The Singapore Toy, Games & Comic Convention (STGCC) returned over the weekend of 12 and 13 September 2015 and brought along with it a host of exciting exclusives for toy collectors, gamers and anime enthusiasts. The guest list included celebrated comic book illustrators, game designer Mori Toshimichi, renowned voice actor Tomokazu Sugita, and cosplayers Kuryu and Nakoto.
STGCC 2015 introduced a whole new segment of music and dance with You Yanase, who has launched her second single on 2 September and is also holding her third solo live in GROWLY Kyoto on 27 September and Rie Yonohara, a member of the All Japan Idol National Team from the Welcome to Japan Project at the Japan EXPO 2015 in France.
Hot Toys returned with an array of the latest collectible figures from Marvel and Star Wars which thrilled many a fan. It was also the world premiere and pre-order of exclusive 1/6-scale collectible figures of Maria Hill from Avengers, Cyborg Raiden from the game series Metal Gear, and other collectibles from Iron Man and Star Wars.
Maria Hill from Avengers by Hot Toys
Luke Skywalker (Stormtropper Disguise Version) by Hot Toys
Simply Toys was there too with exclusives and a large collection of POP figures.
Transformers from Simply Toys
Action City released the Jiang Shi in collaboration with Medicom Toy, and this exclusive came in both 100% and 400% versions with a 1000% version on display.
A life-sized display of Hulk vs Hulkbuster statues from Hot Toys was one of the highlights of STGCC. It was the first time this display was shown in Southeast Asia.
Seven SG50-themed custom MUNNY were up for silent auction on day one of STGCC. Created by World of Caramelaw, Wanton Doodle, Keatopia, Tell Your Children, Keh Choon Wee, and Ziqi, these were sponsored by Ozzo Collection. All proceeds went to Club Rainbow, a charity for chronically ill children.
Artist Alley
There were 178 exhibitors from 11 countries at STGCC 2015, which was the largest turnout for Artist Alley. Walking around the convention halls made it increasingly apparent that it was a place that would make fans jump for joy with the amount of collectibles and merchandise onsite. There were illustration books, posters, T-shirts and many other skilfully crafted items. Several booths offered caricature drawings.
Chapter#1
Camilla d’Ericco
Tam (Tamusic)
Cosplay
Black Cat and Spider-Girl
Bumblebee
Fred and George Weasley from Harry Potter
People were busy snapping pictures with cosplayers everywhere. It was truly a sight to behold with so many talented cosplayers in a single location. Catwoman, Deadpool, Tai Yagami and Kari Kamiya from Digimon were also spotted.
Talking Comics
Adam Hughs and C.B Cebulski talked about how they got inspired to do what they do. They also touched a little on their future projects, Adam with Betty and Veronica, and C.B with Marvel’s Secret Wars, and also shared on what makes a good artist, and what talent scouts look for.
Creators Talk Show with Sugita and Mori
As the time drew closer to the segment with Sugita and Mori, fans started to gather around the stage area. The anticipation was tangible. When day pass holders were allowed entry, fans rushed in to get a spot that allowed unobstructed view of the stage.
It was the first time Sugita and Mori came to Singapore together. The duo shared about their experience as creators, their recent collaboration, and lesser known traits about each other.
Five fortunate fans were invited to ask questions and make requests of Sugita, and were given an autographed drawing by Mori. A female fan burst into tears of joy after Sugita answered her question and handed her the drawing. One of the requests was for Sugita to sing the Doraemon theme song, and he complied with his own hilarious version, remarking that he never expected to be asked of such a thing in Singapore.
Championships of Cosplay and Kids Cosplay Parade
The panel of judges consisted of Bryan Tan, co-founder of XM Studios; Reno Tan, who is frequently invited to be a cosplay judge for major events; Tadaaki “Jacky” Dosai who is a well-known in the cosplay industry; Stella Chuu aka the Anime Princess of Burlesque; and Yui, a cosplayer from Hong Kong. As the 14 contestants took the stage, it was clear that it would be a close battle with talent running high.
Before the results were released, the audience was treated to a parade of young cosplayers. The audience ‘oohed’ and ‘ahhed’ in delight at the budding talent as well as the adorableness of the young ones. There was a miniature version of Iron Man Mark 39, a very shy RD2 in a dress, and a female Darth Vader. All the participants of the children’s cosplay parade received a goodie bag.
Kids Cosplay Parade
In the end, the judges decided on Handry as Iron Man Mark 39 (Starboost) to be the winner, Taufan as Gan for second place, and Siti as Immortal Joe for third place.
STGCC 2015 ended on a high with Yuyoyuppe DJ TEKINA//SOMETHING and Hige Driver filling the hall with heart-thumping Anisong remixes and a theme song specially produced for STGCC which had fans on their feet, dancing hard and cheering.
To be kept in the in the loop for future updates on the superhero universe, you can sign up at http://www.singaporetgcc.com/be-fan.
