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Comic-Con takes over San Diego (pictures)

In San Diego, it's hard to escape Comic-Con's massive presence (not that we'd want to). Here are some scenes from around the convention center.

Lisa Brackmann
Lisa Brackmann is the author of the Ellie McEnroe novels set in China ("Rock Paper Tiger," "Hour of the Rat," "Dragon Day") and the thrillers "Getaway" and "Go-Between." Her work has also appeared in the Wall Street Journal. She lives in San Diego with a couple of cats, far too many books and a bass ukulele. You can find her at www.lisabrackmann.com
Lisa Brackmann
San Diego Comic-Con 2015
1 of 36 Lisa Fredsti/CNET

San Diego Comic-Con 2015

SAN DIEGO--What began in 1970 as a gathering of a few hundred comic book fans has grown into the largest convention of its kind in the world, a four-day celebration of pop culture in all its forms that is attended by more than 130,000 people. What is unique about San Diego Comic-Con is the way it takes over a sizable chunk of downtown San Diego. You don't even have to have a badge to enjoy the convention -- a lot of the action is outside the hall.

San Diego trolley
2 of 36 Lisa Fredsti/CNET

San Diego trolley

Whether you arrive by trolley...

San Diego bus
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San Diego bus

...or by bus, the presence of Comic-Con is unmistakable.

Super navigator
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Super navigator

The convention can be hard to navigate. This fellow seems to have it under control, however.

Gandalf
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Gandalf

If you're lost, you can always ask a wizard.

Walking Dead
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Walking Dead

Inside the hall you'll find lots of advertising for films, TV and comics.

Comic-Con cosplay
7 of 36 Lisa Fredsti/CNET

Comic-Con cosplay

...and, of course, many fans in costume.

Portal
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Portal

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DC Comics
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DC Comics

Displays by the big guns in pop culture.

Comic-Con lines
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Comic-Con lines

Lines for autographs, lines for merchandise, lines for giveaways.

Warcraft the movie
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Warcraft the movie

You'll see advertising for upcoming films.

Merch table
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Merch table

There's merchandise galore for sale.

Adult Swim
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Adult Swim

Here's cable network Adult Swim's display.

Makeup artist
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Makeup artist

You can get lessons on how to turn people into demons.

Artists' Alley
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Artists' Alley

This is just a portion of Artists' Alley, where creators can show off their work.

Daenerys
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Daenerys

A cosplayer's bold prediction of who will win the Iron Throne.

The Flash
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The Flash

The Flash is ready!

Lines at Comic-Con
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Lines at Comic-Con

It's more lines! Always lines.

People watching
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People watching

At least you are waiting in a beautiful place. (Pro tip: The Hilton Bar is a great place to celebrity- and people-watch during the con.)

Lord Vader
20 of 36 Lisa Fredsti/CNET

Lord Vader

A mob of stormtroopers and sand people turned out to worship their lord.

Cosplay
21 of 36 Lisa Fredsti/CNET

Cosplay

Team Fortress 2's Pyro and Payday: The Heist's Dallas keep calm and game on with a fan.

Outside
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Outside

When the convention center gets to be too much, there's plenty of action outside.

Taking a break
23 of 36 Lisa Fredsti/CNET

Taking a break

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Lisa Fredsti
24 of 36 Lisa Fredsti/CNET

Around town

Many Comic-Con activities take place outside of the convention center, spilling into the Gaslamp Quarter and East Village, including this elaborate presentation for Assassin's Creed (viewed from the convention center across the trolley and train tracks).

Around town
25 of 36 Lisa Fredsti/CNET

Around town

Powdered Toast Man, spokesperson for powdered toast and superhero extraordinaire.

Gaslamp District
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Gaslamp District

The Gaslamp District is transformed.

Heroes
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Heroes

Heroes walk among us.

Sharknado
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Sharknado

Beware! Sharknado 3 is coming.

The Expanse
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The Expanse

This is for SyFy's upcoming series, "The Expanse."

Around town
30 of 36 Lisa Fredsti/CNET

Around town

Another shot of "The Expanse"-ive building facade.

Mobile Iron Throne
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Mobile Iron Throne

Everybody wants to sit in the Iron Throne, especially those who've had quite enough walking for the day.

Petco Park
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Petco Park

Meanwhile, there's a lot going on at Petco Park, where the San Diego Padres play.

Petco
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Petco

...including "The Walking Dead: Escape"

Walking Dead
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Walking Dead

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Saved by beer
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Saved by beer

Thankfully, after being chased by Walkers, you have plenty of opportunities for refreshment.

Cosplay
36 of 36 Lisa Fredsti/CNET

Cosplay

Just remember, what happens at Comic-Con...

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