(The Daily Advertiser) – Expect to see more superheroes than usual this weekend.

Costumed crusaders, comic book fans and geeks of all ages will pack into the Cajundome Convention Center as Louisiana Comic Con returns Saturday and Sunday.

The two-day convention is just one more way to celebrate the stories, characters and hobbies fans have been passionate about for years.

Last year’s Con was a big hit, with about 10,000 people attending, said organizer Greg Hanks with AVC Conventions.

He expects the same this year, if not more.

“It’s more known now. The majority of the city knows about the event now, which is awesome,” he said. “The city’s response well exceeded our expectations and continues to do so.”

Nearly 30 guest speakers are scheduled, including Ernie Hudson, best known for his role as Winston in the “Ghostbusters” series, Jeremy Bulloch, who played the galaxy’s most famous bounty hunter, Boba Fett, in the original “Star Wars” trilogy and Sean Patrick Flanery, who starred in the cult film “Boondock Saints.”

Lafayette’s resident comic book artists Rob Guillory and Kody Chamberlain also are in the guest lineup and will answer questions in a live panel Saturday afternoon.

It’s that local connection that helps fuel the Con.

“If it weren’t for the Lafayette community, we might not be here,” Hanks said. “Rob Guillory and Kody Chamberlain did one of our other shows and helped convince us to come here. The city and its people did the rest. Matt Hernandez from 1063 Lafayette has been a tremendous help.

“It’s awesome when the city is behind us.”

The convention center floor will be filled with vendors selling art and merchandise. This year, a few more local vendors are featured, Hanks said.

“But we sold out (of vendor space) extremely fast this year, and I know there were many who didn’t get the chance at a booth. Our wait list was pretty long,” Hanks said.

There will also be a gaming area where a selection of tabletop board and card games will be available for attendees to play, with game demos and tournaments scheduled, too.

One of the more popular features of Louisiana Comic Con is the costume contests, where cosplayers (that’s costume play for short) compete to win up to $125. There are separate competitions for adults, groups or duos and children.

For Hanks, the most excitement comes from seeing the Lafayette geek community again.

“It’s like a family reunion with the coolest, nerdiest group of relatives you could have.”

Want to go?

What: Louisiana Comic ConWhen: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 8; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 9Where: Cajundome Convention Center, 444 Cajundome Blvd., LafayetteTickets: $22 per day; $33 for both days; $5 for children 2-8 years old; free for children under 2Info: louisianacomicconlafayette.com