Get ready to satisfy your cravings with Chef Ray’s Peaceful Palate — serving up soul-satisfying comfort food with a gourmet twist. From oxtail empanadas and honey glazed salmon to creamy Alfredo and crispy fried chicken combos, every bite is packed with bold flavor and heart. Don’t forget to grab a refreshing Uptown Tea or Shirley Temple to complete your meal!
Returning back to our show is Sean Harby, also known as SL Harby, is an American author based in northwestern New Jersey. Born in the 1970s, he was deeply influenced by the 1980s pop culture, including playing Dungeons & Dragons and classic video games.
Figure It Out is an ever-growing team of geeks and weirdos bringing you a treasure trove of collectibles, figures, plushes, cosplay gear, jewelry, goth fashion, and exclusive Japanese finds — all at prices that are way friendlier than you’d expect! Check it out to test that theory! They have Sanrio everything.
A local polymer clay artist specializing in small figurines such as animals, dragons, and other mythical creatures. An artistic endeavor led by Cae, she brings a unique blend of creativity and passion to her work.
Rex Hurst is an American author known for his gripping thrillers, supernatural tales, and science fiction novels. Born in Argentina to German immigrants, Hurst's early life was marked by a harrowing experience where he was kidnapped by narco-terrorists and sold to a Satanic drug cult in Matamoros, Mexico. Rescued by Mexican police, he later moved to Montana, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Fermentation Sciences and a master's in Philosophy. Beyond writing, Hurst manages a small vineyard with his wife and six children.
Justin Holcombe is an American author of Cousins Hollow, a dark supernatural fantasy novel. Based in Northeast Georgia.
Born in Maine, Ashley comes from a New England military upbringing that took her through too many states throughout the U.S. Gaining a love for horror from her father through Vincent Price movies such as Last Man on Earth, helped shape her into an author. She currently resides in Virginia with her husband and their pets.
St. Argos Workshop is a creative space showcasing original artwork and designer projects, offering a platform for community engagement and artistic expression. With a focus on innovative design and collaboration, they invite artists and enthusiasts alike to explore new ideas, techniques, and creative connections.
Cat Head Pins is a boutique pin shop creating limited‑edition enamel and soft enamel pins with artistic flair—think intricate designs like “Heart of Spring” with glitter accents and multi‑pin kits. Their pieces are numbered, collectible, and often released in collaborations, making them perfect for fans of unique, artisanal accessories.
Based out of Goose Creek, SC, Mike and Rayna LePore are offering comics from various time periods and genres for you to peruse and enjoy.
Richard C. White is a science fiction/fantasy/fantasy noir/action-adventure/non-fiction author. His latest release, On Wings of Steel, a steampunk novel, was released in April 2025. As a media tie-in writer, he’s written for Star Trek, Doctor Who, Battletech, and The Incredible Hulk franchises.
Fan Favorite The Variant is a dynamic company specializing in cosplay photography, convention services, and community engagement. Established in 2015 by co-owners RJ Marchese and Tomisina Lynn, The Variant has become a prominent presence at conventions across the United States. Welcome back!
Alex W Draws is a creative professional specializing in toy design and illustration, with a particular interest in Dungeons & Dragons. A Charlotte-based artist who celebrates pop culture through their art. Prints, books, keychains, stickers and more depicting Broadway, D&D, DC Comics, TV and Film, and dogs. LOTS of dogs.
A delightful treat destination located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, specializing in freeze-dried candies that enchant the taste buds and create moments of wonder. We can’t wait for you to meet them, greet them, and EAT THEM at The Lair.
Adorah Belle Arts decided she was determined to teach herself to crochet. Five years later, she creates her own designs and works on her craftsmanship consistently, from dragons to bunnies to Oogie Boogie himself. She will be curating a whole line of villains for this event.
House of Cards is a locally owned tabletop game store in Winston–Salem offering a wide selection of trading card games, role-playing systems, and board games, including Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, Warhammer, and D&D. Founded in 2016, it’s more than just a retail space—it’s a welcoming community hub with free play areas, events, and a commitment to mental health advocacy. Their mission: great games, even better company.
East Coast Collectibles is a specialty shop dedicated to curating and selling vintage and modern collectible items—from trading cards and comics to memorabilia. It serves collectors and enthusiasts by sourcing rare finds and fostering a community around shared passions. With a focus on authenticity and quality, East Coast Collectibles is a destination for both seasoned and new collectors.
Jim Burris is a creative entrepreneur and vintage aficionado who specializes in sourcing and selling comic books, retro video game memorabilia, and select Pokémon collectibles. His passion for storytelling and nostalgia shines through in each curated find, making his shop a go‑to destination for collectors and fans alike.
WoodysBeads is a North Carolina–based Etsy shop crafting playful perler bead art, including keychains, magnets, and framed pixel designs. Each piece features “superior melts” and can be customized on request—plus orders often include a surprise bonus keychain.
Created by Dr. Barbara Alexander, 22 Memory Lane offers a whimsical, scent‑driven shopping experience with delicately crafted candles, room sprays, wax melts, and even scented crochet plushies. Their collection will be specially themed for this villainous affair, blending dark enchantment with cozy home fragrance. Each product is designed to evoke both nostalgia and mischief in equal measure.
Horror Scene is a theatrical horror‑themed band known for blending dark visuals and heavy soundscapes. They’re slated as a featured performer at VillainSCon, bringing their immersive musical style to the convention stage. Audiences can expect an unforgettable show full of gothic energy and dramatic flair and merch with voodoo dolls at their table.
A local woman owned small business that sells unique toys and collectibles. Offering a variety of items including anime, model kits, horror, loungefly, video games, and so much more!
Karahann Kiser is an Appalachian artist and woodworker conjuring relics from the shadowed edge of the wild. Her mythic-naturalist illustrations are etched into wood like whispered spells, then painted by hand in eerie, delicate layers. Each piece is a quiet haunting—a glimpse of the sacred and the strange, where nature and nightmare entwine. Her work is less "decor" and more talisman—a fragment of forest magic to hang on your wall or hold in your hand.
An artist who transforms the often-overlooked beauty of insects into intricate beadwork creations. Her portfolio includes designs featuring scorpions, spiders, centipedes, and more, capturing the iridescent shine of wasps and the unique forms of various bugs.
Garris L. R. Coleman is the author of Curse of Crowns, a dark fantasy series that blends rich world-building, complex characters, and the exploration of human nature with themes of moral ambiguity, power struggles, and the cost of survival. With a growing portfolio of published works, Coleman continues to captivate readers and engage with his audience through immersive storytelling and personal connections at conventions.
Based in Greenville, SC, Alicia the Bard is a creative force offering self-published comics, prints, stickers, beaded bracelets, buttons, handmade trinkets, and crochet items. She also accepts on‑site drawing commissions, making her work both personal and interactive. Her shop blends artistry with fandom, inviting collectors and creativity seekers alike.
A highly caffeinated non-binary goblin living in SC, and proud member of the LGBTQIA2+ community, Noah is a published Author and Illustrator that focuses on expansive fantasy worlds that explore human emotion. From watercolors and pencils, to months in an office shrimped over a keyboard, communication and emotion are tied into every detail.
Nicole Givens Kurtz is a distinguished author, editor, and publisher renowned for her contributions to speculative fiction. With over two decades in the publishing industry, she has authored numerous short stories and novels across genres such as fantasy, science fiction, horror, and westerns that veer off into the bizarre. A delight we’re ecstatic to welcome into The Lair this year.
They believe the sweetest moments are in the smallest details. From personalized keychains to beautifully engraved stainless steel cups, each piece is crafted with care, creativity, and heart. Whether you're shopping for a unique gift or a little something just for you, we’re here to turn your ideas into lasting keepsakes. Start customizing today!
Rowan K. Lake Jr. & Zooey J. Miller are indie authors collaborating on the second installment of the Rowan’s Beast Series. Their latest release, Beast in Sheep’s Clothing, blends urban fantasy with a paranormal-noir edge, offering a unique, character-driven perspective on the genre.
The Drayce Place is a curated vendor, offering a wide variety of brand new modern games, accessories, consoles, and gaming/anime merchandise, typically selling on Whatnot.
Owned by Chris Polzin, JOYTOPIA is based out of Savannah, GA and will be selling novelty horror earrings, enamel pins, keychains and tote bags.
TiffanyComics is a Winston‑Salem based entrepreneur that offers a curated selection of manga style graphic novels, sticker sets, and original artwork. With a perfect 5.0 rating over 150 sales, she blends storytelling and illustration into collectible works perfect for fans of indie comics and design.
“From your phone to a Polaroid!” Poppin’ Polaroids specializes in custom printed Polaroids but also offers fandom related Polaroids as well. For the first time, we will have a backdrop at our booth so swing on by for a Halloween themed backdrop and we’ll take Polaroids of you in cosplay, with friends or just for fun!
Angelcore.shop is a boutique online store celebrating anime culture through wearable art, offering graphic tees and more inspired by beloved series. Their mission is simple and heartfelt — “sharing our love of anime one piece at a time.”
Step into twilight, where shadows and whispers weave through the night. Aiken Apparel is a sanctum of Gothic anime vision, where every stitch and every curve carries a enamoring story of blight.