COVID-19 swept into our lives like something straight out of a super villain’s arsenal, and it’s canceling cons all over the country.
As of today, every major convention until the end of March is either canceled or postponed and many throughout April are following suit. Even E3 fell to the infectious nature of the coronavirus.
Like all evil plots, it’s bound to fail eventually. But right now, people who rely on the convention circuit are losing out on a major source of income. These companies (and artists!) need the support of their fans now more than ever.
So, if you typically save up your hard-earned money to spend at cons throughout the year, consider keeping that budget and showing these companies some love online instead. After all, I’ve heard deep-diving into online shopping is a great way to cure the cabin fever that so many of us are feeling right now (this might not be scientifically proven).
It’s time to be the hero and rescue our favorite merch makers from the big, bad virus that canceled our country.
Hero Within
Need something superhero-chic? Whether you’re looking for a “little bat dress” ($119) or a Captain America Military Jacket ($129), Hero Within has apparel for all of us to show off our alter-egos. The company also has a Stand Together shirt with some of its proceeds going to COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO — learn more about it here.
Super7
Super7 closed both of its retail stores in California due to the coronavirus but remains open online. Collectors can pick out a 3.75-inch Snoopy ReAction Figure to remember simpler times or a Phillie Phanatic MLB Mascot ReAction Figure for something much more terrifying than the coronavirus — each for $18. A ton of affordable action figures are waiting to be yours, including characters from Street Fighter, Transformers, and Iron Maiden.
RockLove
The release of Disney’s live-action Mulan might be delayed, but you can bring honor to your wardrobe with some picture-perfect jewelry pieces. RockLove has a ton of Mulan-inspired jewelry to remind yourself that you’re as strong as a raging river. The company specializes in licensed jewelry from tons of fandoms, from galaxies far, far away to Arendelle.
What’s Your Passion Jewelry
Each piece of officially licensed Marvel jewelry that comes from What’s Your Passion arrives in a collector’s box that transforms into a display. If your passion is guarding the galaxy then this ring ($295) is ideal, and those who prefer eating chimichangas and causing chaos should check out this Deadpool necklace ($265).
Tasty Peach
If an ice cream-themed narwhal ($35) or Sherlock-inspired Shiba Inu ($25) plush can’t bring a smile to your face then nothing will. All items priced more than $15 in Tasty Peach’s online store are on sale for 20% off and there’s free shipping for orders over $15 until further notice. Fans of the meowchi character can also find five *free* coloring book pages here.
Oni Press
Oni Press is straight out of Portland — there’s no doubt that the comic book and graphic novel publisher definitely keeps things weird. They have an entire library of Rick and Morty comics, including a Dungeons and Dragons companion story ($19.99). Check out the exclusive hardcover edition of Invader Zim comics ($65) with issues 11-20 inside.
Factory Entertainment
Whether you’re looking for full-scale prop replicas or small collectibles, Factory Entertainment has you covered. Specializing in nostalgia and more obscure fandoms, the company offers everything from a Jaws bottle opener to a Monty Python Killer Rabbit plush.
Geekify
Geekify’s site is packed with handmade products that will bewitch the fantasy fan in anyone. This Hocus Pocus Spellbook Replica is perfect for writing down all of your magical goings-on, and this Handbook for the Recently Deceased e-reader cover is to die for.
Uniquely Geek
We are all spending a lot more time at home, and if playing board games is one of your favorite at-home activities, you need to check out Uniquely Geek. The company produces custom, wooden gaming tables with removable tops, so you can use your table as a table without disrupting your game. The tables are also top-notch for puzzle masters. According to the Uniquely Geek Facebook page, the company also has dice towers on the way.
What About Comics?!
While you’re inside, you might as well start (or continue) a comic book addiction. Many comic book shops such as Midtown Comics are still open in order to give fans their fix. A few are even instituting curbside pickup to minimize human contact.
Jump into Vault Comics for a story about a witch who has the entire solar system worshipping her or check out a digital comic for 50% off from Aspen Comics. As always, Dark Horse Comics is also there for you, too. Join The Umbrella Academy before the series comes back to Netflix (eventually).
What are some of your other favorite fandom companies that could use some love? Tell us in the comments!
