S. W. Raine

Comic cons are their own beast—equal parts exhilarating and exhausting. As a vendor, I’ve learned that preparation is everything. The good news? I already have a tried-and-true event checklist that I rely on for every show, from outdoor festivals to steampunk fairs. But with three comic cons on my calendar this year (two of them this month—Monroe Comic Con and FantastiCon), it’s the perfect time to share what goes into my comic con vendor checklist… with a little steampunk twist, of course.

Vendor Essentials

Before the crowds even arrive, the most important step is setting up my vendor table. Here’s what always makes the cut:

•  – Table setup: tablecloths, shelves, book stands, and my small-but-mighty banner that fits perfectly on the table

•  – Books (of course): plenty of paperbacks and hardcovers, plus one sample copy of each title for display

•  – Business basics: newsletter sign-up sheet, business cards, Square reader, cash box with change, and my ebook QR code sign for digital readers

•  – Extras for the table: postcards and small props to make everything visually pop

I keep all of this neatly packed into totes so I can load in and out without losing my mind.

Steampunk Touches

Not all my books are steampunk… but my table is. I can’t resist the goggles, the gears, and a little alchemy-inspired flair.

•  – Goggles perched on top of my bookshelf (because what’s steampunk without goggles?)

•  – Alchemy lamp glowing softly when space allows

•  – Vintage typewriter (yes, it works!) to give my setup an instant conversation starter

•  – Loose gears scattered around the table for extra texture

•  – Steampunk attire so I’m part of the experience too, not just the table

These touches don’t just make the display fun, they bridge the gap between my books and the world readers can expect to dive into.

Cosplay Bonus

This year, I’m debuting two brand-new cosplays: Steampunk Loki and Steampunk Winter Soldier.

Why these two? Because they’re my favorite MCU characters, perfect for comic cons, and absolutely ripe for a steampunk makeover. I’m keeping the costumes minimal and comfortable for long vendor days, but they’ll still have that playful spark to draw in curious onlookers. My hope is that someone stopping to admire Loki’s horned top hat or Bucky’s gear-laced Hydra pin and mechanical arm might leave with a few of my novels.

Self-Care & Survival

Comic cons run long, and so does the energy needed to thrive in them. Between the crowds and long hours, self-care is key:

•  – Snacks and water because a hangry vendor is scary enough, but a hoarse one? Useless

•  – Anti-fatigue mats so my dogs aren’t barking by hour four on a concrete floor

•  – Cooling towels and a small fan so I’m ready for anything: blazing summers, setup sprints, or the heat of the crowd

•  – A sit-down strategy, a.k.a.: take the chance to sit during slow stretches so I’ll have energy when the crowd surges

These little comforts make sure I’m not just surviving the con—I’m ready to enjoy it too.

Why It Matters

For me, comic cons are about more than sales—they’re about conversations, community, and inviting people into my steampunk and urban fantasy worlds. My comic con vendor checklist makes sure I don’t forget the practicals, but the steampunk details and cosplays make it memorable.

Are you a comic con regular (as a fan or vendor)? What’s the one thing you never attend without? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to compare notes!

Raine