July 09, 2013 – September 04, 2013

San Diego Comic-Con is the largest annual comic book and popular arts convention in the world. It began in San Diego in March 1970 as a one day comic book ‘minicon’ in the basement of the US Grant Hotel  with 100 attendees. Today, its current attendance is over 136,000.

In addition to its success as a cultural phenomenon, Comic-Con has increased the region’s visibility around the world. As it has grown so too has its importance to the local economy. Direct spending by those attending the convention in 2013, 2014 and 2015 is expected to total $203.4 million.

The exhibition provides a glimpse into the world of the comic book convention and shows how Comic-Con has expanded over the years to include all aspects of popular culture.