Comic Cons can be found near and far this summer

Editor’s note: This story is part of the Road Trips special section.

If the local comic shop is starting to look a little too crowded, there are other options.

Take heart, true believers. Comic Con season is upon us.

Imagine a convention hall filled with some of the hottest writers and artists in comics. Now add in a couple of movie stars. Then, just for good measure, sprinkle in the casts from some of your favorite genre shows on television.

Sounds like a dream come true, right? Well, this summer you can chase that dream all over the country. And (much) closer to home, don’t forget to check out Nittany Con, held at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Center on Sept. 25.

Below are some of the hottest comic celebrations across the country.

MegaCon

When: May 26-29

Where: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL

Costumes: Yes, please.

Stargazing: Tom Felton (“Harry Potter”), Bonnie Wright (“Harry Potter”), Anthony Daniels (“Star Wars”), Christopher Lloyd (“Back to the Future”), William Zabka (“The Karate Kid”), Ralph Macchio (“The Karate Kid”), Kevin Smith (“Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back”), John Cusack (“Say Anything”)

As seen on TV: John Barrowman (“Arrow”), Jon Bernthal (“The Walking Dead”), Michelle Gomez (“Doctor Who”), Billie Piper (“Doctor Who”) Carlos Valdes (“The Flash”), Elden Henson (“Daredevil”)

Heroes of the page: Stan Lee, Frank Miller, Peter David, Neal Adams

What this means for your wallet: $95 for four-day deluxe pass

Phoenix Comicon

When: June 2-5

Where: Phoenix Convention Center

Costumes: Somebody will be insulted if you don’t.

Stargazing: Sean Astin (“The Lord of the Rings”)

As seen on TV: Alex Kingston (“Doctor Who”), Billie Piper (“Doctor Who”), Caity Lotz (“Legends of Tomorrow”), David Ramsey (“Arrow”), Glenn Morshower (“24”), James Marsters (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”), Mark Pellegrino (“Lost”)

Heroes of the page: Marv Wolfman, Dan Jurgens, George Perez

What this means for your wallet: $60 for four days. The price will increase as the event grows closer.

Wizard World

When: June 2- 5

Where: Philadelphia Convention Center

Costumes: Encouraged

Stargazing: Chris Evans (“Captain America: Civil War”), Sebastian Stan (“Captain America: Civil War”) Anthony Mackie (“Captain America: Civil War”), Chris Hemsworth (“Thor”), Tom Hiddleston (“Thor”), Michael J. Fox (“Back to the Future”), Christopher Lloyd (“Back to the Future”), Stanley Tucci (“The Hunger Games”)

As seen on TV: Norman Reedus (“The Walking Dead”), Hayley Atwell (“Agent Carter”), Stephen Amell (“Arrow”), John Cena (WWE), David Duchovny (“The X-Files”), Sean Patrick Flanery (“The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones”)

Heroes of the page: artist Glenn Fabry (“Hellblazer”), artist Julian Totino Tedesco (“Spider-Man”)

What this means for your wallet: $89.95 for four-day weekend admission

Fan Expo Dallas

When: June 3-5

Where: Dallas Convention Center

Costumes: Why not?

Stargazing: Carrie Fisher (“Star Wars”), Anthony Daniels (“Star Wars”), William Shatner (“Star Trek”), George Takei (“Star Trek”), Nichelle Nichols (“Star Trek”), James and Oliver Phelps (“Harry Potter”), John Cusack (“Say Anything”)

As seen on TV: Peter Capaldi (“Doctor Who”), Jenna Louise Coleman (“Doctor Who”), Katie Cassidy (“Arrow”), Candice Patton (“The Flash”), Amy Acker (“Person of Interest”) Arthur Darvill (“Legends of Tomorrow”), Mike Colter (“Jessica Jones”), Jack Gleeson (“Game of Thrones”)

Heroes of the page: Stan Lee, Todd McFarlane, Frank Miller, Leinil Francis Yu, Humberto Ramos, Dan Slott, Neal Adams

What this means for your wallet: $89 for a three-day pass

Boston Comic Con

When: Aug. 12 –14

Where: Seaport World Trade Center, Boston

Costumes: Break out the sewing kit — the annual costume contest will be held on Aug. 14

Stargazing: William Shatner (“Star Trek”), Karl Urban (“Star Trek”), Karen Gillan (“Guardians of the Galaxy”)

As seen on TV: Jenna Coleman (“Doctor Who”), Seth Gilliam (“The Walking Dead”)

Heroes of the page: Mark Waid, Marv Wolfman, Arthur Adams, Mike Allred, Greg Capullo, Amanda Conner, Phil Jimenez, John Cassaday

What this means for your wallet: $90 for a three-day pass

Baltimore Comic-Con

When: Sept. 2- 4

Where: The Baltimore Convention Center

Costumes: You have to ask? There’s a contest on Sept. 3 and 4

Stargazing: Not yet announced

As seen on TV: Not yet announced

Heroes of the page: Neal Adams, Steve Englehart, David Finch, Dan Jurgens, Fabian Nicieza, Paul Levitz, Greg Pak, Mark Waid

What this means for your wallet: Tickets are not for sale yet.

This story was originally published May 20, 2016 at 6:14 PM with the headline "Comic Cons can be found near and far this summer."