The Con goes femme

And now, a little something for the ladies.

Apparently this year's Comic-Con, perhaps for the first time in its history, is shifting on its male-dominated axis and becoming a place where women are making their presence felt. Not to mention their libidos.

Seems they're no longer settling for that traditional role of Halloween-ish eye candy in the form of walking (but not talking) anime characters and Princes Leias (bikini version).

Check out some highlights from the session that included hunky "300" star Gerard Butler promoting his upcoming Brit heist flick, "RocknRolla."

And by now, yesterday's "Twilight" panel and the "surprise" Hugh Jackman appearance are the stuff of chick lore.

Let's not kid anyone, though, the Con still isn't entirely hospitable to girls, or even grrls. Have you ever actually smelled the San Diego Convention Center during this annual geek fest? Hot. Sticky. Packed with basement dwellers. Use your imagination (but not around mealtime).

Not sure if this development says more about mainstreaming of genre entertainment and the major awards talk that's already bubbling up around its finer examples, or if it's just a prelude to a "Girls Gone Wild" video.

Either way, we'll be keeping an eye on the sitch.