Where were you on Batman and Robin Day?

This year, Austin hosted its first Wizard World comic convention. Adam West and Burt Ward, the original 60’s Batman and Robin, promised to come. Mayor Lee Leffingwell declared Saturday Nov. 13 a holiday in their honor.

For those who haven’t been to such a convention, picture thousands of people—kids, college students, and folks who grew up with Adam West. Now picture that a third of the crowd is in costume. This was the Austin Comic Con.

Stars come out at noon

The weekend convention was studded with stars. Ernie Hudson, one of the original Ghostbusters, was in attendance, although he blended in with all the quartets in Ghostbuster costumes.

Big names aside, a few lesser-known stars showed up for Q&A panels. Nicholas Brendan, who played Xander in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” answered guests’ questions – even when it was another panelist’s turn. Lou Feringo, the 1970s “Hulk,” and actor Doug Jones from “Pan’s Labyrinth” had panels as well, talking to nearly anyone who came by.

While many stars in attendance needed no introduction, other attendees were more known for their individual accomplishments. These included Brian Steele from the “Hellboy” and “Underworld” movies and the guy who invited the remote-controlled R2-D2.

Strictly business

The guests were the main attraction at the convention, but the booths were a close second.

Dozens of action figures filled the stalls. Some were in mint condition, some were well-loved and a handful were handmade. People with homemade tribute films to Darth Maul and Batman vs. Predator played them in loops.

A steampunk couple sold readymade vampire-defense kits, complete with stakes and crosses. T-shirts with obscure pop culture references such as, “Are you out of your Vulcan mind?” sold for $20 apiece.

But what does everyone expect to see at a comic convention? Comics. Walls upon walls of DC and Marvel classics were on sale– right down to the first issue with Wolverine.

On the other side of the hall, aisles of new artists and comic writers made themselves known. Not everyone with a booth at the Con is famous, yet.

Paper faces on parade

At the end of the night, people gathered to see what they’d all been waiting to see: each other. Wizard Con hosted a costume contest for everyone who was not famous but dressed like they were.

There were plenty of Batmen and a few Jokers: but the night became less predictable by the minute. After them came Zombie Wolverine. Two girls even came as their own World of Warcraft characters, proving that they do look like this offline.

The folks watching the show were just as colorful: girls dressed as Doctor Who and the Tardus were among the audience.

And, of course, every Con has a Darth Vader. This one had a Pimp Vader complete with cane, suit and gold helmet.

Three people went as homemade Dark Lords of the Sith. One, covered with red-and-black painted tattoos, gave a speech.

“[Comic Con] is the only place where a 53-year-old school librarian can get away with this!” she said.

St. Edward’s University students also got into comic spirit. One student was dressed as a Puppet Angel from the “Angel” TV series.

A place for friends

One might think that a room full of geeks would be socially awkward: do these people even know how to meet offline and interact?

Senior Rebecca Bernstein believes they do. Although a bit eccentric, they’re just normal people, she said.

“Society tells us that the people who go to these conventions are antisocial, usually overweight,” Bernstein said.

Inside the Con, it seemed far from it. The room buzzed with the sound of total strangers bonding over a common interest.

“You could start a conversation with anybody because you already knew they have something in common with you,” Bernstein said.

The convention helped ordinary costume-makers became celebrities. Movie star or not, anyone dressed as Clark Kent or an Ewok had fans taking pictures with them.

When the doors began closing, a colorful sea of spandex and paper-mache poured out of the building. A few priceless action figures were handed out to the costume contest winners, and the night was over.

Until next year.