It was lovely to finally get to a smaller convention in 2018. I am used to going to the MCM Comic Con in Birmingham or London, and sometimes they can be a little overwhelming. However, at Stratford Comic Con* the room was bustling with the same lovely atmosphere of a larger con, but without the annoying queues! There are always perks to visiting a smaller comic con…
![](https://www.writingintotheether.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/IMG_20181208_130556_1-702x1024.jpg)
I find that people at smaller comic cons make a lot more effort with their costumes. They tend to be the people who dress up for the love of it and not just for the photos/publicity and some of the costumes there were brilliantly authentic. I think if you cosplay for the first time, it’s ideal to go to a smaller con first to test out the reaction your costume gets!
![](https://www.writingintotheether.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/IMG_20181208_130333_mh1544287751573-845x1024.jpg)
Another perk I’ve found is you can go around calmly and chat to the people who are selling things. People love their small businesses and I like taking the time to find out who really believes in their creations (without the crowds pushing in around me to get a better look.)
Just a few of my favourite vendors at Stratford Comic Con!
![](https://www.writingintotheether.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/IMG_20181208_125756_mh1544287871425-1024x768.jpg)
There was a brilliant selection of nerdy gifts and goodies at Stratford Comic Con but these were the ones I picked out as my select favourites! I went a bit mad and returned 3 times to Mythical Studios for more and more D’n’D related artwork. I also really admired the work that went into the beautiful cross-stitch frames (above) of Bright Lights Stitch Co. Some of her designs took me back to my childhood!
![](https://www.writingintotheether.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/IMG_20181208_170529_mh1544289142219-1024x1024.jpg)
There was a huge selection of things to buy at Stratford Comic Con, from American Candy to comic books, from nerdy artwork to 80’s Sci-Fi Memorabilia. I even got a free print on the door when pre-booking. I’ll definitely be attending again in the summer!
9th December 2018
I love smaller cons. It’s less overwhelming and I often love them more than some of the bigger cons.
9th December 2018
Aww this con looked amazing! 😀
See I went to Birmingham Comic Con recently and whilst I enjoyed it, it was so… Boring! :S The place was lacking what it has previous years and it’s such a shame. 🙁
I do rather like smaller cons and have been to a few now. 🙂 I definitely plan to visit more smaller ones next year.
9th December 2018
Hi Nat, thanks for your comment! I have to say, I agree. I went to Birmingham MCM in November and it just wasn’t the same. I feel like it’s lost some of it’s appeal! I think these smaller places allow smaller businesses the ability to get their stalls out into the public, so there’s more variety!