Halloween costumes aren’t the only disguises taking over Los Angeles this weekend – L.A. Comic Con is bringing its own cast of characters.

The “Heart of Pop Culture” event returned to the LA Convention Center on Friday, featuring guests including Hayden Christensen, Aaron Paul and Giancarlo Esposito. From Akiba Station for anime fans to Artist Alley, where comic enthusiasts meet their favorite artists, L.A. Comic Con offered a variety of opportunities for a wide range of fans. For sixth-time attendee and cosplayer June Lias, one of Comic Con’s most striking features is the effort people put into their costumes.

“There’s a lot more appreciation for the time and effort that people put into looking the way they do, walking around the way they do, every part of it,” Lias said.

For cosplayer Kewin Amir, this year marked his first L.A. Comic Con, though he had attended other conventions before. Amir said his longstanding interest in comics and anime inspired him to start cosplaying and connecting with others who share his interests. He added that participating in the cosplay community has been a very new experience, distinct from meeting people elsewhere.

Artist Don Ho said he returns to Comic Con every year for the fans. This year marks the comic artist’s 15th time attending, and he added that he enjoys meeting readers, who get excited to put a face to the name and ask questions about his work. Ho set up a booth in Artist Alley with his wife, who sells perler bead pixelated art alongside Ho’s comic art. He said Comic Con offers her the chance to turn her hobby into something more.

“Sometimes a lot of people are afraid to express themselves,” Ho said. “But when you come here, everyone is expressing whatever they want.”

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Also in Artist Alley sat Henry Barajas, a comic author whose work explores Mexican American history and culture. Like Ho, Barajas said he has been coming to Comic Con for several years, finding the convention an accessible experience for comic book fans who might not be able to attend larger events such as San Diego Comic-Con. His latest book “Death to Pachuco” covered the LA Zoot Suit Riots, he said.

“(The comic book industry) is not an industry that’s inviting to BIPOC people, so what I felt that I could offer that no one else could offer is personal experiences,” Barajas said.

Crystal Callibur, who staffed Barajas’ booth with him, said she felt happy watching people react to Barajas’ stories. Though his comics differ from other comic books because they take inspiration from real-life stories, she added that people remain interested in these narratives grounded in realism.

Callibur said there is a strong artist community at Comic Con as well. She added that she takes breaks throughout the weekend to go around the show floor and support friends at other booths. Callibur said she has noticed renewed optimism within the comic community, with more creators showing interest in politically oriented work.

A major concern for Callibur, she added, is the use of artificial intelligence within the comic industry. She said the community generally is worried about AI but also recognizes that AI cannot replicate what it does. Concept designer Gary Montalbano said he noticed people really appreciate human-made work.

“(With) artwork and writing, what you’re doing is communicating to another human how you’re feeling,” Montalbano said. “It (AI) is just a prediction. … it’s the rise of mediocrity.”

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Montalbano said he met many good friends through conventions, with friendships lasting over 25 years in the industry.

Amir said anyone interested in Comic Con should attend, describing it as an experience like no other. Barajas said he also encourages attendees to support comics however they can, whether that’s at L.A. Comic Con or at other comic book events around LA.

“We get to use the medium to educate or to share the way we’re feeling and to put things into perspective in a cool way,” Barajas said.