WWE superstar Kane is used to wrestling with costumed freaks.
So he should be battle-ready when he has to compete with the likes of Superman and Spider-Man this weekend for the attention of thousands of local fans.
"I think I can take those guys, too," said the 7-foot wrestler who is part of a Who's Who of geek icons descending on the city for the inaugural New York Comic-Con.
For three days starting today, the Javits Center will be transformed into a destination for fans of comics, anime, role-playing and science fiction.
Just as for many other trade shows held there, business attire is expected. For starters, the volunteers handing out directions will be dressed up as "Star Wars" storm troopers.
"There hasn't been a big show in New York for a few years. It's sort of like the NFL not having a team in Los Angeles," said Todd McFarlane, the creator of the character Spawn, who will be signing autographs. "It will be a good old-fashioned geek fest."
Comic and sci-fi specialty shops are estimated to have sold more than $570 million worth of merchandise worldwide last year, according to Diamond Comics, the largest distributor in the industry.
But comic books and sci-fi and fantasy also have had a larger effect on mainstream pop culture: Seven of the top 10 grossing films of all time are from those genres. Model and actress Milla Jovovich will be spending her Saturday night with salivating fanboys, while hyping her new film, Sony's "Ultraviolet."
And Kane will be promoting his upcoming slasher flick, "See No Evil," a Lion's Gate Film tomorrow afternoon.
"A lot of people are really excited," said comic fan Jeff Ayres, 28, from Queens. "Milla Jovovich doesn't plop herself in a bar and say, 'please meet me.'"