Today in San Diego, Comic-Con kicks off to the delight of comic book geeks everywhere. Yet this year, more than any other year, the supposed sci-fi convention will be wooing all sorts of folks with presentations by hit TV shows like "Lost" and "Heroes", as well as movies with big names attached like Beowulf (starring Angelina Jolie) and Shoot 'Em Up (with my man Clive Owen, pictured). When did being a geek become so mainstream?

When Comic-Con began back in 1970, the event drew a modest crowd of 300, many of whom probably sounded just like Comic Book Guy from "The Simpsons." Yet nowadays, even mainstream schmoes are joining the crowd of 120,000 and calling Comic-Con the Best. Event. Ever. And not only are the audiences more mainstream, but the studios are presenting movies and shows that seem to have little or nothing to do with science-fiction or comics (I mean, Good Luck Chuck with Dane Cook? Seriously?). As Variety puts it, Comic-Con has expanded "to become a showcase for all sorts of programs with nerd or superfan appeal."

I myself never imagined I'd be interested in Comic-Con, but with my love of "Heroes," my excitement for Indiana Jones 4, and seeing how much I'm looking forward to "Reaper," I truly wish I'd had the foresight long ago to plan a trip down there. As it is, I'll rely on reader Phasekitty's reports from the scene.

So I have to wonder: Have I changed, or has certain sci-fi content become more palatable to me? What do you think? Do you wish you could be at Comic-Con, too? Would you consider yourself a "geek"?

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