Tampa Bay Comic Convention kicks off at Tampa Convention Center

TAMPA —It’s not hard to find experts in any genre of pop culture at Tampa Bay Comic Convention.

It’s the people who double down on the fun, and go in character.

“What’s not to love, dressing up meeting people who share a common interest,” said Daniel Kuhlmeyer of Brandon, also Gandalf the Grey of Lord of the Rings.

Princess Bubblegum from Adventure Time showed up, Kim Possible fought super villains, and a pack of Star Wars R2 units rolled on their own down the convention center halls.

Their realms may be different. But they share the same spirit.

Organizers expect 40,000 to 50,000 attendees over the three-day event. And for some fans, it’s a return to childhood.

Edan Hernandez is talking about Pokémon cards. The 90s baby has returned to his former passion.

“I’ll tell you right now. The Pokémon community is great,” said Hernandez.

This is the first Comic Convention ever for Hernandez, his fiancé Johanna Hernandez and 10-month-old Emilia.

Here’s his take on day one, hour two.

“It’s very colorful. There’s a lot going on. There’s nowhere to sit except you’re outside the convention room, so you gotta maintain your awareness, gotta maintain your physical fitness cause you’re gonna keep walking all day,” Hernandez said.

Not a problem for this soldier, who also didn’t have to dress up. Whatever he wears — it’s a hero’s get up.