Photo by Matt McDanielEvery year at the San Diego Comic-Con International, there are big stars, giant exhibitions, and previews of upcoming movies and TV shows. But a lot of the fun comes from seeing the fans in their costumes. Some, like these guys in their "Dark Knight" outfits, are remarkable in their attention to detail. And some are just playfully goofy. Here is a gallery of costumed attendees at this week's Con.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesYou don't necessarily need to spend a ton of cash or be an expert tailor to make a costume. Take for example the all-paper Iron Man, who shows off his blue-ribbon repulsor blast.

Photo by Matthew McDanielThen again, a select few will dispense with cloth and paper and just go with paint. This guy looks nice now, but you wouldn't want to see Blanka from the Street Fighter games when he's angry.

Photo by Matt McDanielIt's Autobot versus Decepticon (and a very curious kid) at San Diego Comic-Con.

Photo by Matthew McDanielWith talk of Ryan Reynolds playing the lead in an upcoming movie, Marvel Comics' Deadpool was a common sight this year.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesThere was even a Lady Deadpool striking a sword pose in the main exhibit hall.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesIf the other Deadpools come after this one, he's got Phoenix to watch his back.

Photo by Matt McDanielVideo games are a popular source of inspiration, as seen in this colorful collection of characters at Comic-Con.

Photo by Matt McDanielPoison Ivy knows the benefits of going green at San Diego Comic-Con.

Photo by Matt McDanielBoba Fett and two TIE fighter pilots, on leave from a galaxy far, far away.

Photo by Matt McDanielThis skull-faced pirate traveled many oceans to be at Comic-Con.

Photo by Matt McDanielThese tough-looking ladies have had a long day of shopping at Comic-Con.

Photo by Matthew McDanielElektra strikes a post at Comic-Con.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesAll dressed up and up to no good at the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con.

Photo by Matt McDanielA Mandolorian bounty hunter is on the lookout at the Star Wars booth.

Photo by Matthew McDanielSupergirl is here to save Comic-Con.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesA pointy-eared Con-goer shows off her colors outside the San Diego Convention Center.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesSurf's up, Darth.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesA vampire shows us her pointy pearly whites.

Photo by Matthew McDanielThe Cobra B.A.T. is also very useful as a can opener.

Photo by Matthew McDanielWonder Woman, posing next to her Invisible Jet, outside the San Diego Convention Center.

Photo by Matthew McDanielThis futuristic warrior stands guard over the Comic-Con Exhibit Hall.

Photo by Matt McDanielA sharp-dressed Riddler walks the halls of Comic-Con.

Photo by Matthew McDanielWhy so blue, Hades?

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesThis green-haired joker face is ready to rock Comic-Con..

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesThis Sailor Scout stands at attention in the Main Hall.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesRufio and blue-haired friend, hanging out in the Main Hall at Comic-Con.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesYou meet the most interesting people standing in line at Comic-Con.

Photo by Matthew McDanielThe mighty Spartans are ready to do battle at Comic-Con.

Photo by Matthew McDanielWhen there's something strange at Comic-Con, who you gonna call?

Photo by Matthew McDanielJedi Knights... after a long night of intergalactic partying.

Photo by Matthew McDanielThe Progressive insurance girl, Sally from "The Nightmare Before Christmas," and Sailor Mars = The Greatest Team-up Ever.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesCharlie Chaplin takes a stroll through the Main Hall at Comic-Con.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesBeware, fair lady! The big green ghoul behind you!

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesCaptain America shows off her true colors at Comic-Con.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesThis guy has a yellow belt in Comic-Con Fu.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesThis Comic-Con assassin has something deadly up his sleeve.

Photo by Matthew McDanielThe blue thing is either a weapon or an odd-shaped guitar.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesA masked mystery maiden in the main hall.

Photo by Matthew McDanielPumpkinhead flashes a big smile for the camera.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesIn the crowded Comic-Con exhibit hall, it helps to speak softly and carry a big stick.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesA leather-clad lady measures the neck size of her samurai friend.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesSmart, sassy, shiny... and accompanied by a robot buddy.

Photo by Matthew McDanielThe Scarecrow stalks the Comic-Con exhibit hall.

Photo by John Shearer, Getty ImagesCOBRA troops roamed the halls looking for someone who dared to cut in line.

Photo by John Shearer, Getty ImagesThis conventioneer has the look of Samus from Metroid down from her hair to her laser blaster.

Photo by John Shearer, Getty ImagesIt can be difficult to spot your friends on the crowded exhibit hall floor, but this guy's pals didn't have a problem.

Photo by John Shearer, Getty ImagesSome of the most impressive costumes were at Saturday's "steampunk" gathering.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesPedicabs are a quicker way to get from place to place in San Diego. Especially if you're a slow, shuffling zombie.

Photo by John Shearer, Getty ImagesComic-Con attendees best start believin' in ghost stories, because they're in one.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesKratos, the God of War, showed up with his chain blades in hand.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesCostumed attendees are always ready to strike a pose in the convention center halls.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesWhen asked how he was enjoying Comic-Con, Rorschach answered, "Hurm."

Photo by John Shearer, Getty ImagesFrank from "Donnie Darko" came through a hole in the space-time continuum to get to San Diego.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesGiant spears are so hot this fashion season.

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesMore agile than a turtle, stronger than a mouse, nobler than lettuce, his emblem is a heart... It's the Red Grasshopper!

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesThis Little Mermaid wants to be part of Comic-Con's world.

Photo by John Shearer, Getty ImagesWhat's Mr. Freeze doing at Comic-Con? Chillin'. (Yes, we know that pun is as bad as anything in "Batman & Robin.")

Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesYes, San Diego Comic-Con truly is an "Enchanted" place. Whose curtains did she ruin to make that costume?

Photo by John Shearer, Getty ImagesIf there's one lesson we can all take from year's 40th Comic-Con, it's that "Ninjas need love, too."