Movies and television with superheroes are popular all over the world. Both young people and adults love characters like Batman and Spider Man. But for some people, such characters and their stories are more than just simple entertainment. Every year, cities around the world hold events for people interested in superheroes, science fiction stories and the world of make-believe. These gatherings are often called comic book conventions, or comic “cons.” Two of the biggest comic cons in the U.S. are held in San Diego, California and New York City. Until recently, Washington, DC was among the cities in the U.S. without its own big event for superhero and science fiction lovers. This all changed in 2013 when Awesome Con first arrived in Washington. Ben Penrod has loved comic books, science fiction, fantasy, and all things nerdy throughout his life. Growing up in Annapolis, Maryland, Penrod worked in a store that sold comic books.