PICS: It's a costume fest at Comic-Con!

San Diego — More than 130 000 fans are expected at San Diego's Comic-Con during the next few days for autograph signings, TV and film presentations and toy shopping. But more than anything else, this fan fest is all about the costumes.

And while other entertainment confabs typically wind up with an award show honouring artistic content, Comic-Con's finale is an award show celebrating artistic costumes.

But fans at this year's Comic-Con weren't waiting until Saturday night's annual Masquerade Ball to strut their stuff.

Day One on Thursday saw the San Diego Convention Center come alive with all manner of heroes, villains and other assorted creatures, from Sharknado sharks to characters from the original Kill Bill.

Check out the pics!

(Photos: AP)