Royal Mail is marking the 60th anniversary of X-Men with a new set of 17 special stamps.

Celebrating some of the most iconic characters to have ever featured in the comic book franchise since 1963, the special collection will go on sale later this month.

Marvel is one of the world’s most prominent entertainment companies with a vast catalogue of iconic Super Hero characters.

The 12 stamps in the main set are all original illustrations and have been created exclusively for Royal Mail by renowned British comic book artist Mike McKone. They feature: Professor X; Kitty Pryde; Angel; Colossus; Jubilee; Cyclops; Wolverine; Jean Grey; Iceman, Storm; Beast; and Rogue.

An additional set of five stamps are included in a miniature sheet, exclusively illustrated by artist Lee Garbett, and feature some of the mutant enemies faced by the X-Men: Juggernaut; Mystique; Magneto; Emma Frost; and Sabretooth.

David Gold, Director of External Affairs and Policy at Royal Mail, said: "Generations have grown up, enamoured by the adventures and the personalities of the X-Men and their enemies. We celebrate the X-Men Universe with these stylish new stamps featuring some of its iconic characters."

Comic book fans keen to secure their stamps with a pre-order can do so online here.

A Presentation Pack including all 17 stamps in the set will go on general sale from February 16 and will cost £16.35.