NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - If you see more Jedi Knights, Whovians, or Trekkies in the city, there’s a very good reason.

WCBS 880′s Marla Diamond On The Story

New York Comic Con is underway at the Javits Center (West 34th Street and 11th Avenue).

It’s where mild-mannered people become superheroes.

“A lot of people like the fantasy element, being able sort of to escape into these costumes,” Jim Lee, co-publisher at DC Comics, told WCBS 880′s Marla Diamond.

He said New York Comic Con has grown geometrically over six years. It’s expected to attract 115,000 visitors this time, many dressed as their favorite superhero or anime character.

“It’s a very different experience seeing the con through a mask and having people look at you and take pictures of you, cause you’re in a costume,” he said.

Many do assume the identity of their character, if only to be a celebrity for a day.

“There’s always something that kind of makes your head turn,” he said. “It’s a celebration of the odd and the superheroic, all at the same time.”

LINK: New York Comic Con

Debuting at this year’s event is a Batman-themed Kia Optima, designed by Lee.

“The bat logo, the colors of the costume, I think also represents the color of the city of Gotham City,” Lee said.

The car is one of eight cars, each modeled after a member of the “Justice League” and they will be auctioned for charity.

New York Comic Con’s show floor is open to press, professionals, and VIPs today, but will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and until 5 p.m. on Sunday.