A MARVEL-LOUS collection of comic book art signed by publishing legend Stan Lee has been unveiled at a Bournemouth art gallery.

Six of Marvel Comics’ iconic covers have been turned into a fine art collection, with each of the pieces chosen and curated by Lee.

The limited edition collection, which is called Superheroes, is on display at the Westover Gallery in Westover Road.

Gallery manager Ally Tanswell said: “This collection showcases some of the most iconic comic book covers ever to have been created, featuring some of the most renowned characters ever to have been developed.

“The artwork itself is not only incredibly striking – the intense colours, the bold lines and the way in which the essence of each superhero is captured in just one frame – but each cover communicates a wonderful narrative.”

The showcase features classic covers from much-loved series, including The Amazing Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk, which are selling well.

Ally said: “It was a total surprise to find out about the collection.

“We source most of our artwork from one publishing house, and when we visited them at the beginning of February to choose some art for the gallery, there they were. It was a total shock but straight away I said, ‘We’ve got to have them’.”

The Marvel comic-book covers are bringing new visitors to the Bournemouth gallery.

“We have a really amazing new window display to show them off, and it’s attracting all kinds of customers to come in and visit,” Ally said.

“It’s something completely different, and we’ve had lots of people coming in to have a look.”

Stan Lee, an editor at Marvel from 1941, led the expansion of the company from a small division in a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.

Framed individual pieces in the collection are available from £695.

For more information, call 01202 297682 or visit westovergallery.co.uk