It’s been a tough year for the fan consumer. With no big conventions since March, fans have had nowhere to stock up on swag and nowhere to let their geek flags fly. But as we prepare to celebrate the end of 2020 and all its works, this is a great opportunity to pick up that perfect something for the comics/sci-fi/fantasy/horror/gaming enthusiast in your life.
Here are a few new and fun items for every interest, age group and price range that caught my eye ahead of this year’s holiday season. And if you spring for any of these goodies, try to give your local retailer, small business or artisan some love: they’ve had a pretty rough year too.
Star Trek Cocktails: A Stellar Compendium (Glenn Dankin, art by Adrian Salmon). Let’s drink to the future! If you could use a nice cocktail or two to warp you out of 2020, this Trek-themed bar guide really pours on the charm. Explore a galaxy of delectable concoctions ranging from Kirk’s Old Fashioned to the diabolical Borg Queen (“resistance is futile”). Just leave the keys to the starship in the jar. From a company best known for its awesome miniatures and collectibles, Hero Collector, $24.95.
Batman Tactical Jacket. If your idea of dressing for a cold dark night is to rock out as a cool Dark Knight, high end geekwear apparel purveyor The Hero Within has you covered. Their new officially licensed outdoor jacket features a premium nylon shell, winter insulation, bat logo embroidered on the back, Velcro name patches, bat logo zipper and Gotham City zipper pull. Cape and cowl not included. (The Hero Within, $149.00 list, currently discounted).
Star Wars “The Child” Baby Yoda Animatronic Edition. You can’t escape your destiny, young padawan, so you might as well give in to the dark side with this motorized, sound-enabled plush toy featuring the irresistible character from The Mandalorian. Touch its head to active over 25 sound and motion combinations including happy and excited sounds, giggles and more. Also comes in smaller sizes that lack some of the functionality. Likely to have a huge bounty on its head, so if you are hunting for this critter, may the Force be with you. Hasbro
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, list prices $59.99 (animatronic), $24.99 (talking plush toy), $7.99 (2.2 inch collectible).
Umbrella Academy Card Game. Looking forward to when we can get together with our friends for in-person game night once again, here’s a fun way to bring the breakout Netflix
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series, based on the Dark Horse comics by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá, to your tabletop. The card game lets you play as the seven superpowered siblings and defeat the villain. Can be played by 1-6 players in about 20 minutes. Studio71 Games, $25.
The History of EC Comics (Grant Geissman). In case 2020 wasn’t scary enough, here is the ultimate gift for fans of horror and top quality comic art. This deluxe, lavishly illustrated, tombstone-sized edition recounts the history of (in)famous comics publisher EC, famous for Tales from the Crypt, Weird Science, and MAD among many other vintage treasures, featuring glorious reproductions of original artwork by masters Frank Frazetta, Wally Wood, Harvey Kurtzman and others. At $200 list price, this tome will dent your bank account as well as your skull. Taschen Books.
Marvel’s Loki Jewelry Ensemble. For that special trickster in your life, RockLove Jewelry has designed some attractive gold and green fashion accessories to bewitch any mortal. The designs by artisan/entrepreneur Allison Cimino are inspired by Thor’s scheming half-brother Loki (portrayed by Tom Hiddleston in the films) in his Dark World guise, and feature sterling silver, gold plating and green crystal. Available as a necklace ($135), cuff bracelet ($195) or Chevron ring ($115).
Commissions from your favorite artists. If that special someone on your gift list has always wanted their own unique, personalized piece of original art, you can put a smile on their face and make their favorite artist’s day by reaching out for a commissioned piece, typically on Instagram, Etsy or their website. Most artists are happy to accommodate special requests for characters, media, size and format. Some artists have set prices, others will negotiate. Make sure to allow enough time for them to work their magic.
Soumyadeep, your post is fantastic! Holiday swags are a terrific way to connect with others and express your gratitude. In my opinion, The Wheel of Time Seven Rings T-Shirt, Essos Globe Puzzle, and Game of Thrones 3D Westeros are some more great swag items to add to the list discussed.
Quite commendable suggestions. We’ll surely add them as well. Thanks. 🙂