The U.S. comic book convention brings the worlds of comics, science fiction and fantasy to life July 17 to 20 in Sandiego, California.

More than 250,000 square feet of exhibition floor space will showcase comic book publishers, film studios, game companies, card and toy manufacturers and small presses.

The highlight of the conference is the July 18 presentation of the prestigious Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, followed by a video/dance party. Other events include 100 hours of film screenings, with special presentations of Japanese animation; game tournaments; and an on-stage masquerade competition, which last year drew 2,300 spectators. Panels, workshops and seminars will address this year’s themes Star Wars’ 20th anniversary, horror comics and independent filmmaking.

The many special guests include Gilbert and Jaimie Harnandez, creators of the award-winning Love & Rockets comic, J. Michael Straczynski, creator/writer/executive producer of Babylon 5 and fantasy writer Terry Brooks.

For more information, call 619-544-9555,

e-mail cciweb@aol.com, or visit the Web site at www.hotsites.net/comiccon.