He knows the every move of Batman, Spiderman and Slaine, the Celtic warrior who features in the comic 2000AD, because he draws them.

His skill as an illustrator for DC Comics and Marvel Comics has brought him worldwide recognition but his paintings, used as covers for the irreverent American comic Preacher, have catapulted him to cult status.

Now, after the last ever edition of the comic has been published, Glenn's cover illustrations are being reproduced in a book which is due to hit the shops.

Glen, who lives and works in Rodmell Avenue, Saltdean, with his wife and two young children, said the success of his work has led him to lead a sort of double life like his characters.

He said: "About four times a year I go to America for comic conventions. There is a huge one in San Diego every year which attracts about 50,000 people, and I'm like Elton John there.

"People recognise me and come up to me in the street for autographs.

"Then I come home to Saltdean and no-one knows who I am and my wife brings me back down to earth. It is like I have a secret identity."

Preacher, written by Garth Ennis, is the story of a vicar who has been given the power to make everybody do whatever he wants them to by a cosmic entity.

While he wears a dog collar he does not worship God but is out to kill him.

The comic has weathered a storm of criticism to be named the Guardian newspaper's "Book-of-the- Month" on three occassions and for Hollywood to consider making it a movie starring Johnny Depp or David Boreanaz.

Glenn, 38, said: "It is quite subversive and some of the story lines make it definitely an adult read, I have to play down my covers to avoid bad reactions from the moral majority, but it is very funny and full of black humour.

"Comics aren't doing so well at the moment, most are selling a lot less than ten years ago, but Preacher is a rare exception."

Glenn's talents are much in demand. He is currently drawing Spiderman for Marvel Comics and illustrating the artwork for a new cowboy computer game called Outlaw Nation and plans are in place for a collaboration with renowned illustrator Alan Moore.

His book, Dead or Alive - Collected Covers by Glenn Fabry, with words by Garth Ennis, goes on sale this month.