Enter The Upside Down At The Stranger Things - The Encounter At Bugis+ Mall (30 June to 1 August 2023)

The supernatural world of Stranger Things, Netflix's popular horror series with an 80's vibe, will manifest on the 7th floor of Bugis+ from 30 June to 1 August 2023. The immersive retail experience called STRANGER THINGS - THE ENCOUNTER is a partnership between Netflix and designer toys and collectibles studio Mighty Jaxx.

Get your 80s' gear ready, and pretend you are Eleven or Mike. Then, gather your gang to take down the dangerous creatures all set to destroy your entire world. You might even want to call upon the Hellfire Club (Red Dot Diva salutes to her fave character, Eddie *sob*) as backup. You will need help, especially when the evil Vecna has plans for world domination.

What you can expect at STRANGER THINGS - THE ENCOUNTER? Check out the list below:

Diva's Interview With Artist Sean Lam - Geungsi Is About Human Emotion and Subconsciousness

After decades of working in various high profile projects overseas like the two-part graphic novel adaption of New York Times bestselling Larry Niven's sci-fi novel RINGWORLD, and the mega 40-page manga IT TAKES A WIZARD by Thomas R. Hart, local artist Sean Lam has been returning back to his roots. His self-published graphic novel GEUNGSI Vol 1: Geungsi in the House was launched recently during the National Library Board's annual Night at the Library event, together with an art exhibition that showcased the creative evolution of the comic.

GEUNGSI (the Cantonese pronunciation of jiangshi, the vampire from Chinese lore) is a horror fantasy tale about Meng, an energetic HK slayer who moves to Singapore, and meets Shaun, a young salaryman. Bad news for Shaun though. He has been turned into a geungsi by a mystery woman named Alice. Can Meng and Shaun be friends? Or will they end up as frenemies and end up fighting the unexpected dangers of the underworld? If you are interested in checking out this new horror comic based in the streets of Singapore, GEUNGSI is already available at several local bookstores, including GnB Comics, Kinokuniya and Basheer Graphics Books.

To find out more about Sean Lam's thought process in creating GEUNGSI, Red Dot Diva got in touch with him for a short interview.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife Oozes Nostalgia But Needs A Fresher Take

Gen X-ers have been getting lots of attention from Hollywood studios these days as popular franchises of the golden era keep coming back to the screen. Star Wars, Star Trek, Scream, Jumanji, He-Man, The Muppets, The Karate Kid, Indiana Jones... you name it, they have it. And if not, they are probably already planning on it. There are the reboots, the re-imaginings, the tributes and the sequels, all in an attempt to drown the ‘forgotten generation’ (of which Red Dot Diva is a proud member), with a flood of nostalgia.

In that aspect, GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE is not short on the feel-good nostalgia, as Jason Reitman, son of “Ghostbusters” director Ivan Reitman, pulled out all the stops to win the hearts of the original fans. The 2016 all-female Ghostbusters remake by Paul Feig created a lot of backlash that consisted of mostly racist and sexist complaints. Red Dot Diva liked the 2016 movie, and it was empowering to watch the cast of wonderful comedians kicking ass as women ghostbusters. Unfortunately, it goes to prove that society is still not ready to accept when a script is gender-flipped.

There are no such thorny issues with GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE. The sequel is likeable, family friendly and provides a great starting point for new fans of the franchise.

Folklore Season 2 Ups The Scare Factor With More Asian Horror Stories

FOLKLORE Season 1 (2018), HBO Asia's original anthology series consisting of horror stories from Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, was a success in the international film festival circuit. Award-winning film-maker Eric Khoo is the creator and showrunner of the series, and various episodes were screened in major festivals like Toronto International Film Festival, Tokyo International Film Festival, Geneva International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest (Texas, USA) and Asian World Film Fest (California, USA).

The best thing about FOLKLORE Season 1 was how novel it was. Compared to East Asian lore, South-East Asian stories are rarely known internationally. FOLKLORE managed to lovingly capture the essence of some of South-East Asia's favourite momoks (phantoms/ bogeymen) with a high production values.

There are a couple of stories in the first season that are still visually ingrained in Red Dot Diva's mind. They are POB, the brilliantly filmed black and white Thai ghost story by reknown director Pen-Ek Ratanaruang, and the more traditional and partially socio-political tale of the TOYOL by Malaysian director Ho Yuhang. That just shows how creepy and memorable Asian horror can be compared to the Westernised ones, which tend to over-explain the supernatural.

Well, come 14 November 2021, horror fans can expect more scares as FOLKLORE is set to increase the fear factor for a second season. There will be six new episodes about the human condition when faced with the deeply rooted superstitions and myths in Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia and Singapore. Each of the stories is helmed by a director from their respective territory, with a special spotlight on two female directors this new season. Famous Japanese popstar Seiko Matsuda makes her directorial debut in the episode about a lonely Japanese idol, and Singaporean director Nicole Midori Woodford unveils the roots of a family trauma.

HBO Asia's "Folklore" Horror Anthology Set To Give You Sleepless Nights, Premieres 7 Oct, 10 PM

October is the best season for a nice, spine-chilling scarefest, and HBO Asia will be rewarding horror fans with a 6-episode anthology called "Folklore".

Created by award-winning local director Eric Khoo, "Folklore" is a HBO Asia Original series that brings a modern or updated twist to the classic ghoulies and myths that Asians will be familiar with. The team of directors, specially requested by Eric Khoo to be part of the project, spin creepy tales that possess their own home countries' brand of horror.

Each story will be told in the local language that the episode is based on, and will also provide insights of the social issues that exist in that country.

Six episodes will air each Sunday exclusively on HBO (StarHub TV Ch 601), beginning from 7 October, 10 PM. They will also be available on HBO Go and HBO On Demand (StarHub TV Ch 602).

Non-subscribers of HBO will be able to watch the first episode "Folklore: A Mother's Love" via streaming on HBO GO for free, from 10 PM on October 7.




Here are the synopsis of the 6 episodes:

STGCC 2016: Booth Highlight - Diva Speaks to Indian Artist Vivek Goel, Founder of Holy Cow Entertainment

Red Dot Diva finds it exciting when foreign comic book publishers decide to exhibit their wares in Red Dot Island. When she found out that Vivek Goel , one of the first time exhibitors at STGCC 2016, was linked to an Indian publishing company called Holy Cow Entertainment, and she began look up for their books on the Internet.

Oh, and what a treasure trove that was!!

Most of the residents of Red Dot Island are not totally unfamiliar with the vivid colour, smells and stories of the Indian people, as they have been part of our history and racial landscape for centuries. However, what the locals see or hear relating to the Indian culture is only the tip of the iceberg.

So, to see how Vivek Goel, the founder of Holy Cow Entertainment, take core Indian-centric tales and reach out to modern readers in this digital age, is a wondrous and beautiful to behold. The sample pages of their books on the publishing house's social media are filled with dynamic story panels and staggeringly beautiful art, not unlike those who might see on the structures of the Hindu temples dotting Red Dot Island.

Red Dot Diva had a highly enlightening interview with Vivek Goel, to find out more about his journey in the comic books medium, his company and their publications.

HBO Asia's Jakarta-based Supernatural Thriller "Halfworlds" To Premiere on 29 November 2015

Cable channel HBO Asia has been busy these past few years!

Their latest Asian-based production, "Halfworlds" is set for a premiere date on 29 November 2015.

"Halfworlds" is HBO Asia's fourth production and Red Dot Diva really appreciates their constant effort to create as well as develop stories that are recognizably Asian but are also set to appeal to a wider audience. For those who have not caught up with HBO Asia's recent works, their first original title was "Dead Mine" in 2012, followed by their first prime-time series "Serangoon Road" and a four-part horror mini series "Grace".

An eight-episode supernatural thriller set in the dark and mysterious alleys of Jakarta, "Halfworlds" is about the Demits - a host of demons huddled in a covert society, who have lived among humans for centuries. When Sarah, a street artist uncovers the secret and tips the balance, a chain of events sets off, leading to a clash between the two sides. 

Armageddon Expo Wellington 2014: Chilly Weather but with Hot Guests from "Arrow" and "Supernatural"!

While the international media tends to focus on large comic conventions in the USA, like San Diego Comic-Con and New York Comic Con, discerning fans are already be aware of how the pop-culture convention scene is heating up in the Southern Hemisphere.

Recently, popular celebrities like Shawn Ashmore, Aaron Ashmore, Benedict Cumberbatch, Kristian Nairn and Jason Dohring have appeared as guests in conventions held in various Australian cities. And even in New Zealand, a few of the cast from TV series "Arrow" met with their fans at the Armageddon Expo shows in Hamilton and Wellington recently in May/ June 2014.

And all these without the hair-tearing angst of SDCC Hall H + Ballroom 20 campouts!

Red Dot Diva's Kiwi pal, Felicia Elliot, was on hand to take in all the bicepstuous activities when she attended a Armageddon Expo event for the first time. Even though this report is a few months late, Red Dot Diva is certain that "Arrow" fans and celebrity hunters would still love to read Felicia's firsthand account of her celebrity encounters.

SDCC 2014: Diva's Top 5 Squee-tastic Famous People Moments

It is pretty obvious by now that it doesn't take very much for Red Dot Diva to Squee. In her opinion, there's simply no shame in being a multi-lusting fangirl. So long one doesn't get too creepy or abusive. Those types of behaviour are by far a big no-no. In fact, being a successful fan-person takes a lot of skills.

Pop-culture conventions are great places for collecting and having Squees. The blotting out of geographical barriers between well-known personalities and their fans (and sometimes press folks) creates many giddy celebrity moments.

From the planned to the serendipitous, here's a list of Red Dot Diva's Top 5 Squee-tastic Moments at Comic-Con 2014 (not in order of highest to lowest Squees):

SDCC 2014: Daniel Radcliffe, Alejandra Aja and Joe Hill Will Be Showing Off their "HORNS"!

This piece of very interesting San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) news came trickling into Red Dot Diva's mailbox earlier this morning.

The movie "Horns" will be promoted at the convention!

The movie is adapted from Joe Hill's (yes, he's the son of horrormeister Stephen King!) 2010 dark-fantasy novel of the same name. The book and movie unravels the tale about a guy called Ig Perrish, who woke up with horns suddenly growing on his head and wielding unexpected powers after his girlfriend's mysterious rape and murder.

"Horns", which was directed by Alejandre Aja ("The Hills Have Eyes", "Piranha 3D") with screenplay by Keith Bunin, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last year. 

What's most intriguing about the film adaptation was finding out that Daniel Radcliffe is in the lead role as Ig Perrish. The young actor seems determined to head in a different and darker direction from his Harry Potter days! The movie also stars Juno Temple, James Remar and Heather Graham.

SDCC 2013: Catching Up with "Devil Inside" WebComic Creators Todd Stashwick and Dennis Calero!

Demons, a cannibalistic-fanboy, a Philistine giant with an infamous name and why not, the Devil himself.

Put them altogether and what you get is a free action-horror webcomic called "Devil Inside".

The good vs evil drama that come in full technicolour is the result from the vibrant imaginations of actor Todd Stashwick ("The Riches", "Heroes", "Revolution", "Supernatural", "Justified") and comic book artist, he-with-the-awesome-hair Dennis Calero ("X-Men Noir", Stephen King's "The Little Green God of Agony", digital "Legends of the Dark Knight: Riddler in the Dark" with writer Charles Soule).

FCBD 2013: Writer Adam Glass Vs The Local Geekdom!

It Was An Epic Friday Geek Smackdown at Kinokuniya this past Friday, 3 May! *HRumPf!*

The Adam Glass versus Red Dot Island Fans Showdown (otherwise known as "Meet The Writer") began promptly at 7.30pm. The event was an early celebration for this year's Free Comic Book Day (FCBD), and it certainly set the mood right for the next day's festivities.

Accompanied by his beautiful wife Mia, Adam Glass - writer of CW's cult TV series "Supernatural" and a few comic titles, including DC's New 52 "Suicide Squad" - bravely took his position at Kinokuniya's Crossroads to face his fans.

One has to wonder: if "Supernatural" is already considered a cult series State-side, how "big" would the audience in tiny Red Dot Island be?

Before the event, Red Dot Diva tested for fans response on Twitter, but there was only a trickle of tweets from local folks mentioning about Adam Glass' session. So, it was thougt that ... probablyyyyyyyyy..... maybeeee.. only a handful of fans of the series might turn up at Kinokuniya. On a Friday night, no less.

FCBD 2013: "Supernatural" and "Suicide Squad" Fans - Meet Adam Glass in Singapore!

It's not too often that a writer of a popular TV series or comic or novel visits our Red Dot Island.

But this Friday 3rd May, as part of Kinokuniya's FCBD and "Meet The Writer" program, local fans will get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet someone who is both a comic book writer (DC's "Suicide Squad"/ Marvel's "Deadpool: Suicide Kings") and a staff writer on CW's  long-running TV series called “Supernatural” -  a drama show about two brothers (and other very bromance-y characters) who kick-butt in heaven, hell and everywhere in between.

Yep, you got it. The guest of the evening will be Adam Glass!

Red Dot Diva managed to catch hold of Adam earlier this week before he bravely endured a super-long flight here to say hello to local fans. What transpired was the fastest interview Red Dot Diva has ever done online: a Q-and-A quick-draw carried out on Twitter .

FCBD 2013: So What Will Be Happening On 4th May?

This year's Free Comic Book Day (FCBD), which falls on 4 May, seems to be more muted than last year.

Well, for one thing, Harris Planerds - hailed as the bookstore for geeks - closed its doors late last year. And there have been no early excited hints of well-known comic guests making appearances at stores like GnB or Invasion. YET.

That leaves Kinokuniya - the only other bookstore chain with a geek-worthy stock of graphic novels - to create some hype for FCBD. From the details released in Kinokuniya's April e-newsletter, one would have noted that they were the first to promote any kind of the local FCBD events at all!

The details of two FCBD related events held at Kinokuniya's main store at Ngee Ann City are:

Some Supernatural Spoilers From Comic Con

After the “Smallville” panel, the crowd moved about trying to find new seats.

A woman from the backstage crew came out holding the name cards for the “Supernatural” panel. Now up until the point, the only people who were confirmed as panel members were executive producers Sara Gamble and Ben Edlund.

Knowing everyone was watching her, she placed the cards for the producers, and then stood at the empty spots waiting to place the cards for the cast. All eyes were on her, as she slooooowly placed the card for Jensen Ackles. Followed by Jared Padalecki, Jim Beaver and lastly Misha Collins!

Meeting Mark Sheppard at Comic Con

Mark with talkative fan

I met Mark Sheppard!!!

I don’t know who you are, but if you own a television set you would have seen Mark Sheppard. He was Romo Lampkin (Baltar’s attorney) on "Battlestar Galactica", the Ring Director in "Chuck", Ivan Erwich on "24", and Crowley on "Supernatural". He also made appearances in "Warehouse 13", "Firefly", "Medium" and more. Of interest to me, he plays Sterling – the team’s recurring nemesis – on "Leverage", which had me wishing for a surprise appearance at the panel but no dice.

No worries, though, because I went to see him on Friday. I thought he was going to be signing from 2 p.m. to whatever time, but he was actually around from 10 a.m. to 2:30. When I got to his booth, he was cleaning up the space (I thought he was setting up) and his 11-12 year old son was waiting around for him. There was this older guy standing there chatting him up. There was still a line for him, even though he was trying to get away, and I stood at the end of the line patiently awaiting my turn.