IN one of Comic Con’s most awaited presentations, Marvel superheroes of all kinds from Iron Man to Ant-Man took over the fan convention Saturday, as leading actors revealed surprises to films that will showcase the characters.

    “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” the highly anticipated sequel to 2012’s superhero ensemble “Avengers,” brought out a star-studded panel that included Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Chris Evans (Captain America) and Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury).

    “This is the longest bench of talent I’ve ever been on,” Downey said. “I become a little less significant every time and that’s fine because they’re all just that damn good.”

    In 2012, “Avengers” became the fastest film to cross the US$1 billion milestone at the global box office.

    The sequel introduces Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Quicksilver, Elizabeth Olsen as the Scarlet Witch and Paul Bettany as The Vision. James Spader will play villain Ultron.

    Comic Con, an annual convention in San Diego that began as a gathering of comic book fans and a home to creative content for fringe and cult audiences, has become a top venue for movie studios to unveil blockbuster projects.

    The audience at the Marvel showcase was shown a sneak peek that begins with the group of superheroes joking over drinks. The banter quickly turns to action-filled drama as the superheroes have to reunite to save people from Ultron.

    Walt Disney-owned Marvel Studios has become a dominant force at the box office with superhero film franchises such as “Iron Man,” “Captain America” and “Thor.”

    “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” was announced on Saturday’s panel as scheduled for release July 28, 2017.

    Also presented was a first look at new film “Ant-Man.”

    The hero is the alter-ego of electronics expert and sometime burglar Scott Lang, portrayed by Paul Rudd, who has the ability to shrink to the size of an insect.

    Michael Douglas will play scientist Dr. Henry Pym, who invents the ability for humans to change size.

    (SD-Agencies)