Or if you decide to check out Atlanta's shopping malls don't be shocked if a gaggle of giggling pasty-faced, black-lipped goth girls pass you by. They're just checking out the latest in black lace fashions.

Most likely, they're in Atlanta for Dragon*Con, the largest science fiction/fantasy convention in the Northern Hemisphere. From role playing fans of White Wolf's Vampire the Masquerade (as well as others) to comic book aficionado, they'll all gather in Atlanta June 26-29 at the Inforum Convention Center, the Atlanta Merchandise Mart, the Hyatt Regency and the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel to celebrate all facets of the above genres -- in literature, film, television, music, theater and art.

Why such a large convention of this sort in the South?

Obviously, there's a rich history of story-telling, superstitions, sacred rituals, crazy murder cases and religious fervor in the South. Its influence has touched William Faulkner, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Flannery O'Connor, who all found literary license with the South's darkside. Anne Rice and Poppy Z. Brite have become cult figures by presenting their horrific views of the South. John Berendt put the city of Savannah, Ga. on the map because of a famous murder trial. And its eerie noise can be heard in the music of Trent Reznor and Marilyn Manson. With such a rich gothic history it makes sense that a gathering of people involved in horror, fantasy and science fiction would choose Atlanta as a focal point. It also helps that the founder, Ed Kramer, lives in Atlanta and so do 75% of the 297 guests that will be in attendance.

Dragon*Con, now in its 11th year, presents a sampling of this darkside of the South. But it's not all things that go bump in the night. There's a lightside to Dragon*Con as well. Sample various comics, fantastical artwork, games and videos while attending. But what people really come for, besides the chance to dress up in their favorite costumes, are the special guests.

This year, Dragon*Con attendees will have a chance to listen to Charlton Heston, the key guest of the Con as well as actors from such popular television shows as The X-Files and Star Trek.

While the guest count is monstrous in itself, as stated above, there will also be 450 panel discussions and dealers from all walks of fandom will be turning downtown Atlanta into a gathering place for all sorts of folks -- both in costume and out.

Follow the links to the side and learn about some of the guests that will infiltrate downtown Atlanta. From an exotic dancer turned comic superhero to the various forms of music that will serenade conventioners into the wee hours of the morning.

Visit the Dragon*Con IRC chat official site for a listing and schedule of chats.

Blondie -- Atlanta exotic dancer turns comic book superhero. WARNING! Intense language and other things may offend some people.

White Wolf brought vampires and werewolves to the South.

The Music of the con features giant phalluses to airy vocals.

Space Ghost lands at Dragon*Con for a short visit.