Forget what you know about Lou Ferrigno.

The pre-Hulk teen growing up in Brooklyn, New York, would not have been out of place at this weekend's Saskatoon Comic and Entertainment Expo.

"I used to work at a comic book store. I used to love the smell of the old comics," the former Incredible Hulk star told CBC News inside 8th Street Books and Comics Friday, ahead of his weekend appearance at the 4th annual event.

Lou Ferrigno, right, start of TV's "The Incredible Hulk," said "You think you've got enough comics here?" when he entered Saskatoon's 8th Street Books and Comics Friday. (Guy Quenneville/CBC)

Ferrigno, before he eventually molded himself into an intimidating bodybuilding dynamo, used to get bullied on the schoolyard, he said.

"That's why I used to love comics so much. It was my way of escaping. Escape the pain. I had a lot of anger."

Ferrigno even picked up a piece of Hulk memorabilia he found at the store.

Watch part of CBC Saskatoon's talk with Ferrigno below. Can't view it? Click here.

Lou Ferrigno, TV's Incredible Hulk, in Saskatoon for Comic Expo 2:22

Eclectic lineup

Joining Ferrigno as special expo guests will be Ernie Hudson of Ghostbusters, John Rhys-Davies of Raiders of the Lost Ark, Regina-born Cas Anvar of the Syfy series The Expanse plus lesser-recognized but no-less-loved voice actors such as Maurice LaMarche, the man behind "The Brain" in "Pinky and the Brain."

Comic book artists, including some from Saskatchewan, will be the central attraction in the convention hall's "Artist Alley."

"Artist Alley is my favourite part of any convention," said Lindsay Thomas, a spokesperson for Emily Expo Events, which puts on the show.

"It's where all the local artists come in to show off their most recent works of art. It's where you find the really cool, interesting, unique pieces and items that you can't really find anywhere else."

Nerd fashions

And it wouldn't be a fan convention without costumes.

"I am definitely hoping to see lots of Wonder Women running around," said Thomas. "Especially teeny tiny ones. They're super-adorable."

Doors at the expo open at 10 a.m. Saturday at Prairieland Park. The event continues Sunday.