Comic Economics: Brazil Comic Con expects over 200,000 visitors this year

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For years, self-described geeks from all over Brazil have gathered in December to celebrate the country's Comic Con Experience. The colorful affair has become one of Brazil's most important pop culture events. Our correspondent Paulo Cabral has the story.

The Comic Con Experience is a geek's paradise. There are cosplayers, participants who wear costumes and fashion accessories. Fictional superheroes of all powers, shapes and colors. Comics and their creators showing their work and talking to their fans. And lots of things to buy. Many people who come often leave with heavy bags and a lighter wallet.

CAIO RAMOS STUDENT "I was planning for this. I know it always happens in December, so throughout the year, I save money so I can spend it when I come here."

PAULO CABRAL SAN PAULO Brazil's Comic Con Experience is South America's biggest fan event -It could even challenge North America this year - with attendance predicted to hit 220,000 people. For organizers, the size and the volume of business here is evidence this industry is somewhat immune to the economic crisis.

However, one of the event founders took note that sellers have adapted their business approach since people have less to spend.

IVAN COSTA CO-FOUNDER, COMIC CON EXPERIENCE "Diversification for sure, lower priced products, new marketing strategies, smarter product design and aiming to a different public, not only hardcore fans so you can find geek products in pretty much every Brazilian major store nowadays."

One of Brazil's biggest fashion retail chains - Riachuelo - introduced a new line two years ago. And it proved successful despite economic challenges.

JULIA MEDEIROS LICENSING MANAGER, RIACHUELO "Our geek lines were far less affected by recession than our regular products. I think that happens. It talks directly to the fans' emotions."

There are signs that the worst of the economic crisis in Brazil is behind it just one more reason for those attending Comic Con to celebrate. Paulo Cabral, CGTN, Sao Paulo.