SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - Every year in San Diego, a convention turns into an invasion, passion turns into obsession and self-possessed nerds rule the realm. Right in the middle of the milieu will be Ted Tarris.
"I'm going on my 18th or 19th year," Ted said.
He's been a "Star Wars" fan for 35 years. Over his many Comic-Con sojourns, Ted has amassed an amazing collection of pop culture.
"What I'm most proud of are these "Simpsons" cells. These are actual production cells signed by Matt Groening," Ted said.
He has gone to great lengths to gather his treasures.
"These took me 15 years to get. I would sit there for four, five or six hours each year trying to get one of these," he said.
When it comes to collecting in this house, it's a family affair. Just ask Ted's wife Aimee.
"He's been at it a little longer than me. He's really a little more over the top than I am, but I'm very much into it," Aimee said.
One of Ted's most valued possessions is his Chewbacca hair.
"I believe it was hair that was used in 'Return of the Jedi,'" he said.
And this Comic-Con vet has a tip for the neophyte.
"You want to show up around 11 a.m., that way you avoid the long lines waiting for your badge," he said.
And stay out of the way of the guy in search of the life-size zombie head. He's a man on a mission.
