Comic-Con 2007

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane!

Actually, it's definitely a plane, one most likely filled to capacity with another group of would-be heroes and heroines set to take San Diego by storm at Comic-Con 07. Showcasing all that the world of comics and collectibles has to offer (and then some), this year's edition is its biggest yet, with over 130,000 expected to attend the four-day event.

The exhibitors are a veritable who's who in comics, from the mythical majors like Marvel and D.C. to hip contemporary "indies" like Dark Horse, plus about a thousand smaller outfits hoping to expand their reach past their hardcore fanbases. It's an extremely friendly affair; famous artists and the usual celebrity suspects gleefully sign autographs as conventioneers merrily pile free giveaways into overstuffed bags. The more financially stable can get their Christmas shopping done a good season early, as nearly every exhibit doubles as an impromptu storefront. Looking for a rare Incredible Hulk action figure? Not anymore.

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Many are simply here to see the sights, but the more extroverted hope to become the sights by "cosplaying," a fancy term for dressing up and parading around as your favorite fantasy character. The result is a surreal combination of hero worship and Halloween, all in good fun and with great camaraderie. Jedi knights stand shoulder to shoulder with Vulcans. Ninjas and pirates lurk the halls side by side. Giant robots allow giant monsters to pass in peace. We even spotted Superman and Lex Luthor. Hugging.

But Comic-Con is no longer just about comics or cosplay -- the increasing convergence of comics and other forms of media means a slew of major movie studios, television networks and, of course, video game publishers have moved in for good. From Heroes to Hellboy, it's hard to avoid the wealth of franchises inspired by comics.

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Especially if you're looking for them. Check out some of the hottest upcoming comic-book games at the show in our Games of Comic-Con roundup, or get some freaky fashion tips in our Cosplayer extravaganza!

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