SG Toy Con 2023 (15 to 17 December) - Shop For Diecast Car Models, Designer Toys, Custom Action Figures and More!

The SG Toy Con, held from 15 to 17 December 2023, is pulling out all the stops this year. For starters, the event will command a larger floor space, as it has moved from Dhoby Ghaut's Visual Arts Centre to Leisure Park Kallang. The annual event, organised by Masterpiece Collectibles and Toyz Network, started out focusing mainly on miniature toy models. This year, its scope has widened to include indie exhibitors who offer other kind of toy collectibles, like designer toys, Gundam model kits and Funko. How awesome is that?!

Here's the list of such exhibitors announced for the toy fair. Just to name a few, the international brand names who will be at SG Toy Con 2023 include:


* GoodGuysNeverWin Toy Co from Indonesia
The indie toy company specialises in custom action figures which are very South-East Asian focused, like Indonesian ghoulies and monsters. Familiar scary names include the Kuntilanak (or Pontianak) and the Pocong. They also put an irreverent spin on well known personalities and iconic characters from pop-culture. Red Dot Diva was thrilled to see them back at Red Dot Island so that she can check out their current stuff at Booth A12!

* Playground Studio from Thailand
Toy designer Pranee Jiraprayoon of Playground Studio will be showing of her popular Musikacha figurine and other creations at the event. Say hello to her at Booth A2.

* Kawan Lab from Malaysia
Kawan Lab does a lot of food-themed monster toys and collectibles. They will be bringing in their new designer toy Puffzilla, which you can grab at Booth A5!


* Soulhappy Studio from Shanghai, China
Craving for durians? Soulhappy Studio will be selling their Durian+Mahjong designer toy at SG Toy Con! Scrolling through their social media, Red Dot Diva thinks their designs are super cool and eccentric. Great for adding to your collection or as a gift to someone special.

* Yolopark from Hong Kong
Yolopark is a global toy licensee for multiple global brand including Hasbro's Transformers! Ogle at their exclusive Transformers display at Booth E1 this weekend.

... just to name a few!



Look out also for the wonderful Miniature Stories with intricate nostalgic builds. You might want to keep a part of these heritage models in your home. Miniature Stories' Wayang Chinese Street Opera Stage is now available for pre-order (see pic above).

Stalwart exhibitors like diecast model brand Automodels, logistics company Bok Seng and their unique crane models, custom diorama Dream Customs, and everyone's favourite blind box booth Happibox, will be back this year too!

For lots more information about the list of exhibitors and events at this weekend's exciting SG Toy Con 2023, head to their dedicated website at https://www.masterpiececollectibles.com/sgtoycon



To add on the wow factor, there will also be a Commercial Vehicle Show, an outdoor exhibit just nearby at the open-air carpark beside Leisure Park Kallang from 11 AM to 5 PM! The mini vehicle show will shine the spotlight on the exclusive SG ToyCon Event Bus (see the video above!), as well as various buses, vans and trucks!

Red Dot Diva is prepped and ready to spend some of her hard-earned money if she spots anything interesting at SG Toy Con! See you all there!


Dates: 15 to 17 December 2023 (Fri to Sun)
Times: 10 AM to 8 PM
Venue: Leisure Park Kallang
Admission: Free of charge


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Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2023 Artist Highlight - Comic Book Artist Stephen Segovia Is Eager To Be Back In Singapore

As part of Scott Collectable's stable of artists, Stephen Segovia has been invited as a special guest at this year's Singapore Comic Convention (SGCC). Red Dot Diva first met Stephen Segovia more than 10 years ago when he was here in for an opening of a comics and toy shop located at Funan the IT Mall. Click here to see how young and innocent we looked back then!

Ever since he was a breakout artist in the comic book world as a teenager, Stephen has continued to produce fabulous artwork - the kind of mindblowing work that is in recent titles like Marvel's on-going Moon Knight series, and the Spawn spin-off called The Scorched.

Being able to reconnect with Stephen again this weekend will be a happy and long awaited occasion, for sure. Here's the joyful electronic reunion before both Red Dot Diva and Stephen gets to meet in person again!

Red Dot Diva: Welcome back to SGCC! It has been awhile since you are back as a guest of the show. How does it feel to be back as an established artist with a portfolio of work with major publishers?
Stephen: I can't believe it's been a whole decade since I was last in Singapore! I'm so happy to be back and excited to be a part of the SGCC once again. I have a bunch of published work to share with you all, so let's catch up and have some fun!

Red Dot Diva: Lately, creators around our South-East Asian region are seeing a resurgence in terms of demand. For example, Sonny Liew winning the Eisners, Netflix adapting Filipino horror graphic novel series Trese. Do you think there should be more South-East Asian stories out there in graphic novels?
Stephen: I really think that there's a whole lot of amazing content out there from Southeast Asia that hasn't been shared with the world yet. It's mostly because these stories and artworks are self-published and only circulated on a small scale. Wouldn't it be awesome to see these creations being celebrated on a global platform like Netflix? I think it would be really cool! :)

Red Dot Diva: How do you think South-East Asian artists and creators can help to get more of our stories published?
Stephen: I really believe in the importance of appreciating and celebrating the fantastic creations that different creators bring to the table. By sharing them on various media platforms, we can inspire people all over the world and help them learn about different cultures. It's an awesome way to promote understanding and bring people closer together!

Red Dot Diva: You did a number of awesome covers for Marvel's Moon Knight series. Did you watch the Disney+ adaptation, and what did you think of it?
Stephen: Moon Knight has been a favourite of mine since my childhood, and I was delighted when Marvel commissioned me to produce several covers for them. Although the live-action adaptation differs from the comic book version, it remains an engaging and entertaining viewing experience. Despite its deviations from the original, the show retains the essence of the character and provides a fresh take on the source material.

Red Dot Diva: You have drawn professionally since the tender age of 16. How different do you think your art style is now versus back then?
Stephen: I have noticed that my style has been evolving towards storytelling rather than line details. Although I still enjoy creating detailed work on covers and commission art, I have been able to find a good balance between the two, incorporating storytelling with line work details on sequential art.

Red Dot Diva: What most distracts you from getting your work done?
Stephen: PS5 games hahaha!

Red Dot Diva: What are you looking forward to most when you are back in Singapore?
Stephen: I just can't get enough of Singapore! It's always an absolute delight to explore this vibrant city, make new friends and spend time with amazing fans. I could spend an entire day chatting away and signing books, and it still wouldn't be enough! And let's not forget about the delicious food - it's simply divine!



You can find Stephen Segovia in Scott Collectable's section within the Guest Zone of the L1 Exhibition Hall. Do give him a super warm welcome!!


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Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2023 Artist Highlight - Digital Artist OSHred's Dark Fantasy Works Is A Sumptuous Blood Bath

Local comic book store Pink Ponk Comics returns to this year's Singapore Comic Convention (SGCC) with a bang. They have invited notable comic book artists to grace their booth at L1-AA14 - 25. During the weekend of 9 and 10 December 2023, comic book fans will be able to meet overseas artists OSHRed, Emma Wu, Maria Sanapo, Marco Santucci and Ivan Tao as well as well as artists from our local community like Johnny Lau, creator of Mr Kiasu, Ye Zhen, James Leong, Collin Yap, Kang Jing (Chiral Comics) and Shahril Azizi - just to name a few.

While admiring the artwork of these special guests, Red Dot Diva is especially attracted to the dark fantasy, gothy style of Philippines-based digital artist and illustrator OSHred (S. Red Amparo). Red Dot Diva is quite the macabre soul, you see. OSHred has mentioned that she loves the colour blue, and that is so evident with her liberal use of indigo hues in her recent portfolio. It's absolutely ravishing.

Besides variant comic book covers for titles such as W0RLDTR33, Good Boy, Vampirella, and Red Sonja, OSHred has drawn book covers and album covers for independent creatives. To get to know her a little better, Red Dot Diva managed to catch OSHred for a quick interview:

Red Dot Diva: Hello OSHred! Your art is simply sumptuous. Did you start drawing when you were very young, like many other artists out there?
OSHred: I've loved drawing ever since I was a kid and spent a lot of time copying from manga, children's books, and drawing the Powerpuff Girls. I discovered digital art by drawing in MS Paint on my mom's laptop using a mouse. I've been doing digital art for about 14 years now and I take a great deal of enjoyment in composing my artworks and connecting with other artists online.

Red Dot Diva: I read in one of your sites that you graduated from 3dsense Media School in Singapore? What was the experience like?
OSHred: I graduated from 3dsense Media School in Singapore in 2017 from their 1-year diploma course in digital illustration and concept art. It's frequently described as an "intense" course and they truly do mean it. My days were jam-packed with studies, exercises, lectures, and illustration homework. My sketchbooks were filled with figure drawings, skeletons, and musculature studies. We studied fundamentals such as perspective, anatomy, light and colour, as well as more advanced subjects such as character, creature, and environment design. I was able to connect with likeminded people who were passionate about art and some of them are still my friends to this day. I learned a lot from the instructors and I had the opportunity to study under Artgerm, whose work I'd admired since I was a young teen. I'm certain that studying at 3dsense significantly altered the trajectory of my art journey.

Red Dot Diva: I am most interested to know what inspires your art style. Which artists’ work have influenced your style?
OSHred: Artgerm inevitably had a great deal of influence on my art. Some other artists whose works inform my current style are Phil Hale, James Jean, Dave McKean, and João Ruas. I also draw a lot of inspiration from horror & psychological thriller films; I enjoy the work of directors such as Park Chan-wook, Robert Eggers, Alejandro Jodorowsky, and the Cronenbergs. In my free time, I also enjoy consuming dark media in various forms (film, books, music, manga) all of which help inform my work.

Red Dot Diva: I see your love for the macabre, but mostly with a cutesy spin to it. Do you love visiting actual physical sites that are macabre, like gothic cemeteries and catacombs? Some of these historical sites have beautiful sculptures and art.
OSHred: I have been lucky enough to visit places in Europe and the Middle East (such as France, Germany, Egypt, Turkey, to name a few) where I spent some time observing very old churches and surrounded by very dead things. There is a lot of beautiful architecture out there which take on a frightening air because of time and dust. I think because of the religious nature of these trips, the effect is that some of my artwork has a subtly blasphemous flavour (although when actually visiting, I am always respectful of these sites). That said, the most macabre places I visit are frequently in my own head and in the heads of other people.

Red Dot Diva: Which kind of supernatural creature or monster do you love drawing? And why?
OSHred: My favourite monster to draw is the human being. :) But to answer more seriously, I love drawing vampires (which is basically human-shaped anyway). I read Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles when I was a kid, which I think had an effect on my preferences. A few years ago I was playing a decent amount of Vampire: The Masquerade, so I drew a lot of art of my vampire character, as well as the characters of others. Vampires are easy because if you add a splash of blood to any character, you can basically get away with saying they're a vampire.
Red Dot Diva: I get ya. Vampires are also my thing!

Red Dot Diva: How did you become the cover artist for W0rldtr33 and Source point’s Good Boy? Do you have any tips on how artists can get noticed by publishing companies?
OSHred: I hesitate to give advice on getting hired, because what worked for me might not work for others, and I don't know how applicable the advice will be in a few years considering how fast our industry tends to change. That said, as embarrassing as it may be, don't underestimate the power of networking. I was lucky enough to be noticed by a comic retailer through social media (Instagram specifically), who saw that I was connected with Artgerm and he apparently requested that Stan help establish communication between the two of us. Stan was kind enough to do so, which led to me getting hired for my first variant covers for comic retailers. I like to think it was not one element, but many, that led to me getting hired and continues to help me get hired: I put effort into creating decent quality work with a consistent, recognizable style, as well as maintaining a solid presence on social media and connecting with artists I admire. Maintaining good relationships with current clients also makes them more likely to recommend me to others, and few things are more effective than word of mouth.

Red Dot Diva: Is this the first time participating at Comic conventions in Singapore? Please let us know what can we look forward to, along with your appearance in this year's SGCC.
OSHRed: Yes, this is my first time participating in a comic con in Singapore. I've attended a couple for fun in the past, but it will be my first time tabling. I'll be offering signatures and remarques, dropping off some pre-convention commissions, as well as selling prints of both my original artworks and more popular fanarts. If you are friendly and vaccinated, I might provide hugs (free of charge).

Red Dot Diva: That sounds like a plan! See you soon at the convention!.


You can check out more of OSHred's artwork at her DeviantArt page!

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If you enjoy Red Dot Diva's content, feel free to help her efforts going by showing your support through ko-fi. Thank you!

Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2023 Booth Highlight - This One Is For the D&D Dice Gobbos (Ammybunny / Sambal and Mages)

We are on the final lap toward the mega pop-culture festival of the year! Singapore Comic Convention (SGCC) spans two floors - L1 and B1 - at Sands Expo & Convention Centre (MBS) - again this year. So, there is a lot to see and do for fans young and old on 9 and 10 December 2023.

This also includes die hard Dungeons and Dragons (Dnd) fans. If you are looking for awesome looking dice sets, you can acquire them at Artist Alley and at the Tabletop Arena in B1. Red Dot Diva's pal Edward, who is a DnD player, found a couple of exhibitors who will be bringing in some enticing dice sets. Here's a quick rundown on Ammybunny and homegrown collective, Sambal And Mages.

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Comic conventions are like a mecca for enthusiasts of all things geek, where people of diverse backgrounds and interests come together to celebrate their shared love. It's a place where you can let your inner superhero shine, embrace your inner wizard, or boldly go where no one has gone before. Me? I like my dice.

Though I have all but stopped tabletop gaming and D&D, my insatiable obsession with shiny dice finds me lurking around gaming stores or convention booths, my eyes gleaming with a covetous glint at the sight of glistening dice sets. After all, I still need some for my Magic the Gathering games.

Legend has it that dice goblins have elaborate hoards filled with an eclectic collection of dice, ranging from glittering gem-like D20s to metallic D6s.

Precious materials? YES.
Vibrant, iridescent colours? YES.
How do you find space for more unnecessary dice? YES.

So I went for a quick scout at the wares, and am pleased to report to fellow gobbos my finding.

AMMYBUNNY'S DICE PALS BOOTH [L1-AA19]

Not dice dice but still good. Hard to resist chibi Baldur’s Gate cast with oversized dice but clearly, Astraion should have been nibbling on a D6. Australian-based Ammybunny has dice pet charms and dice pet pillow charms, but will not be bringing them to SGCC. (Very Sad face emoticon).

BGDP will be available as charms ($10) and sticker sheets ($10). Other merch offerings include the very very very inappropriate Ayato Mousepads ($40) and tote bags (see pic below).

Short Q&A with Ammybunny

Ed: If you do not mind sharing, and I'm assuming here, what is your deal (obsession) with dice?
Ammy: I love the unpredictability of them in any RPG. They help make every session fun and memorable!

Ed: What is your ideal seggsy dice?
Ammy: Nicely crafted semi precious stone dice are my fave! I have a set of rose quartz dice that I use for all my DnD sessions.

Ed: Who's your daddy in BG3?
Ammy: I went into the game thinking I would simp for Astarion but fell for the Emperor instead XD


SAMBAL AND MAGES BOOTH [B2-C05]

In the heart of our own community, a group of artisanal dice makers has emerged, crafting gaming treasures, unlike any seen elsewhere. They have appropriately named themselves Sambal And Mages.

I’m in love with the three sets above but they are costly - the washi tape series will set you back $200. They have dice sets that range from $135 to $180, and generally, and we know how things work, the prettier they are, the more expensive they get.

They have yet to announce their SGCC 2023 offerings but don’t expect them to sit around. I bet my last dollar that they will sell out.

If you like some dice jewellery/accessory, check out one of their designs here.



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If you enjoy Red Dot Diva's content, feel free to help her efforts going by showing your support through ko-fi. Thank you!

Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2023 Artist Highlight - Nathelie Yong's Emo Trash & Etc! Is A 90's Pop-Punk Music Fan's Dream Booth

Gosh. This year's Artist Alley at Singapore Comic Convention (SGCC) is giving Red Dot Diva lots of exciting vibes. There is such a wide range of creative talent offering intriguing collectibles and wares. While scrolling through the list of exhibitors, the unusual booth name of Emo Trash & Etc! caught Red Dot Diva's eye. She did some digging and found that it belonged to Malaysian illustrator Nathelie Yong.

Nathelie found her niche designing merchandise of bands of the early 2000's. You know, popular bands of that era like My Chemical Romance, Simple Plan, Paramore and Fall Out Boy. Nathelie got into art when she was very young, and went on to study Illustration as a major at university. Red Dot Diva  admires how Nathelie is able to combine her love for music and her art by putting her own spin to the concepts of band album covers and songs. It is pretty amazing!

Read on for Red Dot Diva's nosy interview with Nathelie Yong:

Red Dot Diva: Hi Nathelie! I couldn't help but notice your illustrations while checking out artist-creators who will be at SGCC. What made you decide to start "Emo Trash & Etc!"?
Nathelie: Hi there! My artwork came from doing fanart for the recent revival of 2000's pop punk music as a way to pass time during the pandemic, and it eventually led on to me turning it into a small venture! I found myself surrounded by music too when I was growing up and combining art and the music I love is something that keeps me going. Since then, I have been setting up my booth at gigs and conventions around Malaysia and Singapore, and hopefully further in the future!

Red Dot Diva: How did you decide on your moniker "Emo Trash & Etc!" ? Tell me more about Emo Nights!
Nathelie: When I first started boothing at conventions under that brand, I realized my booth needed to stand out among others to set myself apart from the anime-centric crowd. With garbage bags, shipping boxes and duct tape lying around the house, I decided to use that to as my set-up as my budget-friendly solution to solving my branding issues. So it's not me deeming my artwork as trash, it's just me finding a way to settle my decor within a budget to fit the theme of my artwork, especially for a genre of music that some closed-minded public considers as "trash" in the early 2000's. After scrawling my shop sign with markers and using it at every event since, the name stuck till today!

Since then, I have boothed for numerous ACG events,festivals and gigs, including the ones thrown by S4D.KL in Malaysia where everyone enjoys emo and pop punk music together. Emo Nights are like a louder, wilder version of karaoke where everyone who loves this same kind of music gathers together and sing-along to our favorite 2000’s music! It’s a perfect opportunity to make friends who like the same genre and sing-along in unison!

Red Dot Diva: What (or who) inspired you to be an artist?
Nathelie: Being raised in an environment where both my parents are artists in their own right, making art wasn’t a foreign concept in my household! I am also exposed to a lot of music from the 2000’s by my older brother, and that in turn led to the influence of a lot of my interests. From there, I drew a lot of band portraits and random doodling of artwork inspired by lyrics from that time. After drawing many things within that subject matter, it made me comfortable with the idea of being an artist, and I guess it sort of shaped me to become who I am today.

Red Dot Diva: Do you work with any local bands? How do you go about collaborating with these bands/musicians, e.g. deciding on the aesthetics that would best suit their merch?
Nathelie: Well, I am in the process of working with some projects with local musicians in Malaysia ! For this one band I am working with currently, they do invite me to watch them record their music. Meeting the people and hearing the stories behind their music lets me gauge what artwork best visualizes their sound! From there I will try to pick up elements that call out to me from their lyrics and try to reference things from their personal stories as much as possible to make their album art and merch. Besides that, I also occasionally provide illustration services to emo event organizers too,. Depending on the theme of the event, I am mostly given total creative freedom to draw based on how I feel about the event at that very moment!

Red Dot Diva: What has been the most interesting critique you have ever received regarding your works?
Nathelie: I think so far, I have gotten a lot of encouragement and support from the public to keep going with what I do! As far as I know, there are not a lot of people doing this in the market. I do enjoy seeing familiar faces come back to support me, and it brings me so much joy when they recommend me to their friends as well! The community has been generally amazing to me and I do cherish everyone’s support for me so far. Oh, and I also get requests to get my designs translated into tattoos at almost every event in the past.

Red Dot Diva: If you were not an artist, what do you think you’d be?
Nathelie: I think being an artist has always been my plan A. Though I did consider journalism as I enjoy writing as well. Being an event coordinator may have been an option too cause I enjoy going from event to event and talking to people!

Red Dot Diva: Do you feel that there is more competition in the artist alley/ art fairs & market spaces these days? What are some tips you can offer with regards to making your art, your booth and wares stand out amongst the rest?
Nathelie: Yes I do, and I think the market will keep on expanding as more and more talented artists will come up to share their artwork as well. I think the best way to navigate this is to be true to yourself and your interests no matter how niche they may seem to be. There will always be someone out there who will enjoy the same things as you and it’s up to us to fill that gap in the market! The best way is to ask yourself what would you really like to see at these events, and go all out to make them with whatever skills and capacity we have, and keep improving yourself! It will always be tempting to do a fandom or character that is most popular at that time period, but here I am completely happy with doing merch of bands that have existed for around 20 years, so you do you!

Red Dot Diva: Is this the first time you are boothing in SGCC? Please let us know what we can look out for at your booth.
Nathelie: Yes, this is my first time! This year, you can expect to see stickers, prints, charms and you can event pre-order band T-shirts from me! I have merch of Bands like My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Green Day and more. With the arrival of the band Fall Out Boy in December as well, I am teaming up with Emo Night SG too to do a free sticker giveaway at my booth, as well as on the day of the concert itself! I am so excited to see everyone at this event, so see you guys there :)


Visit Nathelie Yong's Emo Trash & Etc booth at SGCC's Artist Alley, L1-AA107 to get uniquely designed emo music merch for your collection!


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Singapore Comic Con 2023 (SGCC) - Tickets Are Available Right Now!


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If you enjoy Red Dot Diva's content, feel free to help her efforts going by showing your support through ko-fi. Thank you!

Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2023 Booth Highlight - Hailing All Transformer Fans To Hasbro's Cybertron Fest

A section of this year's Singapore Comic Convention (SGCC) happening on 9 and 10 December 2023 at Sands Expo and Convention Center will become a stomping ground for Transformers fans! Hasbro's Transformers: Cybertron Fest 2023 will be taking up ample space at B2 Hall E for fans to immerse themselves in the world of Transformers.

Seriously, based on the press release, there is just so much Transformers that any Transformers fan would probably die happy hanging out in that festival space for the entire day.

Red Dot Diva's friend Edward gives his tongue in cheek take on what will be happening at Cybertron Fest 2023:

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Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves for the riveting event of the century – Cybertron Fest 2023 at Singapore Comic Con 2023. Get ready to transform your excitement into … something … as we explore the wonders of a festival that attempts to resurrect a franchise single handedly disembowelled by that Bay dude. Yes, that’s looking back at 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014, and 2017.

But I’m digressing.

Come, let’s jump right in to find that inner Autobot in you!

TRANSFORMERS LEGACY TITAN: BECAUSE TITANS ARE TOO MAINSTREAM

First things first, let's talk about the grand reveal of Transformers Legacy Titan. Launching in Fall 2024, it's the hottest topic since the last time anyone cared about Transformers. Be the first to witness it and feel the privilege of being slightly ahead of a trend that peaked in the '80s.

And if you're not content with just glimpsing into the future, grab the Cybertron Fest-exclusive Hasbro Transformers Jan’24 release toy. Because nothing says cutting-edge like a toy that's so advanced, it's from the future – January 2024, to be precise.

DRAGON YEAR ITEM: THOUGH ROBOTS DREAM OF SHEEP, THEY DO NOT WANT TO BE ONE

Clearly, not all animals in the Chinese Zodiac are equal. No self-respecting Autobot or Decepticon is going to transform into a rat or a rabbit or a goat. I’m expecting this to be gloriously awesome enough for fans to eagerly throw money in order to get one. Please do not disappoint.


GEEK OUT ON PAST CROWDFUNDED PROJECTS: BECAUSE NOSTALGIA SELLS

For those with a penchant for nostalgia, marvel at the past crowdfunded Transformers HasLab projects. Behold the War For Cybertron Unicron, Victory Saber, and the latest Deathsaurus. Like, you know, the best way to appreciate Transformers is by looking back at what was cool when cassette tapes were a thing.

And fear not, shopaholics! There are plenty of opportunities to drain your wallets with the latest products available for purchase and pre-orders. Pulse Exclusives, Pulse Con reveals, and stuff showcased at MCM London Comic Con are all up for grabs. Subscribe to Hasbro Pulse Singapore's newsletter for a chance to win the latest crowdfunded HasLab Transformers Deathsaurus project. Because who doesn't want a Deathsaurus project, right? It's not like it's a chair, but it's something!

But wait, there’s more - shop Transformers merchandises and enjoy exciting promotions on-site, including a limited-edition vintage BADGE gift with purchase (limited to the first 100 purchases per day).


9182469815 STUFF TO DO: IT'S A TRAP!

Jesus Christ, they are pulling out all the stops for this. You have to give them A for effort.

* Optimus Prime Meet & Greet
9 December: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
10 December: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm

* More Nostalgia! Special Showcase of archived Transformers comic releases from 1985, as well as Transformers figures from Gen 1, Gen 2, Beast Wars and more!

* “Pose Your Transformers Bot” Photography Workshop - The toy photography experts from Plastic Singapore will be on hand to guide fans with their toy photography stint. Bring your Transformer toy along with you, or loan one for free at the booth to capture your own cinematic toy photos. Then, post your photo on Instagram and tag @HasbroSingapore and hashtag #CybertronFest2023Contest by 10 December 2023, 8pm. Stand a chance to actually win an OSIM uThrone V Gaming Chair worth $1,599!

* Biggest Transformers Fan Showcase - check out a specially curated collection of Transformers collectibles that include rare variations of Optimus Prime and Megatron owned by a group of superfans!

* Painting Workshop - Limited to first 40 participants daily. Session slots at 11am and 3pm, 20 participants per session. Unfortunately, all slots have been taken by now and registration has closed.

* Shop for Transformers licensed products like model kits, action figures, helmets, lifestyle products from licensee partners Agora, Blokees, Kayou, killerbody, Lego, Mighty Jaxx, OSIM, Pop Mart, Robosen, threezero, Vanch, XM Studios, and Yolopark

* Kids Play Zones - free childcare centre; let them spoil other people’s toys. They can also bring back a Transformers Earthspark colouring sheet! YAY!


So, buckle up, folks – it's time to roll out!

For more info on the full booth activities, please visit: https://sg.hasbropulse.com/cybertronfest2023


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Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2023 Artist Highlight - Stay Cool and Cheery With Ven Wong's Adorable Cubemelt

Ever since its debut on social media a few years ago, a web comic featuring a cute, wholesome ice cube named Cubemelt captured the hearts of fans with his optimistic take on life. The foibles of the little ice cube and his friends were later brought to life in an episodic series entitled The Misadventures of CubeMelt. By the way, you can still watch these episodes for free on MeWatch.

Senior Art Director of 7 Productions Peng Ven Wong, is the creator of the loveable Cubemelt. Red Dot Diva thinks it is amazing how Ven is able to construct these relatable story nibblets of Cubemelt's struggles in life that makes you go awwwwww...

Ven will be showcasing Cubemelt to old and new fans at Singapore Comic Convention (SGCC) 2023's Artist Alley, booth L1-AA29. Red Dot Diva had a quick chat with him before the convention kicks off on 9 and 10 December 2023.

Red Dot Diva: Hi Ven! Could you tell us a little about yourself?
Ven: I graduated from Nanyang Polytechnic Digital Media Design. I was the Art Director at Scrawl Studio, an experience that deepened my passion for character design work, which I continue to cherish today. Then in 2013, I started my own venture, offering animation and design services, while also creating my own IP known as CubeMelt.

Red Dot Diva: The art field is so vast and varied. What made you decide to make animation your chosen art field?
Ven: I'm not someone who follows long-term plans; I typically make choices based on my interests. When I decided to choose a course at NYP, I simply went with animation. Since then, I've been consistently giving my best to keep it going because it's my comfort zone.

Red Dot Diva: What inspired you to create Cubemelt? He’s just too adorable!
Ven: Thanks! The inspiration behind CubeMelt comes from 'life is short'. I was sitting in a cafe one day, contemplating the creation of an original character/ IP because I realized I wasn't getting any younger. While sipping my drink, I noticed the ice slowly melting, which sparked the connection to the concept of 'life is short' and 'you only live once' (YOLO). Initially, CubeMelt's story revolved around the comical idea of a character whose life was incredibly short and who couldn't seem to get anything done. I used the element of melting as a subtle representation of death without being too overt.

Red Dot Diva: Being an ice cube, Cubemelt is basically a "simple", straight-lined object. How did you make Cubemelt so loveable?
Ven: Yes, I tried to keep his design as simple as possible. I feel his simple expressions, body language, his limitations and his stories are what make him interesting.

Red Dot Diva: Which animation movie or TV series have "wowed" you in recent times? And why?
Ven: The last animated movie that truly impressed me was Zootopia (Sorry, it's a bit of an old show :p) It's not that I think all other animations are bad; it's just that, for me personally, they didn't quite reach the same level. What I particularly admire about Zootopia is how the concept of the story is intricately tied to the world and character design. In many animations featuring humanoid animal characters, these characters often serve as visual enhancements, and you could easily replace them with humans without changing the core story.

However, with Zootopia, there's simply no other way to tell the story without the characters being animals. It's a testament to the unique and integral role that the animal characters play in the narrative.

Red Dot Diva: What do you think makes an impressive animator?
Ven: When it comes to animators, in my view, a great animator possesses the ability to convey their messages and emotions to the audience, with timing being the crucial element.

Red Dot Diva: What can we expect from your booth at SGCC 2023?
Ven: We're gearing up for the public launch of CubeMelt Art Toy, Plush, and other merchandise, with the aim of attracting and connecting with more fans during this event. Join us at booth L1-AA29 :D

To find out more about Cubemelt, head to the following links:

Website: https://www.cubemelt.io/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cubemelt/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cubemelt
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CubeMeltOfficialChannel
Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Pw2qmEvmPx

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Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2023 Artist Highlight - Collect 'Em All From Pokémon Fanart Illustrators Abz Art and Trainer K

Singapore Comic Convention (SGCC) 2023 is just two weekends away!! There is so many aspects of pop-culture that will be featured at SGCC, of which one of them is the love for Game Freak's/ Nintendo's Pokémon series. In the magical hallways of Artist Alley in SGCC, you will be able to find a number of artists who specialise in Pokémon fan art.

Edward, Red Dot Diva's long time friend from the Glam Bloggers Alliance, spoke to two of such talented illustrators - Abz Art, who is based in Australia, and Trainer K (Kelvin) from Indonesia! Both of them will be looking forward to meet fellow Pokémon fans at the convention, and if you want to collect 'em all, do drop by their booths to check out their wares.

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Gather 'round, trainers of all ages! The time has come to celebrate the magical world of Pokémon at the most electrifying comic convention of the year. Whether you're a long-time fan or just beginning your journey, this event promises to ignite your passion and take you on a Pokémon adventure like never before.

Proudly wear your Pokémon Trainer hat, wield a foam Poké Ball, or trade stories with fellow fans who share your love for these iconic creatures. There will be countless merchandise available within the bustling convention floor, and today, we’ll be looking at the works of Abz Art [B2-AA17] and Trainer K [L1-AA21].

INTERVIEW WITH ABZ ART

Demon Slayer x Pokémon

Ed: What are the unique challenges and rewards of creating such crossover art?
Abz: The challenge lies in making the crossover instantly recognisable. I want fans of either franchise to be able to spot it right away. Therefore I have to make sure there's a good balance on both sides. For the Pokemon x Demon Slayer series, the Pokemon side is obvious, while the Demon Slayer side required me to mostly depend on clothing and aesthetics to get the vibe across. The reward is being able to share it with those who are fans of both, and the interaction and discussions I have with people about them. And of course, the joy I get from immersing two franchises I really enjoy!

Almost like kulit wayang

Ed: Do you have any piece that is particularly meaningful or special for you?
Abz: One of my personal favourite pieces is "Shadow Play", where I have the Kanto starters, Pikachu and Mew gathered around a campfire inside a cave, with their shadows depicting their evolved forms (or in Mew's case, Mewtwo). I did the piece back in 2015, and it was one of the first times I came up with a concept that I was very proud of, and also one of the largest pieces I've done at that time.

Ed: Do you find yourself drawn more to the classic Pokemon or those from newer generations in your artwork? How do you balance nostalgia with the excitement of new Pokemon designs?
Abz: Nostalgia is a very strong emotion for me, so I am naturally more drawn towards the first 3 generations which I grew up with. However I try not to let myself get too wrapped up in that, and allow myself to enjoy the newer Pokemon as well, they've got their own charm that should be appreciated.

Ed: Who would be in your Pokemon team? Mine would be Espurr, Wailord, Ursaluna, Chansey, and Bulbasaur. I may have broken some rule there.
Abz: Rules are meant to be broken haha. My team fluctuates often, but right now I'd say it would be Raichu, Absol, Blaziken, Gengar, Scizor and Pidgeot.

Zombie Pokémons!

Ed: What kind of merch will you be bringing, and what is the price point for them? Would you have any exclusives for Singapore? :3
Abz: I'll be bringing in A3 prints (30 SGD each, with deals available), A5 prints (10 SGD each, deals available) and hopefully large stickers too (around 3 SGD each with deals as well). As for exclusives, I'll be debuting a few new prints at SGCC. Though not confirmed yet, there will be new Uppermoon Pokemon prints as well as Naruto and One Piece prints.


INTERVIEW WITH TRAINER K

Ed: It's Origins time! Every superhero has one; needless to say, a level 26 trainer (it's in your bio!) like yourself must have a pretty tale to tell. How did you get here and why are you only level 26?
Trainer K: Actually, it's simpler than you expect. Level 26 represents my age. I've been a huge fan of Pokemon ever since I was at Level 8, where I first bought Pokemon cards and fell in love with the unique creatures. Since then, I watched the anime on TV, and started playing my first Pokemon game, which was Pokemon Ruby. As someone who loved drawing since I was a kid, I spent my time doodling these creatures on my notebooks. In 2014, I decided to create an Instagram account where I could post my Pokemon drawings. At that time, I was still using coloured pencils, and was highly inspired by another Pokemon artist called Itsbirdy (now known as Supbirdy). 9 years have passed and sometimes I find it hard to believe that I'm still pursuing this path even until now. Every year has been an exciting journey filled with self discoveries and how I can improve myself even further. I started taking commissions, running a huge series called 'Legends Discovered', joining conventions, and many more. I'm sure there are more adventures ahead of me, and I'm super excited to see what's in store in my future. I guess I'll keep on levelling up higher and higher!

Ed: Your Pokemon illustrations are truly captivating and evoke a deep nostalgia, capturing the heart of a Pokemon trainer's journey. Each artwork feels like a new adventure waiting to unfold, and it's clear that you have a deep connection to the world of Pokemon. Your talent for illustrating is extraordinary; it's like a window into the Pokemon universe. In no particular order, I love your Legends Discovered series, the recent Pika Paradise, and the tiny tribute to Arven and Mabostiff You've managed to bring everything to life in a way that transports me to the Pokemon universe and makes me feel like I'm part of the adventure. Which piece has been the most memorable for you and why? I hope there's a beautiful story behind it!
Trainer K: Thank you very much! I always imagine Pokemon being around, and how it would feel to have Pokemon beside me, or even encountering powerful Pokemon. When I started the 'Legends Discovered' series, I knew that this was going to be a big project and would take a very long time to finish. It's a huge commitment to draw all the legendaries and mythicals (there are 90+ at the time of this writing). But I convinced myself to do it and see where it goes, and so it begins. In this series, I wanted to convey the feeling of meeting the legendaries and mythicals of Pokemon world, and exaggerate the size of those legendaries to make the scene even more epic. I'm glad that the series has been well received. The support and kind words of people on this series pushed me to keep going forward and complete this legendary adventure.

I have a couple of favourite pieces throughout my 9 years journey. One of them is the piece I did for Pokemon's 25th Anniversary. As a huge Pokemon fan myself, I would like to create something special to celebrate the silver anniversary of Pokemon. I went in and drew all the protagonists, rivals and starters of 8 Pokemon generations (which I added 9th generation later on). It was a challenge to think of different poses for each character, and to show their different personalities. Combining them all into one huge compilation poster was also very tough.

Another favourite piece of mine is from 'Legends Discovered', which is my Shaymin piece. I really enjoyed the Shaymin movie when I was a kid, and I loved how Shaymin are connected to Gracidea flowers, which is a form of showing gratitude in the Pokemon world. When I created this piece, I would like to convey my gratitude for the support everyone has given me in my journey. I had Shaymin looking up, soaring through the sky in the middle of the beautiful Gracidea flower field, with all those Gracidea petals blown by the wind, as if I had Shaymin bringing the feeling of gratitude to everyone seeing the piece.

Ed: I've asked this of Abz as well. Who would be in your team? After the recent community day in PokemonGo, I'm going to swap out Bulbursaur and put in Clodsire. So now, my invincible team of cuties include Espurr, Ursaluna, Wailord, Clodsire and Chansey.
Trainer K: I have six Pokemon in my main team, which are Vee the Vaporeon, Royale the Serperior, Emerald the Mega Gallade, Ginsei the Shiny Ninetales, Yoghurt the Goodra, and Rayden the Braviary. They are some of my top favourites Pokemon of all time, which are my favourite Starter Pokemon, Mega Evolution, Shiny Pokemon, Pseudo-Legendary, and Bird Pokemon respectively, I introduced them to the page back when I hit 30k, and I've drawn them a couple times in my page milestone celebrations, and now in my page anniversaries.

Ed: What can we expect to get from your booth at SGCC?

Trainer K: I will be bringing in several art prints where you can buy 2 and get 1 free! The Small Prints (A6) are at 1 for $5; Medium Prints (20x25cm) 1 for $10, and Large Prints (30x40cm) 1 for $20. Other goodies that you can get are waterproof vinyl stickers, available as individual die-cut stickers, sticker packs and sticker sheets, (1 for $2.50, 5 for $10) and mystery packs which contains 3 random Postcards, 3 random stickers and 3 random TCGs! (1 for $10, 3 for $25).

There are more surprises to be announced in his Instagram so be on the lookout!


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----------------------------

If you enjoy Red Dot Diva's content, feel free to help her efforts going by showing your support through ko-fi. Thank you!