Do I need to copyright my comic before making merch?

[SirGutsalot]

So basically, is there risk at all in just going for your life with making t-shirts and selling them for my comic?

[revisionstudios]

Are you in the U.S.? I'm not sure about other countries, but at least here, copyright is inherent with the creator. Meaning, as soon as you make something, it's yours and you already own the copyright. Registering your comic is still suggested because it's an extra layer of protection legally, but it's not required.

Do what you want with your property. You control and own it!

[J.Z.Castillo]

What @revisionstudios said. In the US if you are the creator you have copyright, you don't need a fancy paper telling you otherwise. Getting something copyrighted is advised if you want more protection, like if you are getting big enough to be sort of your own brand, but you don't have to as a small creator.