Zombies, Trekkies and superheroes beam in for Comic-Con geek fest

Hordes of zombies, Stormtroopers, superheroes and Starfleet officers have already begun crawling, marching, flying and beaming into San Diego for the annual celebration of geekery, Comic-Con International. The sci-fi devotees were there for the festival’s preview night, where con-goers with four-day passes have first crack at the collectables, free swag and photo opportunities on the San Diego Convention Center floor. While some came to fill their bags with figurines and memorabilia, others were there to gaze at the impressive installations. They include a Jedi Temple containing looks at costumes from the upcoming anthology film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and others from D C Comics’ Wonder Woman and Suicide Squad films.

I think the most important thing is for all of us to be there and acknowledge the fans’ support and passion. Obviously, we’ll have a Walking Dead promo and will premiere it in San Diego, but it’s that connection to the fans that Comic-Con is really all about.

Aliens and The Walking Dead producer Gale Anne Hurd

Marvel Comics debuted a 13ft bronze statue of Captain America on the convention floor in celebration of the superhero’s 75th anniversary. Elsewhere in the Gaslamp District, Wonder Woman was getting a 75th tribute of her own with the reveal of her invisible jet. Outside the sprawling bayside venue, the premiere of Star Trek Beyond was also held on Wednesday night at the Embarcadero Marina Park. The sci-fi sequel’s U.S. debut marks the first-ever outdoor Imax screening. Comic-Con is expected to draw more than 160,000 fans for high-energy sessions featuring casts and crews from such films and TV shows as Game of Thrones, Star Trek, Suicide Squad, South Park, Teen Wolf, Aliens and The Walking Dead.

Seeing stuff like this really brings back things from my childhood. It makes me feel like a kid again

Marie McLendon, 28

Comic Con