The 35th International Comic-Con Comes Again to San Diego

Every year, comic lovers around the world flood the seaside border town of San Diego.  Comic-Con International returns once again this July 22-25 to the San Diego Convention Center to celebrate the entire rich history of comic art in both American and the world.  The largest and most well-known comic book convention in the world, Comic-Con International boasts of four full days of comic programming, from current mainstream and alternative/indy press to comics history, comic strips, original art, illustrators, and related topics.

The famed Exhibit Hall floor features the greatest assemblage anywhere of comics and graphic novel publishers.  Many of these major companies, including DC Comics, Marvel, Dark Horse, Image, Bongo, Fantagraphics, Top Shelf, and SLG, will be giving presentations and holding panels, giving fans the opportunity to learn about major news and upcoming projects.  Booths in the Exhibit Hall will allow fans to shop to their hearts' content.

Special guests include popular comic artists and science fiction authors like Kevin J. Anderson, Greg Bear, Ray Bradbury, Will Eisner, Harry Harrison, Sid Jacobson, Geoff Johns, Patrick McDonnell, Mike Mignola, and Stan Sakai.  Autograph panels allow fans the chance to meet some of their favorite special guests.

Hollywood follows this mass movement towards San Diego as some of today's hottest stars will be making appearances to promote their new movies.  Sarah Michelle Gellar, Keanu Reeves, Djimon Hounsou, Jude Law, Jessica Alba, Jaime King, Rosario Dawson, Jessica Biel, Ryan Reynolds, Eliza Dushku, David Wenham, Billy Boyd, and Mark Hamill are just a few of the scheduled celebrities.  Comic-Con will also welcome many writers, producers, and directors of upcoming TV shows and movies as well as current favorites, including Stan Lee and Matt Groenig.  For the spontaneously-minded, there are always last-minute unannounced guests and secret surprise guests.

There is something for everyone at this convention.  The days are filled with things to see and do, and the only problem one might have is trying to fit in everything one wants to attend.  For Star Wars lovers, Friday is Star Wars day, with seminars on everything from toys and collectibles to books and comics.  For Japanese animation lovers, there are screenings all day of plenty of different animes, as well as various panels on everything from voice acting to manga translations.  For children, there will be Kids' Day Programs on Sunday and special events planned by Cartoon Network, Warner Bros. Animation, Disney, and Nickelodeon.  For movie lovers, there is the Comic-Con Independent Film Festival being held all four days.  For costumers, there is the always-popular Masquerade competition.  For artists and art-lovers, there is the Art Show in the Exhibit Hall, which will be displaying art and sculpture from both amateurs and professionals.  And of course there will be comics, comics, and more comics.

For more information, visit www.comic-con.org