Indiana Comic Con draws fans of science fiction

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Stepping into Indiana Comic Con is like stepping into another world.

“I’m a geek so when I come to these conventions I feel like I’m at home,” comic artist Allen Panakal said.

You have to watch out for the villain but have no fear, there’s always a hero right around the corner.

If embracing your inner Jedi is your speed, Matt Hofmann and Star Wars Indiana have you covered.

They will even provide the lightsaber.

“You get back to being a kid again,” Star Wars Indiana Event Coordinator Matt Hofmann said.

This group travels to conventions across the region with their memorabilia.

“We all make our own costumes and they’re all Star Wars based,” Hofmann said.

They don’t just show off costumes though. For just a few dollars to charity, you can live out what might be a childhood dream and take down a storm trooper.

“100% of those proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity,” Hofmann said. “We get to do this and bring our love of Star Wars into the community and have that charity element with it also so it sort of justifies our strangeness.”

Not that anyone would have to justify costumes with this crowd.

“I fit in perfectly at this stuff so everyone here is like family to me,” Panakal said.

It’s all part of the fun of Comic Con.

There are many booths with people selling comic books and other memorabilia.

The event is open through midnight Friday night.

Indy Comic Con opens again Saturday at noon.

Sunday’s hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.