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Queer Comic Communities: Conventions, Shops & Online Spaces

2026-06-26T10:35:15-05:00

Queer comics have never been more vibrant — and neither have the spaces built to celebrate them. From conventions that feel like family reunions to the publishers and shops keeping queer stories on shelves, there's a whole community out there waiting for you.

Here's our field guide to the conventions, publishers, and shops where LGBTQ+ comics — and the people who love them — come together!

Chapter 1: Conventions & Festivals.

Flame Con – New York City, August

Flame Con is legendary as the largest LGBTQ+ comic convention in the world! It's produced by Geeks OUT, a nonprofit dedicated to the betterment of the LGBTQ+ geek community.
Guests have enjoyed a wonderful array of change-makers in the LGBTQ+ comic space: ND Stevenson, Molly Knox Ostertag, Jen Bartel and Sina Grace to name a few. They also throw kick-off parties with drag and dancing. It's an incredible place to find your people, meet your heroes, find the gayest of holy grails, and party hard! Flame Con is not to be missed out on!
What makes them special: An acclaimed Artist Alley, queer cosplay and drag, a Gaymer Lounge, after parties, the NYC location, youth free admission (select days), and the Camp Fire (a relaxing space to unwind after the event).
Socials:
Instagram @flamecon
Facebook @flamecon
TikTok @flamecon
BSKY @flamecon.bsky.social
flamecon.org

GeekGirlCon – Seattle, October/November

GeekGirlCon is THE place to celebrate women and other misrepresented communities in geek culture! Offering so much more than just comics, the convention celebrates gaming, STEM, literature, and the arts.
Their slogan "more powerful together" captures the inclusive power at GeekGirlCon. It's perfect for elaborate female and queer cosplay, learning, expanding your interests, and discovering a judgment-free and empowering community.
What makes them special: The DIY Science Zone, career mentorship/network, cosplay contests, workshops, a gaming floor, community-submitted panels, fully ADA-accessible!
Socials:
Instagram @geekgirlcon
Facebook @GeekGirlCon
Twitch @GeekGirlCon
BSKY @geekgirlcon.bsky.social
geekgirlcon.com

Q Con – West Hollywood, June

As pride month flourishes in WeHo, LGBTQ+ comic fans enjoy dozens of comic creators, panels, cosplay, and join a lovely community! Q Con is SoCal's only LGBTQ+ comic convention and run by the nonprofit Prism.
Plus, tickets are… FREE! They also have a highly recommended podcast that LGBTQ+ comic fans will love! Their costume contest is another highlight!
What makes them special: The pride month timing and celebrations, WeHo location, an extraordinary community, and affordability.
Socials:
Instagram @prismcomics
Facebook @PrismComics
TikTok @qconprism
BSKY @prismcomics.bsky.social
qconprism.org

Pride in Panels – San Francisco, February

Every other year, Pride in Panels hosts free events to celebrate LGBTQ+ comic creators! Pride in Panels is hosted out of the beautiful SF Public Library, and it's a nonprofit.
Their dedication to LGBTQ+ comic celebration has culminated in thousands of attendees with workshops, panels, live readings and an exhibition hall!
What makes them special: A focus on fostering connections, film showcases, free admission, and connection to the Bay Area's community!
Socials:
Instagram @prideinpanels
Facebook @PrideInPanels
prideinpanels.org

WWU QueerCon – Bellingham, Washington, April

WWU QueerCon is a student-led convention at the Western Washington University! Their mission is to celebrate queer and minority characters and fans in the world of comics.
QueerCon is the place to absorb new perspectives on the comic community. Their panels go beyond the average comic panel into speaking about societal issues, representation, and science. They emphasize research and connection, bringing a queer and educational lens into the world of comic conventions!
What makes them special: An intellectual, student-led convention that concentrates on bringing important societal change into the world through a shared love of comics!
Socials:
Instagram @wwuqueercon
Facebook @WWUQueerCon
wp.wwu.edu/wwuqueercon/

Chapter 2: Publishers.

Silver Sprocket – San Francisco, CA

Indie publisher (and a wonderful shop/gallery location!) for queer, trans, and underrepresented voices.
Free zine resources, memberships, and co-runs Pride in Panels. They foster deep care and connection with the local and queer community!
Socials:
IG @silversprocket
silversprocket.net

Stacked Deck Press

Indie and mighty press focusing on diversity and excellence in LGBTQ+ comics.
Regular partner of the nonprofit Prism Comics; published the Black-queer anthology We Belong.
Socials:
IG @stackeddeckpress
stackeddeckpress.com

Power & Magic Press – Portland, OR

Indie publisher created by & for queer people of color. Led by editor Joamette Gil.
Known for Power & Magic: The Queer Witch Comics Anthology. Focused on the creative and economic empowerment of Queer/BIPOC creators.
Socials:
IG @powerandmagicpress
powerandmagicpress.com

Iron Circus Comics – Chicago, IL

The Midwest's biggest indie graphic-novel publisher. Founded by cartoonist C. Spike Trotman.
A major home for LGBTQ+ work. Iron Circus' TJ and Amal won a Lambda Literary Award. Famous for pioneering Kickstarter graphic novel funding, they've been there for the indie comic community since!
Socials:
IG @ironcircus
ironcircus.com

Northwest Press – Seattle, WA

Dedicated specifically to LGBTQ+ comics and graphic novels across every genre!
One of the earliest publishers that was built entirely around queer comics, and still an important pillar of the queer comic community.
Socials:
IG @nwpress
northwestpress.com

Black Josei Press – North Carolina

Queer, POC, and artist founded & run!
Spotlights comics by women of color and non-binary creators of color. You may know them for Wash Day Diaries or The Saddest Angriest Black Girl in Town.
Socials:
IG @blackjoseipress
jamilarowser.com

Hiveworks Comics

Webcomics publisher, free to read online!
Tons of its catalog features queer creators and characters (Sister Claire, Go Get a Roomie!).
hiveworkscomics.com

Chapter 3: Comic Shops.

Books with Pictures – Portland, OR

Comic shop built to be inclusive and have a story for everyone! Owner Katie Pryde calls it "a very feminist store, a very queer store."
Stands out as the Eisner-winning best shop in the world! Runs a community Discord and its own free mini-convention (BwPcon).
1401 SE Division St
Socials:
IG @bookswpictures
bookswithpictures.com

Crow's Nest Comics – Seattle, WA

The perfect cozy neighborhood comic shop. Queer, trans, and woman-of-color owned! Run as a worker co-op!
Specializes in indie/local publishers and spotlights BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ creators! Hosts free art meetups and game nights (and has cats).
831 Hiawatha Pl S
Socials:
IG @crowsnestcomics
crowsnest.quest

Charlie's Queer Books – Seattle, WA

Bookstore that offers LGBTQ+ authors and stories.
A truly queer "third space!" Book clubs, workshops, a Queer Book Fair, hosted Lambda Literary Awards.
465 N 36th St
Socials:
IG @charliesqueerbooks
charliesqueerbooks.com

The Little Gay Shop – Austin, TX

Queer marketplace and bookshop. Perfect place for more than just comics – art, books, and zines made by LGBTQIA+ creators (1,000+ of them worldwide).
Built specifically to give queer artists exposure and prosperity, and provide Austin with a queer gathering space.
1902 E 12th St
Socials:
IG @thelittlegayshop
thelittlegayshop.com

Silver Sprocket Shop – San Francisco, CA

Fresh indie comics weekly, events, and free zine-making tools. The shop face of Silver Sprocket's publishing business.
Queer, DIY, community-first! Just like the publisher!
1018 Valencia St
Socials:
IG @silversprocketshop
store.silversprocket.net

Conventions move, shops change, and dates shift — always double-check the details before you head out. Now go find your people!

Heading to a Comic Convention? How To Protect Comics While At Conventions and Traveling

2026-06-17T12:20:23-05:00

Comic book conventions are pure magic. Here, a young collector purchases their first book, and will remember it forever. A seasoned one, after years of searching, finds their holy grail. Every which way you can look, collectors, artists, and hobbyists from around the world exchange stories and wisdom with one another.

So among all the joy, we want to make sure you have the resources to get comics home from a convention… safely! In all the hectic excitement, comics can heartbreakingly be lost, overheated, damaged, or stolen.

But fear we must not! We're here to collect all the resources you need!

Chapter 1: Our antagonist is born… How Comic Books Get Damaged, Lost, or Stolen at Conventions.

Before we get into solutions, it helps to know what you're up against:

Physical damage is the most common. Crowded floors mean bags get bumped and crushed constantly. A comic loose in a backpack can come home with creased corners or a bent spine without you even noticing!
Heat damage is a serious issue in lots of areas. Leaving books in overheated spaces causes warping, fading, and brittleness that tanks condition and value. Remember that comics are happiest around 65–70°F!
Theft can unfortunately occur, especially at larger cons. High foot traffic and distracted crowds create easy opportunities for a bag left unattended.
Loss and forgetfulness happens to the best of us. A full convention day is overwhelming, and it gets easy to leave a purchase behind when you're overstimulated and enjoying all a convention has to offer.

Chapter 2: Every hero needs their cape… Supplies for Protecting a Comic Con Haul.

So, amongst everything that could potentially damage your comics at conventions, what are the necessary supplies to bring?

Carrying the haul: Of course, you'll need something to carry your new books! Many collectors' first instinct is to bring a backpack, duffel, or tote. But remember that whatever you bring is likely to be bumped into by dozens of fellow collectors and brushed upon by several walls. Ideally, store your comics in something rigid and sturdy!

A rigid backpack or small hard-shell suitcase works. But supplies designed for comics– their specific material needs and dimensions– are far superior for protection:

Comic Storage Boxes

Comic storage boxes are thick, tough paperboard boxes. Because the rigid walls and lids are made with comic-specific materials & sizing, your comics are far less likely to fold, crease, or suffer chemical damage. The built-in handles help too: they make a full box easy to carry, and they improve airflow so heat and humidity don't get trapped like a sealed bag.
Cons: A box is more awkward to haul around all day than a backpack, and carrying more than one at a time is tough.

Comic Book Folios

Comic folios are slim protecting cases with a simple fold-out lid that grants you immediate access to your books. They stand out in the convention space for convenience and ease. Their slim design makes them easy to carry around: you can carry multiple at once, or keep them in a larger bag/box. Folios fit around 14 comics that are bag&boarded.
Cons: Not quite as tough materials as other options. Plus if you're planning on collecting a huge haul, they fit 14 books only.

The Basics: Bags, Boards, and Holders

The tried and true protection essentials apply more than ever at conventions. Most comics you purchase at a convention will be bagged & boarded. If they aren't, be sure to do this immediately. Once a comic is bagged and boarded, you should also put it in a sentry holder due to the hectic convention environment– a bag isn't suitable for being pushed or banged up on. For more information on bags, boards, and holders, we recommend checking out this further in-depth article: How to Protect Comics: A New Collector's Guide

Chapter 3: The Training Montage… What You Can Do to Keep Your Comics Safe During Conventions.

New to conventions? Looking for new perspectives on handling your haul? We hope knowing these practices and tips before going in for a convention will help you and your collection flourish…

Tracking/AirTags are your new best friend.
In your boxes, bags, or folios, drop in an AirTag or tracker! If anything gets stolen, lost, or forgotten, this is one of the most reliable ways to track it down. The sound ping features also really come in handy, especially with large hauls where you're juggling many different things at once. Plus, if you plan on mailing comics or flying with them, trackers allow you to see where your haul is at all times.

Keep valuable books separate.
If you're collecting multiple valuable books at once, consider keeping them in separate containers. For example, if your plan is to carry your whole haul in one folio, divide your most valuable books between two instead. That way, if one storage solution gets lost, stolen, or damaged you don't lose everything! The same goes with shipping and flying.

Document major purchases.
Always take photos of purchases and receipts. Keep a log of everything you buy! You'll avoid future confusion, losses and anxiety. If a mailing or airline service damages your comics, receipts and photos may help your case. It also helps long-term to keep a track of the value of your collection.

Document people you meet!
We recommend adding a section to your spending log of people you meet, artists you discover, or shops you fall in love with. Not only is it great sentimental value, but a great way to build your network of comic lovers! You know that feeling of wanting to connect with somebody but forgetting their name or number! So often contacts created at these events will get lost toward the depths of your phone.

Ask vendors about shipping.
If you're travelling, some dealers will ship large purchases to you so you don't have to carry them around the convention or on the trip back!

Don't leave comics in the car if it's hot out.
In warmer climates, don't store your freshly-bought comics in the car! In the hot sun, cars can reach temperatures that will cause intense aging and damage to your comics. If you do need to put comics in your car: be sure to use sun shades, drape white towels over black seats, and crack windows if it's safe.

Return purchases to your home or hotel room periodically.
Rather than carrying everything at once or storing comics in your car, it's a much better idea to return new purchases to where you are staying throughout the day. This prevents several issues:

Your comics are less likely to be stolen once they are in a safe, private place!
You won't experience the terror of forgetting any purchases behind at the convention!
As in tip 5, storing in a mild, climate-controlled space prevents overheating.
The psychological stress of carrying around so many comics at once can take much of the convention-joy away : (

Set a spending/physical limit!
If you're hoping to enjoy a convention and didn't yet find an infinite money glitch, you may want to consider setting a spending budget! If numbers aren't your thing, you can also set a physical limit. For example, "I can only buy what fits in this one box or portfolio." It can be a better experience to wait until the next convention or explore new shops rather than trying to pick up a whole collection in one place.

For book signings, bring a separate folio!
If you're bringing your most valuable books from home to a convention for signing, consider keeping them in a separate space from those you purchase. This is because you will likely have to repeatedly handle newly-bought books! And again, if you separate them, they are less likely to all be stolen/lost at once.

Cash, Cash, Cash!
A lot of comic book vendors prefer or only take cash! Bring cash!

Negotiate! Buy in bulk! Look around!
Respectfully negotiating prices is a common convention practice, don't be afraid of it! Just make sure to be polite, fair, and upfront. Also, buying several comics from one vendor can often open up bulk discounts.

Bring a friend!
Having somebody with you who can mutually help you carry comics, look out for your haul's (and your!) safety, and generally enjoy the day with can make or break the convention experience!

Chapter 4: Get This Man A Shield… Comic Book Insurance For Conventions.

Should you consider collectible insurance for a convention haul? In most cases, it's not necessary. But for holy grails or large spending, consider it!

Option 1. Check with the insurance you already have: It's not too common, but some renter's or homeowner's policies cover personal property while you travel. Call and ask your insurance company about comics!

Option 2. Insurance riders: This is an add-on to your existing homeowner's or renter's policy. You list specific high-value items individually with documented values, and they get covered for that amount. Consider this when purchasing high-value grails at conventions!

Option 3. Dedicated collectibles insurance: Companies that specialize in collections (and some that specialize in comics specifically) offer coverage built for comic hauls. That includes theft, damage, and loss. A great part is that usually coverage extends to travelling with the collection as well! If you plan on buying a large haul at an upcoming convention, call and ask your collectible insurance about setting a higher coverage limit!

Chapter 5: Back To Headquarters… How to Transport Your Comics Home Safely.

So you've collected your haul and gotten to the end of this article! Now, how do you get your comics back home from a convention?

Carry-on bag: If you're flying home from a convention with comics, it's best to take them as a carry-on. Checked luggage can get thrown around, crushed, lost, or exposed to moisture. The security of knowing where your collection is the whole time is wonderful. We highly recommend throwing an AirTag/tracker into your comic-filled luggage!

Protecting in-flight: Always go for a hard shell bag or suitcase, if possible. Anything flimsy, and without a rigid structure, makes your comics vulnerable to all kinds of physical damage. Before placing comics into your bag for flight, first put them in comic-specific supplies: a comic storage box or folio while inside your suitcase is ideal! Once your storage box or folio is inside your suitcase, fill the excess space with bubble wrap or soft (not too warm) clothing. This will give you 3 layers of protection! (and of course, don't forget your bagging, boarding, and sentry holders!)

Shipping your comics: Using a shipping company to send your books back home is a great alternative to flying with them. Pack your comics first with bags & boards in a comic mailer, storage box, or folio. Then put that in a larger, rigid box with bubble wrap so there's no extra room. Declare the value at the counter in case anything gets damaged in transit. It may be best to send these shipments to a local pickup location rather than your home, to prevent porch theft. If you're at a multi-day con, shipping each evening to a pickup location is a great move — your haul is safe on its way before you even leave the convention city. Plus, you don't have to worry about large volumes of shipping when it's broken up like this. Ask them to mark your packages as fragile!

We hope you feel informed and ready to keep your collection happy and healthy! Most of the products we mentioned are available at our comic website. When you're ready to make a decision, we're here to provide the highest standard of quality and enduring affordability.

Our Selection:
Bags (Current; Silver; Golden)
Boards (Current; Silver; Golden)
Storage Boxes
Folio
Sentry Holders
Magnetic Frame Holders
Comic Book Mailers

For a run through of everything you need as a beginner to start protecting your comic collection, check out our blog here: How to Protect Comics: A New Collector's Guide

How to Protect Comics: A New Collector’s Guide

2026-06-17T11:33:14-05:00

Congrats! You're here because you have a comic collection you care about. Now you want the stories to be protected and enjoyed for years to come…

The comic community is full of lovely people and their wisdom, but there are so few resources for new readers! In just a skim of our blog, you'll have a sense of what you need to protect your comic books and keep them in great condition.

First of all, comic protection isn't at all about setting your collection in a dark corner and avoiding contact. These are stories meant to be read and loved! We want to give you the resources to protect in a way that enhances the enjoyment of your collection!

TLDR (Too Long, Didn't Read)

Sunlight, heat, humidity, acid, and pests are your comic's enemies
Bag & board the comics you care about
Match your bag size to the comic era (Current, Silver Age, Golden Age)
Store in a cool spot out of direct sunlight or humidity
Use a frame or sentry holder for enhanced protection & display
Consider storage boxes for long-term protection
Clean & dry hands before handling
Don't open a comic past 90 degrees
Grade your most valuable comics

Chapter 1: Collection Danger Strikes! What Damages Comic Books?

So, what damages comics? They're a lot like people:

Direct sunlight
Heat
Humidity
Acid and chemicals
Human-contact (oops)
Pests

How lovely that any room anywhere contains all these things! Sunlight fades the colors, heat accelerates aging, humidity molds the pages, acid screws up all of the above, and pests think they are food. The world is trying to take us down!

Chapter 2: The Bag and Her Sidekick… Board. Comic Book Bags and Boards Explained.

So what's the best start to protecting your favorite comics? The most essential protection is a simple bag and board duo.

Bags are protective comic book sleeves. You simply slip your comic in, and let the protective bag keep your collection in its ideal condition. They're your comic's safe haven against the damaging forces out there. Each bag is designed to perfectly fit one comic, and they're transparent so you can enjoy the cover all the same.
Boards are rigid slabs that go behind your comic inside the bag. The board provides the comic's structure, preventing any bends or creases. Without it, your comic may develop permanent folds.
If your comic was lonely and needed friends, the bag would be a hug, and the board would be a trust fall. If your comic was a burrito, the bag would be the tortilla and the board would be the foil. You get it. That's the power of friendship.

When deciding which bag & board you want, you have the choices of size and material.
Bag&Board Size is based on a comic release date:
~1985-today? "Current/Modern" size is for you.
~1956-84? "Silver Age" size is for you.
~1938-55? "Golden Age" size is for you.

Bag Material:

PP (or Polypropylene for n#rds!): The standard for comic protection. Affordable and most-used by collectors and shops. If you're looking for a no-brainer, this is the one!
OPP (Oriented Polypropylene): It just wants to mog Polypropylene a little. Provides a stronger material and clearer look. Also, it's shiny aesthetic accentuates your comic's cover. If you want a slight but reassuring upgrade, try OPP!
BoPET: The deluxe version. BoPET is used in museums and important historical archives. It's the ultimate choice for protection, looks, and longevity. Known for their exceptional shine and clarity, these bags are often used for dealers' wall books, important holy grails, and any comic deserving of premium protection. If you want the best of the best, you find it here!

Board Material:
Double check that the boards you use are coated and buffered. This serves to protect your comic from aging!
Make sure the side of the board that touches your comic is the coated side– it'll be smoother and glossy!

Chapter 3: Storage! Where Will Our Hero Go?!?!?!?! How to store a comic book collection.

So now you have your bag and board duo. But where do you keep your comics?

The location: Comics are happiest in a cool-to-mild-temp (65-70° F) out of direct sunlight. This is because extreme temperatures age and devalue comics. They also don't like to be too humid or too dry.

Avoid garages, basements, or attics because comics want to be loved and looked at (plus these places can have extreme temperatures, moisture, and pests). A shelf out of the sun, mild-temp closet, or bedroom are usually great options. If you'd be happy with the weather of a room, the comic probably would be too.

Storage: So you want to keep your comics tucked away! Remember that your standard cardboard or plastic boxes are not serving here. They could create excess moisture, chemical exposure, or give the comics too much room to fold around. It's best to use a comic book storage box designed specifically for the job. That way, all comics fit snug and you know the materials are safe. Remember to always bag&board before moving comics into storage.

These boxes ensure your comics remain upright too. Stacking comics flat is a no-no!

Going to a convention? Sharing with friends? Another great thing about storage boxes is how simple they make moving or carrying your collection!

When using storage boxes another fantastic tool is storage dividers. These are tiny but mighty slits you can put between groups of comics in your storage box. It's a great way to stay all cute 'n organized!

Chapter 4: Every Hero Yearns To Read… How to Read Comics Without Damaging Them.

You love your comics because of the stories inside! But you want to make sure reading doesn't equate to damaging. Some general handling rules are a super power:

Clean and dry your hands before touching comics. No need for gloves.
Place a board underneath your comic. That way it's not exposed to anything beneath it that's damaging.
Keep the comic on a flat surface! Picking it up can make it bend and fold.
If you do take the comic off its flat surface, grab the board underneath as well. While reading, hold the board behind the comic. That way it keeps its support.
When opening the book, carefully peel up the top end. Don't go for the side or bottom, that's a quick way to rip or bend! It's better to not use your thumb, the other 4 fingers are so much better at being delicate!
Do not open the book all the way up. A 180° spreading of the pages can cause creases. Instead, delicately hold the left page up at a careful (preferably less than 90°) angle that doesn't cause stress to the comic spine.

Chapter 5: A World Beyond The Bag & Board! The Best Way to Display and Protect Comics.

Bags and Boards are a great base, but some other types of holders are available for a more premium display and protection.

Sentry Comic Holders: Think of them like a sturdy, heavy duty version of the comic bag. Or a clear, comic-sized shell. They are used to hold bagged&boarded comics while providing added rigidty and protection. Looking for a protection upgrade? Care more about displaying? Sentry holders are your new best friend.

Magnetic Frame Holder: The final boss. The holy grail. Magnetic frame holders provide the ultimate protection, visibility, and display options. They're powerful enclosures which open up via magnets from the front so you can easily access the book (very fancy!). A wall-hanging tab and crystal-clear visibility make them display favorites. Holders have it all… ease of readability, powerful protection, beautiful display!

Chapter 6: I Wish To Be Fancy and Bountiful! How to Send Comics in for Grading.

Let's say you have a rare comic and you want to preserve its value. With grading, you send in your comic to a service like CGC, they assess its condition (between 0.5 to 10), and send it back in a protective case. Grading your comic is the way to increase and preserve its resell value, but it's often a costly process. Only grade your most precious comics.

When you send comics in for grading, always tuck the comic into a bag&board first. Using a comic-specific mailer is also a wise step. These help to prevent any bending and other damages. You can put the comic-specific mailer inside a larger box. Then secure with lots of bubble wrap so there's no excess room for the comics to move around. Happy grading!

Chapter 7: You Make A Lovely Protagonist! Gear Up!

Our Selection:
Bags (Current; Silver; Golden)
Boards (Current; Silver; Golden)
Storage Boxes
Storage Dividers
Sentry Holders
Magnetic Frame Holders
Comic Book Mailers