The largest event of its kind in the world, Comic-Con draws thousands of fans to San Diego every year from all over the United States.

Comic-Con 2009 Blasts Off

In its 40th year, the annual convention
has evolved from a small gathering of comic book fans into a major cultural event
Photographs by Sean Masterson for TIME

Enter

share

Get the Latest Photos from Time.com
Get TIME photos and pictures of the week delivered directly to your inbox.