Epic Comic Con – September 2026
Glasgow SEC puts on a show
Hosted by the fabulous Fan Frontier this Epic Comic Con was a coming together of all things sci-fi, fantasy and comic book.
From fabulous crafts and merchandise, meet and greets with famous celebrities to photo opportunites and Cosplay competitions this was a fabulous weekend of fun for the whole family.
The following is a recounting of events by Gudbrand, house Skald of Arrochar Crafts…
Thrice did my patrons make their journey to and from the Argyll countryside to the metropolis of Glasgow, with the weather making good on its offer of the full seasonal range.
In the halls a huge variety of vendors were purveying wares relating to all manner of sci-fi, fantasy and comic themes and motifs (some niche and some mainstream) at a wide range of pricepoints.
Many of the attending public were resplendent in fantastical garb of their own manufacture. Some wore their costumes for their own entertainment and the admiration of others whilst some entered into daily competitions, the rules for which reached well beyond this skald’s comprehension.
A vast gathering spread across a brace of days, the Epic Comic Con was hosted in two halls at the huge SEC in Glasgow. With an afternoon setup on the Friday in preparation for a long day’s trading on both the Saturday and the Sunday, hearty breakfasts were in order to sustain energy levels across a long weekend.
With almost military precision, the organisers quickly checked in the Mist-Weaver and Head Pyromancer so that they could set up their stall in amongst all of the artists deep in the heart of hall 3.
Let us explore how the weekend unfolded…
The Arrochar Crafts Stall
Epic Comic Con was not a new adventure for my patrons as they have had the pleasure of attending Comic conventions with Fan Frontier in previous seasons. As such, the set-up arrangements and the hall were familiar to them.
Even on the afternoon of set-up the hall was abuzz with colour and activity as crafters and vendors from across the realm pitched their stalls and set out their wares in advance of an intense weekend.
All told my patrons took over an hour to set up their stall, paying close attention to details that would have been lost on anyone but themselves.
The Pyrography Corner
Using knowledge gained from previous events The Head Pyromancer and The Mist-Weaver, once more, tried something new in their stall layout. It seems to be a dark art indeed how vendors choose to display their wares.
I’m told that shelves were removed to allow more hanging space for their original art work and that new labelling was introduced. All I know is that the stall was very noticeable from a distance – some of their unending fiddling clearly bore fruit.
The choice of artwork was informed by the nature of the event with the chosen pieces referencing science fiction, fantasy and popular culture. The newly completed Doctor Corvus attracted a lot of attention (although why anyone would choose to remind themselves of the plague, I do not know).
The Mist-Weaver's art
In addition to her original, mixed media artwork (which continues to gain a following), the Mist-Weaver brought printed copies of several selected pieces. At future events, I suspect that these prints will be given a more visible spot on the stall.
Smaller items were in demand, once more, with the Pocket hugs and Calmwood Pendants proving to be ever popular – tactile items offering respite for those overwhelmed by the clamour and intensity of the occasion .
New Friends - Bardic Inspiration UK
Neighbours to my patrons, for the duration of this festival, were Bardic Inspiration UK.
Mel & Luke are, in their own words, two UK based nerdy crafters sharing their wares and curiosities with adventurers.
For this fair, they were offering an impressive array of candles, sprays, key chains and dice all showcased within a medieval-style stall, the mechanisms of which greatly intrigued my patrons (why do I think that yet further stall design and incessant twiddling will ensue?).
New friends - Kris McDivitt Art
A Sunday morning stroll before the opening found new friends in the form of Kris and his lovely wife.
Kris is a Glasgow-based digital artist and illustrator drawing his inspiration from that which inhabits the dark spaces. His work is rendered in a variety of media and is very much of the horror and gothic genre, instantly appealing to my Patrons.
Another kindred spirit for the Head Pyromancer.
Friends remet - Butterfly and Daisy Crochet
Many are the new vendors met at each passing fair and many are the familiar faces re-encountered.
Nyssa from Butterfly and Daisy Crochet falls into the category of a familiar and welcome face.
With a style that is cute and whimsical, her crocheted creations are always popular at fairs and conventions. Nyssa truly is a talented pattern designer, tester and creator.
Friends remet - Helensburgh Soapy Suds
Matthew and Jo are Helensburgh Soapy Suds. Long-term friends and mentors for my patrons, they are a regular feature at conventions across each season.
Out of necessity they started making their own bath and body products and it has blossomed into the glorious range of nerdy, alternative and gothic products which are so popular at fairs across the realm.
Friendly, popular and generous with their time, were it not for Matthew prodding and advising, then my Patrons would not now be attending such marvellous events. Both The Mist-Weaver and the Head Pyromancer are ever thankful for his assitance and advice.
Friends remet - Galloway Fudge Company
A stalwart of the convention scene, Galloway Fudge, is where The Mist-Weaver goes to get her sugary fix.
No convention would be complete without a visit to this old aquaintance.
Selling their delicious Gluten free confectionery, they create mouth-watering Fudge, Luxurious Marshmallows, Traditional Scottish Tablet, Macaroon bars and Chocolate confections with lengthy queues forming at their stall wherever they go.
