The event has quite a zero-to-hero origin story itself: the first Def-Com was planned as part of a grant application that was, unfortunately, unsuccessful.
“We thought, ‘Hey, why not throw a mini-con anyway?’” said Angela Powell, branch manager at Johnson Memorial Library and one of the event’s founding organizers. “We had one without a budget that year, using just our local artist friends and musicians, a few crafts, a cosplay contest, and the library’s side yard.
“Fast forward to 2020—unfortunately cancelled—when we had signed on the Farscape actress to join us. [In the past] we’ve even had famous cars from Supernatural, Jurassic Park, and a TARDIS.”
Steve Miller
Local artist Steve Miller will return to DefCom to showcase his new children’s book, “The Day Dogs Got Hands.” Original art & prints, plus a limited number of signed “How to Draw” books will be available.
Neko
Neko is a cosplayer with 13 years of experience. She specializes in handmade cat-related items, resin keychains & worry stones, D&D and Pride buttons, mystery D&D character boxes, & more!
Fresh Prints by William
This West Unity-based 3D print shop will bring collectibles & decorations like articulating dragons & fidget toys, plus accessories for Magic the Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, and cosplay.
The Kawaii-est Little Stationery Store
A veteran con vendor with an eye for detail, ‘The Kawaii-est Little Stationery Store’ will bring bookmarks, sticker sheets, washi tape, notebooks, and more.
Patsy Cakes & Confections
Patsy Cakes & Confections will vend their fun and fantastic pop culture-themed treats.
ReyneSong
ReyneSong is a digital & traditional artist bringing stickers and charms for sale.
Frank James Bailey
Bailey is a voice actor and writer bringing his Tercona book series for all ages to the Con.
The Losers Club
Dealers of horror & nostalgia, including pins, stickers, & toys from yesteryear!
SUPER-REFLEX
SUPER-REFLEX will offer prints, apparel, charms, stickers, & custom art commissions.
Two-Headed Glassworks
Two-Headed Glassworks works primarily in stained glass, but creates in other mediums too.
Grandma's Beauties
Offering assorted 3D-printed items, jewelry, wind chimes, & assorted wood pieces.
Linc Geissinger
A long-time collector of comics & trading cards, as well as music & movie memorabilia. Handmade magnets & collectors supplies (protective bags, boards, sleeves) available too.
Gardens of Gaia
A wire-wrapper & crochet artist selling unique crystals & one-of-a-kind wire-wrapped crystal jewelry and accessories, plus crocheted anime plushies, clothes, accessories, & decor.
Dated Games LLC
Wauseon-based Dated Games LLC will bring its trivia card game, Dated, to DefCom.
Deck Factory Gaming Center
Check out a sampling from this Lima-based game store: Magic the Gathering, Pokemon, Flesh & Blood cards, Warhammer products, D&D products, party games, game accessories, & more.
The Fated Thread
Stop by The Fated Thread and pick up a custom-made, nerdy pouch for your accessories!
John Engler
Engler’s booth will have a focus on action figures, comics, and movie memorabilia.
Pack Rats
Def-Com welcomes back PackRats, which will have a selection of goods for sale including comics, collectibles, & gaming systems.
GemuBaka
GemuBaka offers classic video games and guides along with an assortment of plushes, toys, and other merchandise based on video games, anime, and comics.
Chloris the Fairy
A visual artist & cosplayer specializing in bright, colorful, & family-friendly, hand-painted pieces, prints, & posters, plus handmade necklaces, earrings, & pins.
Tame Fox Studio
This Holgate-based artist will bring prints, stickers, & original art as well as anime fan art to Def-Com.
TaylizArt
Original art & fanart prints, original comics, buttons/pinback badges, keychain charms, pins, & stickers.
Jarett
Jarett will return to DefCom with his original art, prints, comics, & stickers. High fives are free all day!
Midwest R2 Builders Club
Come meet R2-D2, and learn about various parts and tools used to build and maintain a ‘droid!
AAW Arts
This full-time artist is bringing digital stained glass art, handmade books & journals, & a wide variety of stickers.
orc_ink_art
Drew of orc_ink_art will join us at DefCom and bring a diverse batch of products geared to anime & manga fans alike.
Atom Ball/Oxizero Design
Oxizero Design will offer enamel pins, prints, & stickers of original artwork. If you spot live-bear wrestling at this booth, please notify library staff ASAP.
Kicking Corgi Crafts
Bringing handmde perler keychains, 3D perler figures, earrings, & bracelets.
Bean Bagel
Bean Bagel is a pair of artists creating paintings, stickers, earrings & more, such as crocheted items, bookmarks, and Pride items.
Vampyr Bites
Vampyr Bites will be on hand with mini-zines, stickers, & buttons featuring a mix of original & fan art.
Card & Board
Defiance’s Card & Board will bring a cross section of Magic, Pokemon, and DnD products.
Buzz Parcher
Parcher is an author writing & publishing his own horror books (for ages 18+).
Lesismore Cosplay
Lesismore Cosplay brings cosplay and crafting knowledge, prints, resin trinkets, and arts & crafts for youth.
MediocreMakes
Adam of MediocreMakes will bring us 3D printed toys/collectibles, action figures, and gaming accessories.
Jak
Jak is a freelance sculptor and illustrator with original sculpture work, figures, art dolls, and prints for sale.
Elaxn
Offering handmade chokers and decorative chain attachments with beads and other mini charms.
