Sunday, December 29, 2019

Legends of Tomorrow Season 5 and Crisis of Infinite Earth Part 4 & 5 Premiere in January 2020 on Warner TV


DC'S LEGENDS OF TOMORROW, the motliest rag tag crew of the DC Universe will be back with a 5th season on Warner TV, the same day as the U.S. on Wednesday, 22 January at 9.50 PM.

In this season, consulting producer Marc Guggenheim tweeted that things are going to get even more hilarious with the crew. This brings much joy to Red Dot Diva, because LEGENDS OF TOMORROW has the zaniest storylines and wierdest creatures (evil human heart-devouring unicorn, hello!!) in the entire Arrowverse.

It is just too bad that in the middle of the season, fans will have to say goodbye to Brandon Routh and Courtney Ford, who have both left the series. Luckily, there is snarky sorcerer Constantine (Matt Ryan) still around to create more havoc and heartbreak in several timelines.

For a peek of what is to come in the new season, here's a trailer from The CW channel, where the series is being aired in the U.S.:



Sunday, December 22, 2019

RDD Westeros Holiday Contest - Win A Pack of Game of Thrones Goodies!



The HBO series Game of Thrones may have ended, but there is no lack of gifts from Westeros!

As a year end holiday giveaway,  Red Dot Diva has a set of swag for Game of Thrones fans to enjoy. All they need to do is join this online contest by completing the following steps:

1. Follow Red Dot Diva on Twitter and/ or Facebook
2. In your answer, tag someone you know who is a Game of Thrones fan.
3. Answer the contest question below by posting in the Facebook post's comment box, or a tweet with a mention to @reddotdiva:

QUESTION -- What is Jon Snow's real name?

Good luck! And if you were not the chosen winner, there will be another round of giveaway this before December ends!

Friday, December 6, 2019

Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2019 - Artist Alley Booth Highlight on Versatile Illustrator Soefara Jafney


Freelance illustrator Soefara Jafney may be based in Amsterdam, but there is no denying that there are very recognisable South-east Asian touch points in many of her drawings. More importantly, Soefara has a special skill - she is able to depict various women characters in history as well as in pop-culture as interesting personalities in their own right.

Having worked in the commercial world as an art director, her versatility is evident as she her work is seen in various forms, including children's books illustrations, designs for headscarves and leggings, and also high-end collectible toy statues.

It was wonderful to know that Soefara will be having a booth at Singapore Comic Con's Artist Alley this year. Red Dot Diva recommends that the geek ladies (and of course, men too) should head there, get to know her and her art, and show what woman power can be and do!

Here's a Q&A with Soefara, where Red Dot Diva chats with her about the art scene, representation for women, and her dream project.

Red Dot Diva: How is it like being a Malaysian artist living in Amsterdam, and now, in Singapore? Do you think there's hope for Singapore's local arts scene?
Soefara: Hmm.. what can I say about the art scene here? It is glorious! The level of artistry is eminent. From their Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh to other forms of art such as ivory carving, cheesemaking and Taxidermy, The Dutch seem to have mastered their craft beautifully. Take for example Taxidermy, there are courses available here for those who are interested to learn but the wait list is 2 years and the course is pretty hefty. That itself shows how much commitment they’re willing to atone to advance in a skill. Having said that, the Netherlands have had the economic and art boom since the 16th century. That gives them one big head start compared to Singapore. And time is a precious commodity when it comes to mastery in any field. Singapore is one melting pot, reminds me of London on a smaller scale ( But Singapore has better train system heh..) The buzz and the speed of the city is inspiring. Singapore has always welcomed talents from around the world, hence there is a lot of transfer of technology and ideas to inspire the local art scene. But like I've mentioned earlier, the path has been made, perhaps what we need is just time to see it bloom.


Thursday, December 5, 2019

Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2019 - Artist Alley Booth Highlight on Seth Adams of "GOTH" Comics Series

Red Dot Diva first met Seth Adams at Singapore Comic Con (previously know as STGCC) a few years ago. They had bonded as ardent fans of mixed-media and award-winning artist, David Mack.

Seth has been a regular participant of Artist Alley for a number of years, and from what Red Dot Diva noticed, requests for art commissions has always kept him busy during the convention. He has also been constantly practising and improving on this artistic skills. Recently, his pencil work shines with bold confidence, and a very personal art style is emerging more clearly. 

It is no wonder then, that Seth was asked to illustrate for a new comic book series called GOTH, published by Comics Experience and South Point Press. The first one-short comic was released just over a week ago on 27 November 2019.

Red Dot Diva managed to catch Seth Adams to find out more about his experience with his first published comic book!

Red Dot Diva: How exciting is it to have your first published book GOTH: YOUNG LOVERS AT WAR being released? Tell us more about it!
Seth Adams: It’s nice to get something into the world! As described by Previews, Goth is "the first in an exciting, genre-bending series of Goth one-shots from critically-acclaimed writer Paul Allor and exciting newcomer Seth Adams! When a young Visigoth warrior named Dolphus finds himself spurned by his lover, Gerda, he throws himself into battle, seeking an honorable death that never seems to come. As desperation takes hold, Gerda works to save him... preferably in the most painful way possible. It's the third-century CE, and love... love will tear them apart." That sums it up pretty well. :) 

Red Dot Diva: How did you get to collaborate with Paul Allor? How has the experience been like?
Seth: I had just finished an online workshop class with Robert Atkins over at Comics Experience and I was on the forums posting my work. I’m not sure if Paul already had the idea brewing, but he contacted me there on Comics Experience and asked if I would be interested in collaborating. He was immensely patient and kind guiding me through the process while still giving me alot of room to explore.

Coca-Cola Singapore Launches Galactic Hunt for Star Wars Lighted Bottles


The most OMG!! Wow! announcement from today's Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) media preview was the launch of Coca-Cola Singapore's specially designed STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER lighted bottles, as part of their “Full Force No Sugar Campaign”.

Soon after Red Dot Diva posted a video of the bottles on Instagram, she received queries on how Star Wars fans can get their grabby hands on this unique collectible item.

First, some quick facts about the promotional merchandise.

* These are the world's first lighted STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER Coca-Cola No Sugar bottles.
* There are limited editions - only 8,000 up for grabs.
* These are only available in Red Dot Island!
* There are two bottle designs - one Rey design with a lightsaber that lights up in blue, and the other for Kylo Ren, with a lightsaber that lights up in red.




So, how can you nab these bottles for your own collection? Well, the bottles will be hidden in 45 locations around Red Dot Island from 6 to 22 December, and fans will have to hunt them down as fervently as a bounty hunter from a galaxy far far away.



To get your bottles, here are your First Order instructions. Read them carefully. Commit them to memory.

1. The Galactic hunt takes place over 3 weekends - 6 to 8 December (that is during SGCC!), 13 to 15 December, and 20 to 22 December.

2. At 10 PM, on the night before each activation day, five riddles will be released through Coca-Cola Singapore's Facebook and Instagram, and the official campaign website.

3. Fans have to solve these riddles. The answer will lead them to the location of a gatekeeper, who will hand them a special pass. The passes are redeemable from the gatekeeper from 12 PM to 8 PM each day.

4. Using this special pass, fans will be allowed to purchase a lighted bottle at the nearest 7-Eleven outlet. It will be at the price of a regular Coca-Cola No Sugar 500ml bottle.

5. The purchase of the Coca-Cola No Sugar bottle from 7-Eleven will have to be done by 9 PM on the same day.

We are excited to be launching the world's first lighted STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER Coca-Cola No Sugar bottles here in Singapore. We know how special the iconic lightsaber is to the Star Wars universe and its fans, so we wanted to bring this to life and deliver a one-of-a-kind experience through innovative packaging and a fun activation for consumers. We wish them all good luck hunting and may the Force be with you!” said Lim Kean Yew, integrated Marketing Communications Director for Coca-Cola Singapore.

During the promotional campaign, fans can also win other Star Wars-themed merchandise - like drawstring bags, lunch bags, rolltop backpacks and Royal Selangor R2-D2 canisters. They can participate in the “Full Force No Sugar Campaign” by purchasing a regular Coca-Cola No Sugar 500ml bottle from any 7-Eleven store, and submit their proof of purchase at this link: https://starwars.coca-cola.com.sg

How exciting is that?!


Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2019 - Q&A with Creative Hong Kong-based Artist Tik Ka

Since Tik Ka Ng's playful mash-ups of Western superheros and pop-culture characters dressed in Chinese opera and traditional costumes have gone viral, Red Dot Diva has kept a constant eye on his Instagram feed to see what amusing images he will come up next. Even celebrities like Stan Lee and Robert Downey Jr have noticed these creative mash-ups!

In his Tik Ka from East series, he has drawn the Guardians of the Galaxy, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, various Star Wars characters, and even characters from the Minions movies in old school Chinese clothes.

Other than these mash-ups, Tik Ka has exhibited his paintings internationally in cities like London, Paris, New York and Milan. He has also designed for vinyl toys, like the attractive Hambuddha series, and the Chinese-looking Santa Guan figurines.

Red Dot Diva: Before Tik Ka from East series, you have another one featuring cute, cherubic babies, especially one called Chizi. How did this baby theme come about? 
Tik Ka (TK): I started from contemporary art. Before my discovery to infuse Chinese elements into the baby theme, I was a creative for an advertising firm. It was a highly charged profession, and I felt the strain. And it made me wonder if that is what I really wanted. I decided to leave that profession behind and concentrate on painting. I feel complete when I am busy with my paintings, and I have no regrets with that decision. 

Red Dot Diva: What made you decide to branch out from babies to drawing Western pop-culture characters and superheroes in Asian costumes and scenarios? 
TK: The baby painting art world or “Chizi”, is maintained throughout my paintings, while Tik Ka from East was derived from a culmination of Chinese elements. My years experiencing the mix of East and West culture while growing up in post-colonial Hong Kong has inspired me artistically. I try to mix these elements in my works, and I see the finished product as a representation of myself. 


Red Dot Diva: The Chinese opera costumes in these mash-up drawings are very detailed. Did you do a lot of research on this?
TK: I love Chinese culture! From the splendid food their dramatic opera, and its rich history and have spent countless hours researching. It is thus wise to find a balance between East and West elements, sort of like finding a common ground so as not to misrepresent any culture. 

Monday, December 2, 2019

Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2019 - Artist Alley Booth Highlight on Malaysian Artist Alan Quah

Malaysian artist Alan Quah has been a regular participant of STGCC's Artist Alley for many years, and he will be back again this year in the re-branded Singapore Comic Con, held this weekend at Marina Bay Sands.

A brilliant and versatile artist, Alan has worked with a range of comic book publishers, like Image, Titan, Zenescope, Valiant, Boom! Studios, IDW and yes, even DC Comics! His drawings of comic book characters look dynamic and powerful. They seem as if they might pop out of the page and step into reality any minute!

His artistic skills are also showcased in concept art for Royal Selangor's current line of Marvel and DC figurines.

Here's Red Dot Diva's quickie interview with Alan Quah

Red Dot Diva: Hi Alan! Nice to know that you are coming back to Singapore Comic Con this year! Is there anything different from your artist alley appearance this year, compared to previous years?
Alan Quah: It is always great to be back to Singapore and visiting Singapore Comic Con again. Even more so this year because I am coming with my family, the founders of Scott's Collectibles Alan and Daniel Scott, the people who were instrumental to getting me on mainstream comics and also with my buddy and colleague the talented Kael Ngu. This will be Scott's first year visiting Asia and we hope it will be the beginning of a larger presence with more of our colleagues joining the fun next year. And personally I am looking forward to see all my local friends again.

Red Dot Diva: You have done artwork for several comic book publishers - DC, Image, Titan, Valiant, just to name a few. Is there a particular project that resonates with you in a very special way?
Alan: I like to think that when I accept a project it will one that I am totally invested into and I will give my all to it. That has always been my approach. But if I have to pick one, it has to be my 1st mainstream DC Cover, Tales of the Dark Multiverse, Batman Knightfall. To those who followed my journey, know that I have gone through a lot trying to break in over the past 9 years. I came to STGCC in 2010 as an amateur artist hoping to get a break via the Marvel talent hunt, got shortlisted but eventually rejected multiple times over the course of the following years. Until this year, I got the DC call, thanks to my gaffer, and the 1st gig is a Batman cover. So yeah, that was something special.


Sunday, November 24, 2019

Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2019 - Q&A With Artist Extraordinaire David Mack

Talented mixed-media artist David Mack was busy meeting and signing for fans at Tokyo Comic Con the past weekend. For his next convention stop, the creator of acclaimed comic book series “KABUKI” and the character Echo from the Daredevil series, will be in Red Dot Island for Singapore Comic Con (SG Comic Con) 2019 on 7 and 8 December. YEAHHH!

A fan favourite with the fans in this region, David Mack has been here a few times already, but he was still sorely missed last year when he was unable to attend the pop-culture convention due to other commitments.

Since the last time he was here, David Mack has been busy as always. He has been working with long time bestie Brian Michael Bendis again on the Jinxworld series called “COVER”, and drawing beautiful covers for comics, including Neil Gaiman's “AMERICAN GODS” and Chuck Palahniuk's “FIGHT CLUB”. In addition, he has been working on Dark Horse's new 400-page plus “KABUKI Omnibus”, which will be released in December in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of “KABUKI” .

Red Dot Diva managed to catch up with David Mack and talk about his various projects - the past, current and future ones!

Red Dot Diva: Helloooo David! We were so happy to hear that you will be back in Singapore for the comic convention. What is it about the convention and our island that draws you back? (Is it the Kopi-O, kaya and toast? Haha.)
David Mack (DM): I’m very happy to be returning to Singapore! The convention, the people, the culture, the food, the art & artfulness… all of it has been inspiring for me every time!

Red Dot Diva: What is it about your friendship with Brian Michael Bendis that makes the artistic collaborations between the two of you work so well? Do you both have your thoughts in sync?
DM: Brian and I have been best friends since 1993, so we have a long history together of creating together. We try to bring out the best in each other’s work, and I think when we work together, each of us pushes the other into a zone that we would not normally explore on our own. It feels like making music together in which each of us is contributing a part, and the other is building on that, and back and forth for each step.


Saturday, November 23, 2019

It's Winter Time And Changi Airport Gets Frozen 2


Winter has arrived in Red Dot Island again!

To escape from the heat and humidity, enjoy a little frost and snow at Changi Airport's “A Frozen Wonderland” as Disney “FROZEN 2” is brought to life at the different terminals, from now till 5 January 2020.

The main installations are held at Terminal 3's Departure Hall.

TERMINAL 3

MEET ELSA, ANNA AND OLAF
Always dreamt of meeting Queen Elsa, Princess Anna and Olaf in person? Here's your chance!

Head to the frozen wonderland at Terminal 3 and get there early to line up because this opportunity is FREE of charge, and there are limited passes available.

Dates: From now till 24 November, and 29 November to 1 December,
Times: 11.30 AM, 2 PM, 3.30 PM, 5 PM and 6.30 PM

Red Dot Diva got to meet the lovely and elegant Elsa, who was freely giving warm, cool(?) hugs to wide-eyed kids who could not believe that they have finally met their favourite character. Elsa complimented on Red Dot Diva's colourful hair. Red Dot Diva suggested doing her signature pose, but Elsa leaned toward her and whispered that she rather not make the hall too cold. So, they both made this gentle snow flurry power pose instead!





Sunday, November 17, 2019

Barbie Celebrates Her 60th Anniversary With A Special Singapore-style Exhibit


For her 60th Anniversary this year, Barbie® has collaborated with The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) for a special exhibit held at *SCAPE. The showcase was launched as part of the Street Superior Festival, an event that focuses on street culture and art.

For the Barbie Doll exhibit, 18 local creatives and design brands has been challenged to customise Barbie dolls inspired by Singapore culture, street art or other interesting ideas.

Barbie doll by Josiah Chua
The display of 60 specially customised dolls, includes two by fashion designer/ stylist Josiah Chua. For one of the Barbies, he paid tribute to Red Dot Island as a Garden City, by creating a gown made out of orchids and other flowers. He also used turmeric, roselle and butterfly pea flowers to dye the outfits for both of his Barbies.


Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2019 - Q&A With Thai Award-Winning Manga Artist Prema-Ja

Thai artist and animator Prema Jatukanyaprateep - more commonly known by her pen name Prema-Ja - will be coming to Red Dot Island this December as one of the guests of popculture convention, Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2019.

In 2014, BOKBIG, her manga about a boy and his mischievous pet dog, beat 256 entries and won the 2014 Gold Award at the International Manga Award in Japan.

Prema-Ja's cheerful, colourful and fun artwork has been featured in children's books as well. Go take a look at her her social media accounts, where she has posted an imaginative take on Inktober with a series of wonderful mermaid drawings, and you will see what Red Dot Diva is talking about!

Red Dot Diva: What got you interested and passionate about animation art?
Prema-Ja: I think it is about the storytelling. When start working on my art projects - beside beautiful pictures, I try to focus on the story in the work. And I love telling a story so the animation art and also comic art serves my intention.

Red Dot Diva: Who are your favourite artists, and why?
Prema-Ja: Amano Yoshitaka, a Japanese artist. His style is unique. The ambiance in his work, mysterious and brimming with fantasy, fascinates me. Another one is Beatrix Potter, an English artist. I love how she draws humanoid animals characters. They are so attractive.



Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Cartoons Underground 2019 (9 November 2019) Shines Spotlight on Women Animators


Animation movies are more than just Disney princesses and a bunch of talking toys. To get familiar with the sheer variety of topics and directorial styles, head down to Cartoons Underground 2019, Asia's leading indie animation festival, at Kult Yard, 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace next Saturday, 9 November, 6PM to 11PM.

The Cartoons Underground festival began in 2012, by founders Patrick Smith, Director of MTV Daria, and Vicky Chen. This will be the event's 8th year celebrating the visual wonders of animation films.

There was a record-breaking 1,416 entries from all around the world, as film makers vie for a spot in the festival's screening schedule, as well as to compete at the coveted Golden Durian Awards for Best Film, Best Director, Best Student Film and Audience Choice Award. After much deliberation, 19 short films were selected for screening by Cartoons Underground's Programming Director and recent Singapore Young Artist Recipient Tan Wei Keong.

Some of these entries have won awards at Ottawa Animation Festival, Zagreb Animation Festival and Edinburgh international film festivals. 13 of these films showcased during the event are by women directors.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Get Enchanted By ArtScience Museum's Disney: Magic of Animation Exhibition



Be ready to be enchanted (or bewitched) at the DISNEY: MAGIC OF ANIMATION exhibition, which opens at ArtScience Museum today, 26 October 2019. With displays consisting of over 500 over pieces of original drawings, concept art and paintings from the vault of Walt Disney Animation Research Library, this specially curated exhibition is something that a Disney fan should not miss!


Visitors are taken on a journey on Disney's 90+ years of animation, from a recreation of both retro and modern versions of an animator's work desk, to the various processes related to the iconic movies, like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) to The Lion King (1994), to recent hits, like Frozen (2013), Big Hero 6 (2014) and Moana (2016),

Upon entering the first gallery, Red Dot Diva felt like she had stepped into animation history. The area was about the brilliance and skill of 2D animation, and includes a tribute to Steamboat Willie (1928), the black and white short film that featured Mickey Mouse's very first appearance.

Fans can get step into a recreation of the famous steamboat and get their selfies, while the Steamboat Willie is screened beside it. Even though the art of animation has progressed in leaps and bounds by now, the old film is still as charming as ever.





Sunday, October 20, 2019

Only on Singtel TV - Warner TV Premieres Batwoman On Demand, 25 October 2019!


The BATWOMAN series which focuses on the adventures of Bruce Wayne's cousin Kate Kane, will be available for Red Dot Island fans after all. The premiere goes live only on Singtel TV's Warner TV Encore, an on-demand channel, on 25 October 2019. Each new episode is available, on the same week as the U.S. telecast. Bravo, Warner TV Asia!

This is the first lesbian superhero series on TV, and it stars gender fluid, openly gay actor Ruby Rose as the titular character. The BATWOMAN series has since attracted a gamut of reactions from the audiences and comic book fans. However, Red Dot Diva feels that there is a need for more stories that champion women power and LGBT communities. (Although, Red Dot Diva is not sure how heavy handed censorship would be, knowing how conservative it is here.)


A fully-costumed Batwoman in her classic red wig, first made her appearance in the Arrowverse last year during the Elseworlds crossover. Contemporary and sleek, the Batwoman costume is designed by the Academy Award-winning costumer Colleen Atwood.

HBO Asia - "Watchmen" Premieres 21 October 2019, Same Time as the U.S. Telecast


Anybody who has anything to do with any of these shitty Watchmen travesties, even as a member of the audience, will be dragged screaming to hell by their nipples,” ranted writer Alan Moore in an interview that he did with creative arts blog, Inside The Rift last year.

Well, considered Red Dot Diva to be one of those willing to be dragged straight into brim and fire, because she is all set to catch the premiere of HBO's WATCHMEN on Monday, 21 October at 9 AM (SG); 8 AM (THAI/ JKT). The new series by executive producer Damon Lindelof (Lost, The Leftovers), is neither a prequel nor sequel to the brilliant original graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. In fact, Lindelof calls his version a “remix”, and he was also the writer of the pilot episode.



So what does this “remix’ look like? Based on the trailers, the series has mostly new characters, and is set some 30 years after the events in the graphic novel. This is still a time when costumed superheroes have been outlawed, but now, a group of white supremacists have decided to put on masks in the likes to the deceased vigilante anti-hero Rorschach.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Warner Asia TV - DC Superheroes Return for New Seasons of Supergirl, The Flash and Arrow! (SPOILERS)

It's the fall in the USA, and that means your TV screen will be filled with superheroes once again!

Warner Asia TV has brought in three series from the DC Universe back to the region's schedule, so it is time for fans to immerse themselves in their adventures in the new season.

Note: There are some spoilers, so tread with caution!

SUPERGIRL
From the House of El, Kara Zor-El aka “SUPERGIRL” returned with a new season last Monday.

In this 5th season of the superhero TV series, Supergirl (Melissa Benoit) faces challenges at work when a new owner takes over Catco, and a mystery shapeshifter villain with a bone to pick with J'onn J'onzz (David Harewood) drops in from the Phantom Zone - and she does it all in a brand new and sleek costume with pants! PANTS!

Kara has also personal issues to resolve with best friend, Lena Luthor (Katie McGrath), who found out about Supergirl's true identity in the last season's finale. Will their friendship be able to survive this broken trust?


Watch new episodes of “SUPERGIRLevery Monday at 9:50 PM (SG/ MY/ PH), 8:50 PM (JKT).

Friday, October 11, 2019

Gamestart Asia 2019 - The Cool and Awesome Games (and Mead!) to Look Out For!


Gamestart Asia, the region's premiere gaming convention for both hardcore gamers, casual gamers and industry players kicks off tomorrow for the 6th and probably, final time.

Red Dot Diva attended the Media Preview and had a peek of the show hall, which had a look and feel in tune with this year's theme “Asian Mythology”. Of course, the e-sports competitions like the SEA Major, will be the major highlight of the weekend, as well as the games in all its varied forms for fans to try out and play - tabletop, mobile, console, arcade, VR. You name it, the show has it. 

Some of the show's highlights and guests have already been mentioned an earlier RDD article (click here to read it), but there are even more exciting and fun things to look out for in the exhibit hall.


DISNEY/ MARVEL BOOTH


Disney/ Marvel's booth is the first thing you will see when one enters the hall, and it is brightly dressed with the trademark superhero colours of your favourite Marvel comic book characters.


This is the place to have a look at MARVEL Super War, the company's first MOBA game, where you can choose to be a superhero character, like Captain Marvel, the Hulk or Deadpool, and battle with your friends online.

At 2 PM on 12 October (Saturday), The Walt Disney Company will be making on the main stage with the Special Game Showcase. So, don't miss this segment if you love Disney/ Marvel characters!


Sunday, October 6, 2019

Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2019 - David Mack Returns, Lineup Includes Jim Mahfood, John Layman, Tik Ka and Koh Hong Teng


The guest list for Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2019 is getting better and better!

In the latest news on the pop-culture convention's guest lineup, there will be fan favourites returning to Red Dot Island, like David Mack, Mirka Andolfo, and James C. Mulligan, as well as first-timer guests Jim Mahfood, Alexander Iacarrino and John Layman together with Asian-based creators Koh Teng Hong, Peach MoMoKo, Tikka from the East and Michael Sng.


DAVID MACK
It is always a joyous time of year when David Mack decides to return to our local comic convention. He has built up a loyal fan base in this region, and his booth is always busy!

David Mack is well known as the creator of the KABUKI graphic novel series, and as the co-creator of Marvel character Echo from the Daredevil comics. His beautiful brush strokes can be seen in varied and high profile projects like JESSICA JONES, FIGHT CLUB 2 and FIGHT CLUB 3, AMERICAN GODS, and Dynamite's new series released this year, XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS.

David was also involved with the exceptional, Emmy-nominated opening title sequence for Marvel TV Series “JESSICA JONES”, as well as the concept design, artwork and sequence for “CAPTAIN AMERICA: WINTER SOLDIER” together with with Sarofsky Designs. Fans of Showtime series “DEXTER” will be familiar with his art in the Early Cuts episodes, and noticed a his recognisable artwork featured in the series episodes.


Friday, September 27, 2019

Gamestart Asia 2019 Announces Guests including Takashi Tokita and Luna Lorrain


As announced earlier this year, 2019 will be the last iteration of homegrown gaming convention, Gamestart Asia. The show has been taken over by Germany company and event organiser Koelnmess.

From 2020 onwards, gamescom, the industry largest event measured by exhibition space and number of visitors, will hold its Asian version in Red Dot Island's Suntec Convention Centre. The festival will be a four-day event, with industry segments, e-sports, product showcases, and special guests as well as the usual cosplayers.

This year's Gamestart Asia's theme is “Asian Mythology”, and some guests have already been announced for the exciting event that will be taking place in about two weeks' time on 12 & 13 October 2019. Check out the guest list below:

TAKASHI TOKITA
Takashi Tokita is a game developer with Square Enix, the company that publishes very popular games titles like the Final Fantasy series and Kingdom Hearts.

He was graphic director and co-wrote sub-plots for the role-playing game Chrono Trigger. For the survival-horror game Parasite Eve, Takashi Tokita was both director and writer. He is also the creative director for Tokyo RPG Factory's latest game called Oninaki.

Takashi Tokita will be on the main stage on 12 October, where he will share more about his projects and experience in the gaming industry.

Watch the launch trailer for Oninaki:




Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Makoto Shinkai's Latest Movie "Weathering With You" Premieres in Singapore on 6 September 2019

After the astounding international success of the body-swapping, time travel love story “Your Name” in 2016, fans of Makoto Shinkai have been looking forward to enjoy more imaginative tales and dreamy landscapes in his signature style.

Weathering With You” is Makoto Shinkai's latest animation masterpiece. In the long awaited movie, the city of near-future Tokyo is facing an unusual deluge of rainstorms. Hokada, an underaged runaway tries to look for a job and ends up as an intern in a publication that investigates strange phenomena, one of which is a story about "sunshine girls". He meets and befriends one of them, Hina, who is able bring on clear skies through prayer. Both of them decide to use and monetise her superpowers... but surely, there is a price to pay for that?

When the movie was released in Japan earlier this year, it raked in takings of over USD100 million (10.7 billion yen) at the domestic box office, officially making it the biggest Japanese film domestically since “Your Name”. It has also been chosen as Japan’s entry for the best international feature film category at the 2020 Oscars.

Weathering With You” has since been released in Hong Kong and Indonesia, and has topped box offices in the opening week in both countries.



Singapore audiences need not wait too long to experience another of Makoto Shinkai's enigmatic tale of young love unfolding in stunning, photorealistic backdrops. The Singapore premiere of Weathering With You” (organised by film distributor Encore Films), will be held at Capitol Theatre this Friday, 6 September.

Hardcore fans can be one of the first to watch “Weathering With You” at this special event on 6 September, before the official theatrical release on 12 September 2019. All they need to do is buy the tickets at this link. At the cost of SGD 55 per ticket, fans will also be able to redeem exclusive movie premiums, like the transparent umbrella and notebook as seen in movie, an A2 movie poster and invite card. Seats are filling up fast, so get your tickets pronto!

Here's the trailer for “Weathering With You”: