[gallery size="medium" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" td_gallery_title_input="3-day Comic Con festival starts today" ids="120322,120323,120324,120325"] By Saleh Fareed JEDDAH — Virtual reality games, the latest animated TV series and costumes of characters from Star Wars, Superman, Batman and Captain America are expected to steal the show at the three-day Saudi Comic Con (SCC) festival, which starts here Thursday. Thousands of people are expected to descend on the Take Off venue opposite Red Sea Mall this weekend and many are expected to dress as their favorite superheroes. Saudi fans will have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of their favorite film, TV and video game stars, or sneak a peak at an upcoming film, show, comic book or video game. The colorful festival will also see people dressing up as their favorite comic, gaming characters and superheroes, they will be dressed as zombies, Stars Wars, Ghost Busters and various movie characters as well as good old-fashioned street clothes. The most awaited event for comic books fans is supported by the General Entertainment Authority and is expected to attract 25,000 attendees from across Saudi Arabia. Attendance of celebrities from both the local and international entertainment scenes has also been confirmed. They include Saudi film director Ayman Jamal, Saudi actor and producer Hisham Faqeh, British actor Julian Glover, US actor Giancarlo Esposito, British actor Charles Dance and Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen. Throughout Saudi Comic Con, there will be open discussions between moderators and speakers on various topics in the area of comics, video games, and production. Saudi teens are happy to see the multi-faceted celebration of pop culture here in the Kingdom for the first time. Thamer Dahlan, 21, said: "I have always loved comics, cartoons and everything related to the world of being a nerd, therefore; I am so happy to attend this big event." He said he and his six friends have already booked their tickets few months back. "I cannot wait to dress up as my favorite character and enjoy the show," he said. "Everyone loves ‘Star Wars,'" said Adnan Al-Thagafi. The 23-year-old, who will be wearing a Captain America costume, said he plans to spend Thursday night at the most exciting and entertaining show. Al-Thagafi noted that many of his friends will show up with costumes of their favorite superheroes or science
