Comic-Con? What is that? Should I care?

You’ve heard of Comic-Con. You see its logo pop up on your News Feed. Your millennial colleagues are talking about it.

But what exactly is it?

Comic-Con International: San Diego, Thursday through Sunday, is one of the biggest conventions of its kind in the world. It started in the ’70s as a one-day “minicon” and blossomed into a grand festival with A-list celebrities, world-renowned artists and exclusive merchandise.

It’s all about loving comic books and the like and showing off that love. Some people like to dress up, or cosplay, or make/buy art. Others like to meet comic creators.

It is a place where comic book fans can meet with other fans and geek out about their favorite characters while trying to hunt down a rare comic book issue or figure.

But what makes San Diego the Comic-Con (hundreds of comic-cons operate around the nation) is the prestige and variety.

At this event, you will see actors from Marvel films or the new Star Trek movie, while seeing people from HBO’s Silicon Valley and CW’s The Vampire Diaries.

Any entertainment property with a fandom is welcomed.

So what if you’re not hip? If you have a favorite show/movie/comic book, odds are Comic-Con has something for you.

This story was originally published July 21, 2016 at 6:11 PM with the headline "Comic-Con? What is that? Should I care?."