What began in the mid 1960s has become a comic book fan phenomenon. Comic book conventions are popping up everywhere.
One of the first-known, commercial comic book fan conventions was held in the mid-1960s in Detroit, Michigan.
That event was organized by Shel Dorf who moved to San Diego, California, in 1970, and held a one-day convention called the Golden State Comic-Minicon.
What began as a "mini-con," grew to become the San Diego Comic-Con International and spurred a movement that has grown into a phenomenon.
Huge convention centers and hotel ballrooms fill up with comic book vendors, celebrities, and fans -- most of which arrive in costume.
Television, movies, and video games play a major part in these gatherings due to the expansion of comic book characters into these other mediums.
Costume and cosplay contests, autograph and photo opportunities, and celebrity Q and A panels are just a few of the highlights of today's version of the comic book fan gathering.
Here are just 12 of the upcoming "cons" planned for the New Jersey and Philadelphia area.
East Coast Comicon
April 16 and 17
Meadowlands Exposition Center
355 Plaza Drive in Secaucus
The Greater Philadelphia Comic Con
April 22 to 24
The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania
100 Station Avenue in Oaks, Pennsylvania
Anime Fan Fest
May 6 to 8
Garden State Exposition Center
50 Atrium Drive in Somerset
Atlantic City Boardwalk Con
May 13 to 15
Atlantic City Convention Center
1 Convention Boulevard in Atlantic City
Jersey Shore Comic Book Show
May 15
Flemington Elks Lodge
Route 31 South in Flemington
Wizard World Comic Con
June 2 to 5
Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
AnimeNEXT
June 10 to 12
Atlantic City Convention Center
1 Convention Boulevard in Atlantic City
Garden State Comic Fest
July 9 to 10
William G. Mennen Sports Arena
161 East Hanover Avenue in Morristown
Newark Comic Con
Aug. 20
NJ Performing Arts Center
1 Center Street in Newark
Superhero Superfest
Oct. 29
Pine Belt Arena
1245 Old Freehold Road in Toms River
PhilCon
Nov. 18 to 20
Crowne Plaza Hotel
2349 Marlton PIke West in Cherry Hill
New Jersey Comic Expo
Nov. 19 and 20
NJ Convention and Exposition Center
97 Sunfield Avenue in Edison
Kelly Roncace may be reached at kroncace@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @kellyroncace. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.