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Media Credit: John Kernan Dozens of vendors were at the Comic Con, selling books from as far back as the '50s'

Media Credit: John Kernan Artist Mike Mignola, creator of Hellboy, signs an autograph.

Media Credit: John Kernan The most devoted fans came to the convention in costume.

The idea of a comic book convention had me on the defensive from the beginning. I am not, and have never been, a comic-book nerd. I read Spider-Man for about six months in elementary school, though, so I felt I could at least have a vague sense of belonging at last weekend's Baltimore Comic Con. And, hey, I liked the Spider-Man, Superman and Batman movies, just like everybody else. What more could be required?

A lot, apparently. There seems to be a hierarchy at these conventions, one into which I did not fit. At the top reign the fully costumed super-nerd, an unquestioned freak show at all other times, but a practical demigod at a comic book convention. These people ­- and there were plenty - could not walk 10 feet without being stopped for a picture, a handshake, or a challenge to see who is the better quoter of the costumer's source universe. Next, you have your comic-con families, who bond together to form a sort of blood-reinforced clan of enthusiasts, usually centered around one specific character. Tots as young as one or two years old were seen sporting the Green Lantern shirt or a Superman hat. The average con-goer wore a black t-shirt with some undecipherable message on it, long cargo shorts, and Birkenstocks. Surprisingly, the average age was not 18, as I expected, but rather about 30. I imagine the older crowds are those with the resources to make a long trip out to see their favorite writer.

The convention area itself was pretty straightforward. Booths were arranged in a grid pattern, with an area for comic book (sorry, graphic novel) vendors, an area for publishers, one for artists, and of course, the zone packed with long, snaking lines: comic book pros signing autographs.

Alas, I did not recognize any of the names of featured guests. Of course, it probably would have taken Peter Parker himself showing up for me to recognize a name. Jim Lee was there, whose work I did actually recognize from his with Batman and Superman illustrations. Also of note was Mike Mignola, creator of Hellboy. Plenty of fans came with huge stacks of items to be signed- I imagine the secondary eBay market is huge.

As I understand it, comic cons usually have cool, exciting events that anyone can appreciate, irrespective of their level of comic fandom. Unfortunately, such was not the case at the Baltimore Comic Con. The only events occurring Saturday morning were panels by DC and Marvel Comics writers. Not to be deterred, I attended these question-and-answers anyway.

Never has there been a higher density of comic book knowledge than in the conference room that day. The fans in the audience were actually arguing with the writers of the books - the writers who created these stories - over details of the plot. There was discussion of "Superman Rogues," implying that not only has Superman gotten out of hand, but he or some villain has cloned him.

The announcement that Harry Osborne - the guy who died in the original Spider-Man movie - was still alive drew a chorus of groans from the audience. The fans, it seems, have a very strong desire to see their stories retain some in-universe credibility.

My ears perked up when the name Morpheus was mentioned. I assumed, wrongly, that they were talking about the Matrix. It seems "Morpheus" is also the name of some other Marvel hero. When it was announced that Marvel Zombies 3 will feature Morpheus, a learned gentleman of about 35 proclaimed from behind me "All right!" and triumphantly lifted a fist towards the heavens.

I was pleasantly surprised by a few things at the vendor booths. Top Shelf Comix was there. They are producers of less traditional comics, like the full-color "Johnny Boo," by James Kochalka, which is probably aimed at grade-schoolers, but is crafted so well that you can't help but enjoy it anyway. The publishers at Top Shelf are sure to badger everyone to come to the Small Press Expo, going on this weekend in Bethesda, Md.

Despite my harsh words, though, the convention was full of fun and friendly people just there having a good time. It might not have been the largest, most comprehensive or most engaging comic book convention, but for two days, thousands of people could come together and feel a sense of belonging. For a weekend, the con-goer can become Batman - and everyone else will play along.

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