Comic-Con draws thousands of costumed fans from all genres

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Thousands of fans have descended on downtown San Diego for the annual pop culture phenomenon known as Comic-Con, which features popular shows, film stars and producers.

Fans by the tens of thousands are expected to funnel through the aisles of the San Diego Convention Center between Thursday and Sunday.

"I can say with confidence the force is strong with San Diego, and the force is stronger with Comic-Con," Mayor Kevin Faulconer said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.