Oldest comic book was published in Scotland nearly 200 years ago The world's oldest comic book was published in Scotland nearly 200 years ago, according to new research. The Glasgow Looking Glass, which was published in 1825, is thought to predate all other known modern comics. It will take centre stage at the International Graphic Novel and International Bande Dessinee Society (IBDS) Joint Conference 2013 at Glasgow University this week. The comic, which later became known as The Northern Looking Glass, casts a satirical eye over 19th century Scottish society, poking fun at the fashions and politics of the era. It is regarded as a predecessor of Punch and other popular satirical comics of the Victorian age. The conference will also feature a speech by the comic book author who will shortly bring popular Gallic warrior Asterix to Scotland. Jean-Yves Ferri, who will continue the legacy of Asterix creators Rene Goscinny or Albert Uderzo in Asterix And The Picts in October, will close the conference on Friday. Asterix And The Picts will tell the story of the Gaul's journey to Scotland for his second trip across the channel following 1970's Asterix in Britain. Grant Morrison MBE open the conference on Monday with a keynote lecture entitled Scottish Comics, which addressed the impact of Scottish culture and creators on the international comics scene. Dr Laurence Grove, conference organiser from the University of Glasgow, said: "Work being presented at the conference shows that not only is Scotland, and particularly Glasgow, right at the forefront of the comic book industry today, but it has been so throughout history. By hosting major events such as this we are really helping to reconceptualise comic books. We're changing the cultural canon in a way.