LIGHT sabres at the ready: Oxford Comic Con is returning for a third ‘triumphant’ edition.

The sci-fi celebration and fantasy free-for-all will return to Oxford University’s Examination Schools in High Street on Saturday, April 21.

Among the special guests at Oxcon III will be Star Wars actress Arti Shah, Dark Crystal puppeteer Toby Philpott and one of the world’s leading armourers, Terry English.

Organiser Leonardo Davoudi said: “After back-to-back successes, Oxcon returns for a triumphant third edition.

“Oxcon is a unique event in the world, as it merges intellectual debate with the world of popular culture.”

Ticking the box for ‘intellectual debate’ this year are talks on the history of comics in the Cold War, ‘using Jungian archetypes in science fiction to study non-human intelligences’, ‘Tolkien’s The Hobbit as an allegory for the Zionist movement’, and ‘how to use comics to advance in your career’.

Of course, for many the event will just be an excuse to dress up as their favourite Harry Pottery character and go out in public.

But as always, the stars of the show will be the special guests.

Topping the bill so far is Star Wars and Harry Potter actress Arti Shah who was also the ‘on-set performer and stand-in for Rocket Raccoon’ in Guardians of the Galaxy.

Mr Davoudi said Oxcon would also have the ‘rare pleasure’ of welcoming two member of the Star Wars puppetry division Team Jabba – John Coppinger and Toby Philpott.

Terry English, the Queen’s official armourer, has also worked on a slew of now-classic films including Aliens, Batman and Robin, Gladiator and the Harry Potter series.

Comic book ‘legend’, John Higgins, famous for his work with 2000AD and writer Alan Moore, most notably as a colourist for Watchmen, will also join the fun.

Mr Davoudi added: “Complemented by life-sized props and a retro video games section, this year’s Oxcon is set to surpass its previous events and provide an exceptional day out for the entire family to enjoy.”

More than 1,000 costumed comic fans flocked to the past two years’ events, organised by 10 Oxford University students.

The success has spawned a host of spin-offs around the county, including the now-annual Wantage Comic Con at the town’s Beacon hall and a similar event in Didcot.

Organisers say their success feeds off the recent comic book and sci fi movie franchises such as Bat Man, the new Star Wars trilogy and the Harry Potter films.

Tickets for this year’s Oxford event will cost £14.50 for a 10am entry or £10.50 for a midday entry. Children aged 12 and under will get in for free.

Buy yours now and find out more at oxcon.xyz

May the force be with you.