Comic-Con International: a Pop Culture Phenomenon Every Summer in San Diego

Pop culture collides every year at the San Diego Comic-Con. Be it feature films, video games, animation, toys, collectables, or comics, this event has it all in large crowded doses. Every July, fans from around the world gather in America's finest city to participate in this wildly anticipated weekend event. What once started out as a comic book convention in the 70's, has grown into an indescribable, one of a kind, pop culture phenomenon. So why is this a San Diego must see?

No other event in the world can offer up the mixed bag of media like the San Diego Comic-Con. Nestled right off the water downtown, the San Diego Convention Center, plays host to this yearly event. The Convention Center is conveniently located within walking distance from San Diego's famous Gas Lamp District- a plethora of shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels that welcomes the unique crowd this event attracts.

When Hollywood finally figured out the major marketing opportunity it had right down the 5 freeway, this once solely comic book convention turned into an unparalleled must-see/ must-be-at event. Over the years it has become the place were Hollywood unveils exclusive previews of its upcoming productions, with presentations and question-and-answer panels by the directors and stars of the films. Where else can you get up close and personal with Hugh Jackman, Angelina Jolie, George Lucas, Samuel L. Jackson, Halle Berry and Robert Downey Jr. as they discuss their latest film endeavors, or purchase hard-to-find comics, or replica material, from Lord Of The Rings, Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica? If dressing up as a Storm Trooper is your thing, you will have no problem fitting in at the yearly Masquerade Ball. Comic-Con is also known for its close to 500 panels and discussions from talent within the comic, animation and film industry. And, it's where you can find all the new releases from the comic, animation, science fiction, and horror merchandisers.

This is a weekend invasion on downtown San Diego that annually, without fail, numbers over 100,000 strong. And, it's the crowd alone that sets this event apart from any other. Like a parking lot at a Grateful Dead show, this carnival of mixed culture, colors, languages, and expression is what makes this event special. Forget the beaches, the Zoo, Sea World, and any other attraction San Diego might offer. If you want to get away from the tourists and dip into swirling pop culture madness, this is the place for you. Because it's not truly summertime in San Diego until you see some overweight guy in a Batman suit carrying a light saber, trudging through the Gas lamp district, preparing to enter one of the strangest, hippest, mind-blowing events of the year.