February 27 through March 1

WonderCon, the first major comics and pop culture convention of 2009, takes place at San Francisco’s Moscone Center South. For more information on WonderCon, please visit Comic-Con International’s official website.

If you want to get in on the action early, try this:

Friday, February 27, 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Cartoon Art Museum Benefit: WonderCon Weekend Party

Admission to this ticketed event will be on a sliding scale from $10 to $35, with guests encouraged to contribute whatever they can to support the Cartoon Art Museum. Many of the featured artists and special WonderCon guests will be in attendance, including featured guests Watchmen co-creator Dave Gibbons and Usagi Yojimbo creator Stan Sakai.

Rare and signed books, prints and artwork will be raffled and auctioned throughout the evening, and additional special events and guests will be announced as the event approaches. Special exhibitions featuring the comic art and props from the upcoming Warner Bros. film Watchmen; a look back at 25 years of Stan Sakai’s critically acclaimed comic book Usagi Yojimbo; a spotlight on legendary Silver Age comics creator Gene Colan; and highlights from the Cartoon Art Museum’s archives will be on display.

The Cartoon Art Museum, 655 Mission Street, San Francisco