Focus Features

Every July in San Diego, decent folk lock their sons and daughters away in the basement as the sleepy Southern California town finds itself invaded by legions of crazed fans and hormonal geeks.

Thousands come. Creators and companies bring their newest shows, films, games and characters. Fans come to swoon. Even super villains come to swap trade secrets.

To maintain security, all jetpacks and backpacks will be checked at the door.

Diversity is a key component. Even if diversity means that superheroes come in different colors and clashing color schemes.

Some attendees are both well-heeled and well-armed.

This year, as in years past, a saber is essential accessory when you dress for success at Comic-Con.

An artist kills some time before he shows his work to comic companies in Comic-Con's popular Portfolio Review area. "I've gotten some good contacts," he said. "But no luck yet."

An attendee described her outfit as that of a medic from a video game. Her healing instrument? A large gun that shoots canisters of First Aid.

While they look dangerous, Comic-Con rules dictate: a) All costume weapons must be inspected at the security station in Lobby E. b) All costume weapons must conform to state and federal law.

While mass interpretive dance is not mandatory, many find no other way to express their enthusiasm.

A young attendee wears a toy that purports to read mind waves. Called the Force Trainer, the attendant tells her, "Don't be afraid. Fear leads to the Dark Side." When the ball in the tube fails to move initially, the girl is thought to be brain dead. "Is there a doctor in the house?" jokes the attendant.

No character is out of bounds at Comic-Con, as Big Boy proves. Dressed as neither a toy nor a storybook character, this attendee has nonetheless found a muse in the hamburger joint icon.

While for some Comic-Con is a business proposition, for others the event is a family affair.

While Comic-Con rules bar visitors from bringing their pets, there are no such rules regarding robots, and this little girl brought her favorites to show off.

Many attendees come to enjoy the event and can’t understand why so many people keep bothering them.

Despite the parties, panels, and presentations, Comic-Con is still a trade fair. Here a space alien from the KB-86 region of the far universe discusses the benefits of laser vs. photon weaponry.

Others take time to chat about the latest in uniform technology.

A perfume-maker reveals a new line of Star Trek-inspired scents, including "Red Shirt." The box reads: "Because tomorrow may never come."

Creatures from all fantasy worlds collide here, including those from the planet Playboy Mansion.

Since no two fans are the same, merchandise never has a one-size-fits-all policy.

One hopes that nothing too serious happens in the world during Comic-Con since apparently every superhero is in San Diego.