Homeless people were among those gathered around an outdoor screen playing movie previews. Chris Stone photo
Homeless people were among those gathered around an outdoor screen playing movie previews. Chris Stone photo

Comic-Con Preview Night was packed with visitors Wednesday. But few were in costume. Freebies and merchandise hunting were the order of the day at the San Diego Convention Center.

Cosplay comes later.

Hats, pins, buttons and especially posters were available in the Exhibit Hall as thousands explored hundreds of booths, including county Supervisor Ron Roberts.

Comic books were handed out, including a Marvel preview of the “Ant-Man” movie (also “Groot #1,” “The Uncanny Inhumans” and “Howard the Duck”).

Convention-goers sought “exclusives” — unique items such as games, toys and action figures available only at Comic-Con. They also visited for the sake of plotting future forays. The printed “Quick Guide” to Comic-Con takes up 50 pages. The “Events Guide” weighs in at 200 pages.

The 130,000-visitor convention begins in full force Thursday, with dozens of panels, movie screenings and career-building forums.

Fans flooded into the Convention Center as doors opened on preview night. Chris Stone photo
A fan gets a photo with “Sharknado 3” performers. Chris Stone photo
A promo for “Sharknado 3” entertained passers-by in the Gaslamp Quarter across the street from Comic-Con. Chris Stone photo
Fans scooped up free Fox TV posters at the beginning of preview night at Comic-Con.Chris Stone photo
Tony the Tiger, Mario and Ronald McDonald statues brought reactions from the crowd. Chris Stone photo
“Walking Dead” characters greeted visitors at the preview night at Comic-Con. Chris Stone photo
Paper hats and posters were popular freebies at the preview of Comic-Con. Chris Stone photo
A bin filled with bricks kept children busy at the Lego booth. Chris Stone photo
Fans snapped up free comic books at ComicCon 2015, posters and paper hats. Chris Stone photo
A large array of comic books are offered at booths inside the exhibit hall at Comic-Con. Chris Stone photo
Fans flooded the exhibit hall to buy up games and toys exclusive to Comic-Con. Chris Stone photo
San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts checked out the exhibit hall on Wednesday’s preview night. Chris Stone photo
A fan is sprayed with “blood” as she pretends to be part of History Channel’s series on Vikings. Chris Stone photo
Displays of superhero costumes drew big crowds in the exhibit hall. Chris Stone photo
Inside Comic-Con, artists sketched and talked with fans about their work. Chris Stone photo
As Comic-Con begins, a variety of people are out to make a buck off of visitors. Chris Stone photo
Few visitors got into costume for the Wednesday preview. Chris Stone photo
MTS trolleys are wrapped with promos including this Conan O’Brien promo. Chris Stone photo
Crowds gathered in the Gaslamp Quarter as Comic-Con fans make their way to the San Diego Convention Center. File photo by Chris Stone
Homeless people were among those gathered around an outdoor screen across street from Comic-Con playing movie previews. Chris Stone photo
An actor from display for the “Walking Dead” performs. Chris Stone photo