‘Star Wars’ talk dominates Comic-Con as 4-day event begins

If anticipation for this year’s Comic-Con had a soundtrack, it would be John Williams’ instantly recognizable, Oscar-winning “Star Wars” theme. The latest take on the beloved space opera was top of mind for fans Wednesday night as the annual pop-culture convention opened for a preview of its colorful showroom floor. Comic-Con officially begins Thursday. "Star Wars" has a major presence in the massive showroom, with a mini-mall of booths dedicated to its characters. There are Chewbacca rugs and Stormtrooper sweaters, limited-edition Darth Vader skateboard decks and Yoda backpacks, plus Sith Lord pet outfits and Ewok stuffed animals. A life-size replica of Rey’s Speeder Bike from the new film is on display.

To a certain extent, it’s a giant commercial. But we pay hundreds or thousands of dollars to be part of it.

Shane Morrison, 34, of Glendale, Calif., said of the annual convention

Wayne Wadler amassed more than 15 giant bags of exclusive toys within minutes of Comic-Con’s doors opening. He expects to sell them all in one weekend at his comic book shop in Riverside, Calif. The most popular collectibles right now? “Star Wars,” he said. For the ninth year in a row, Dave Jamer, 46, came to Comic-Con dressed as “Boba Phat,” his 1970s approach to the “Star Wars” character Boba Fett. Even entertainment competitors are excited about the seventh “Star Wars” installment. Other anticipated properties at the convention include “The Walking Dead,” “Game of Thrones,” “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice” and “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay-Part 2.”

I’m excited that 'Star Wars’ is coming here. We love JJ Abrams and have his shows.

Lisa Gregorian, chief marketing officer for Warner Bros. Television Group

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