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I’m delighted by the amount of swag available to people who love reading romance. I examined the reclamation of the word smut as evidenced by romance merch, but I’m also interested in the rise of monster romance. We’ve gone into depth about the allure of monster love before; it’s nothing especially new. What is new is the vehemence with which people are proclaiming their monstrous predilections.
I personally see the rise of monster romance in line with some larger societal trends. More and more, people are marrying later or not at all. Meanwhile, toxic behavior continues to be called out and exposed. One cheeky way to process all of this is to say that people still crave romance but are rejecting humans, who just aren’t worth the trouble these days.
Queer monster romance is very much a thing with its own ethos, and plenty of the merch is devoid of gender implication. But there is a distinct vibe with some monster romance swag implying the pairing of human women with male monsters. Its message is: forget humans, I’m into monsters now. I demand more: horns, claws, maybe even tentacles. If you’re a monster romance lover, are you into the idea of letting the world know via a sticker on your water bottle or a T-shirt? If so, I’ve got some amazing recommendations for you that have elements of both queer monster romance and the human woman+male monsters pairing.
Monster Lover Pins
These adorable pins advertise your monster love with the cutest details. That cow being beamed onto the UFO? I die. $4 a pop.
These horrifying yet beautiful pins are perfect for anyone who knows it’s way scarier/better if you never see the whole monster. $13+ for the limited edition rainbow metallic version.
A detailed pin that puts everything on the table. Let your freak flag fly for $13.
Personally, I’m team Swamp Monster, but the beauty of these racy pins is the ability to express yourself specifically. $12 apiece, or catch ’em all for $70.
Monster Lover Stickers
Certainly one of the features of monster romance is that monster junk can be as wildly imaginative as the rest of the creature, as this hilarious sticker denotes. $4.
Monster romance is a journey of self-discovery. If you want to share your journey, this amazing sticker says it for you. $4.
Other Monster Lover Swag
When you have a stack of monster books to carry around, this roomy tote is where it’s at. You know it’s a good one because it’s got a bottom gusset. Yours for $25.
Whether you like werewolves, angels, centaurs, or snake people, this colorful T-shirt lets the world know you like ’em on the weird side. Available in various colors and sizes up to 5X for $32+.
Bookmarks are a more private badge of honor than stickers and pins. But they’re still a great way to make yourself chuckle about your moderately depraved book collection. $3-$5, depending on if you spring for lamination and a tassel, which you should.
Mothman is having a moment. Poet Elizabeth Bishop built her lore out of a newspaper misprint. Sweet Berries is C.M. Nascosta’s Mothman romance. This patch is appropriate for fans of either. Iron-on or sew-on for $7.
Tentacles. Need I say more? If Ursula the Sea Witch was a formative character for your sexuality, this is the shirt for you. $23+ with multiple colors and sizing to 3X.
The star-shaped clasps on these monster loving charms delight me. Pick your verbiage and attach one to your keychain for $12+.
What does monster romance smell like? According to this hand-poured candle, ozone, cedar, and plum. I’m into it! $6+ for a 4oz. candle.
I want to be best friends with anyone who puts this incredible sign on their front lawn. $18+, depending on size.
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