Fans of the armored Avenger turned out en masse at Comic-Con International in San Diego this past Saturday, as Marvel held an "Iron Man 3" costume contest. Unlike past cosplay events hosted by the publisher, yesterday's event had a decidedly cuter bent as participants all had to be kids.

Prior to the young Iron Men and Women taking to the stage, "Iron Man 3" director Shane Black and the returning Don Cheadle (Rhodey/War Machine) spent some time signing autographs for convention goers, both in and out of costume. With Tony Stark's various suits of armor on display behind them, the director and actor shook hands, signed IM3 concept art and took pictures with eager fans.

Once the contest started, the kids filled the stage in costumes handmade and store-bought, posing for photos and eating up the attention. While every kid involved in the event was promised an "Iron Man 3" poster signed by Robert Downey Jr.,, when Tony Stark walked out from backstage in person, the crowd exploded. The actor spoke with the kids, led them in an Iron Man chant and posed for pictures. CBR photog Pinguino Kolb was there to capture the moment.