Comic Book Fans, Dealers Keep In The "Comic" In Comic-Con | Peter Rowe

If you’re under the impression that San Diego Comic-Con has sold its soul, ditching comic books in favor of Hollywood, video games and “Comic-Con exclusive” toys, listen to Bob Bretall. “There are more comics at this Con than any other four conventions put together,” said Bretall, 57, a Mission Viejo resident who holds the Guinness World Record for most unique volumes (103,000). “The people who say the Con isn’t about comics any more, they don’t know what they are talking about.” Comic-Con, which ends its 50th run Sunday, is actually 10 or 12 different pop culture shows occurring simultaneously. Hall H, the San Diego Convention Center’s cavernous ballroom, is dominated by A-List actors and directors. Ballroom 20 is Ground Zero for TV premieres. In a galaxy far, far away — the exhibit hall’s north end — there’s a hive of buying and selling, the New York Stock Exchange trading floor for candy-colored publications that once sold for 10 cents. Kids’ stuff? If you’re a comics collector here, you’ll need a huge allowance.