Did you love "Kick-Ass"? The superhero film (and the comics that inspired it) might not even exist if not for pulp fiction. No, not the Quentin Tarantino film -- the unique form of American literature characterized by hardboiled writing and lurid cover art.

If you're unfamiliar with this style, you owe it to yourself to check out this weekend's 10th annual Windy City Pulp and Paper Convention at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center. The huge event includes over 100 vendor tables, art displays, pulp inspired-films and more (including a tribute to venerable magazine Adventure). Check it out Friday (noon-midnight; $25), Saturday (9 a.m.-midnight; $25) and Sunday (9 a.m.-4 p.m.; $15), $35 for all three days.