, a character which was originally played by Uma Thurman in the Tarantino films . A comic fan has a break while dressed in a hood depicting comic book super hero Iron Man at ExCel, London . A Star Wars fan dresses up as a the Tatooine-based Jawa character from the immensely successful franchise . Don't lose your head: A man wearing a fluffy Panda costume takes off the head to catch a breath of fresh air outside the centre . Texting Mary Jane Spiderman? A man dressed as the arachnid-themed superhero at the Super Comic Convention .
More than 25,000 will attend the London Super Comic Book Convention . TV presenter Jonathan Ross and Storage Wars' Sean Kelly among guests . Fans dressed up as their favourite characters such as Batman and Joker . Jack Sparrow, Groot and Bane were also popular costumes this year .