Athens neighborhood "taken over" by comic heroes during Com

ATHENS, April 17 (Xinhua) -- More than 12,000 comic fans participated in the Comicdom Con Athens exhibition which opened its doors to the public for the 11th year in the Greek capital during the weekend, celebrating one of the most interesting art forms.

From manga to zombie, and superheroes, all were included in the comics' festival.

"This year we transformed an entire neighborhood in central Athens into the largest comics' celebration with happenings and events indoors as well as outdoors," Elias Katirtzigianoglou, one of the event's organizers said.

During the comics' convention which was hosted across several venues and streets around the Athens University Law School, the Athenian audience had the opportunity to meet famous international guests, take part in original art exhibitions, sketch events, panels, screenings, workshops on comics and related arts.

The most popular event of the festival was undoubtedly the Comicdom Cosplay Contest for the best costumes of comic characters, which is the national qualifying competition for European cosplay championship, EuroCosplay 2016 in London.

Launched in California's San Diego city in the United States in 1970, comic cons have become very popular and spread to many cities around the world.

The events celebrate the art and culture derived from comic books, including the latest in graphic novels, manga, video games, toys and action figures based upon original comics.