Meet Rebel Scums and BucketHeads At Star Wars May The 4th Events In Singapore (2024)

May The 4th, also known as STAR WARS DAY, is an annual grassroots driven celebration for STAR WARS fans all over the world. Right here on Red Dot Island, the festivities will be held in a few key spots this year. So, get ready to meet rebel scums and bucketheads at these three locations!


SCIENCE CENTRE SINGAPORE (4 - 5 May 2024)

This year, it's not just about the light side or the dark side. It's all about the Westside!

The primary May The 4th SG event will be part of Singapore Centre Singapore's Sci-Fi Fiesta. Fans can interact and take photos with the local STAR WARS costumed groups, which include the 501st Legion SG, Rebel Legion SG, Kranak Clan - Mandalorian Mercs and The Galactic Academy Hosnian Prime Campus Singapore. That means, you will get to meet a gamut of Star Wars characters like Jawas, stormtroopers, Jedis, Mandalorians and more! The costumed groups' efforts will also be a charity drive, with donations usually benefitting the KKH Health Fund run by KKH Women's and Children's Hospital. This fun opportunity will be held at the Annexe Foyer, and admission is free.

ADDED on 2 May 2024: The May the 4th SG team has released a list of fun activities that you can enjoy this weekend. Take a look at their Facebook post below:



Other Sci-Fi Fiesta activities like building your own space vehicle, are also available for you to take part in. However, these would involve an entrance fee to Singapore Centre Singapore.

GARDENS BY THE BAY (4 - 5 May 2024)

Popular local lightsaber performance group, Fightsaber Singapore, will be putting up their exciting theatrical routines at Gardens By The Bay's Supertree Grove this weekend! Fightsaber Singapore is the only Lucasfilm sanctioned lightsaber performance organisation in Southeast Asia.

You can watch their thrilling performances on 4 May 2024 (Sat) at 8:20 PM, and on 5 May 2024 (Sun) at 7.30PM and 8.20PM.

Red Dot Diva thinks it will be worthwhile to make a family outing to Gardens By The Bay for May the 4th. Here's why.

On the same day, there will be a preview of Gardens By The Bay's new Northern lights spectacle called Borealis at 7:30 PM to 8:15 PM. The light and sound outdoor installation at Supertree Grove is designed by Switzerland-based artist Dan Acher.

Then, when you have choped your place at Supertree Grove, you get to watch Fightsaber's performance. After which, you can treat yourself to the Garden Rhapsody: STAR WARS Edition, lighting up the super trees in glorious fashion at 8:45 PM (Repeats on 5 May 2024, Sunday at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM). If they are using the same sequence as before, Red Dot Diva recalled that the light show experience gives all kinds of feels for any STAR WARS fan, as you sit/ stand there imagining you are right in the forests of Endor. Totally recommended!

WISMA ATRIA (1 to 19 May 2024)

LEGO is having a special STAR WARS DAY pop up event at Wisma Atria mall from 1 to 19 May 2024. The event is also held to celebrate LEGO's Star Wars 25th Anniversary.

To be honest, the kind of STAR WARS characters you would most probably get to see at the much smaller LEGO minifigure versions, but the pop-up event has a few fun things in store too! For one thing, Bothan spies have whispered that there will be LEGO product launches and announcements on May the 4th (Sat).

Besides the product launches, there are statue builds of Stormtroopers and Darth Vader and a LEGO diorama built by Titan Creations. Outside of Wisma Atria, there is a prop of the Emperor Palpatine's throne where you can channel your dark side and take selfies.



Other interesting things happening at the pop-up are:
- transforming yourself to your own LEGO minifigure version at the Create Your Own Poster boot
- joining contests, like guessing the number of LEGO lightsabers at the event space
- snagging freebies, by taking a photo of yourself on the Emperor's throne
- meet and greet with a roving LEGO Darth Vader on 1 May – 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM, and 18 and 19 May – 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM


May The 4th is all about celebrating being a STAR WARS fan. If you are not able to make it for these public events, please do not feel to sad about it. Red Dot Diva encourages that you can unleash your creativity, and organise your own May the 4th party with your friends and family! It is really about having fun and making memories as a STAR WARS fan.

May the Force Be With You.


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Check out Red Dot Diva's fun video filmed while enjoying some of this year's activities for May The 4th, as well as Free Comic Book Day at local comic book store GnB Comics

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May The 4th SG 2022 at Suntec City - We're One With The Force

This year's May the 4th activities landed for 10 days from 7 to 16 May 2022 at the prime trade planet of Planet SuntecVIII.

After a lengthy blockade on trade and travel between certain sectors of the galaxy, it was really good to be able to meet up with various interplanetary allies again. On the 1st day of the Star Wars Day celebration, Red Dot Diva was happily reunited with her geek bro, Jedd and fellow geekstresses Jas and Gwen.

Together, they explored the sights in the various sections of the planet's city, like the impressive display of Star Wars Black Series action figures and LEGO builds at the West Wing. Over in the East Wing, the bustling marketplace offered creative toy photography prints by Plastic SG & Friends, and vibrant paintings by art collective DPLMT. Most of the items were available for sale, with net proceeds going to charity (KHH Health Fund).

It's A Trap! May The 4th Star Wars Day Lands on Suntec City - 7 to 16 May 2022!

On May the 4th, the entire galaxy will be celebrating Star Wars Day. This year, local fans will be eagerly gathering at Suntec City of Planet SuntecVIII, from 7 to 16 May 2022.

Based on intel gathered by her informants, Red Dot Diva found out that the Empire is eager to expand and set up a new base. She spotted a team of intimidating Imperial officers, stormtroopers and Mandalorians scouting Planet SuntecVIII a few weeks ago.

The planet is located at a popular trade route, making it home to several equipment yards and food markets. It also has a constant water supply, which, based on local custom, is a symbol of good fortune. And if one decides to let loose for awhile, there is a number of very alien-friendly cantinas to choose from. No wonder the Imperial officers seemed pleased with their scouting mission.

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:

Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2019: More Guests Announced - Sarah Andersen, Fishball, Donny Cates and Yasmine Putri

The rebranded Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) that will be held Marina Bay Sands' Convention Centre on 7 & 8 December 2019, is ramping up the excitement with an interesting, varied guest list!

So far, the headlining guests include comic book artist fan favourites like Greg Capullo and Jock. The convention will also be welcoming Transformers artist Livio Ramondelli, upcoming artist Creees, illustrators Tara McPherson, Joey Spiotto and Prema-Ja, as well as cosplayers Jin (BehindInfinity) and Astarohime.

This week, SGCC announced a new initiative called "WORK IN PROGRESS (W.I.P.)" for South-East Asian creators. There will be more details on this at the end of this article.

The convention also welcomes even more wonderful guests to the local pop-culture event of the year. They are:


SARAH ANDERSEN

You would most probably have seen Sarah Andersen's quirky webcomic called SARAH'S SCRIBBLES, which features a googley-eyed, introverted girl and her struggles in daily in life. Sarah's observations on the minute details on every day moments like going to a bathroom, the weird things pet cats do, dealing with the summer heat and life's anxieties are spot on.

Sarah Andersen's work of art are also available in books, like HERDING CATS, BIG MUSHY HAPPY LUMP and ADULTHOOD IS A MYTH.

Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2019 - Livio Ramondelli, Joey Spiotto, Creees, Prema-Ja and Cosplayer Jin Join the Guest List

More guests have been announced for major local pop-culture event Singapore Comic Con (SGCC), which is scheduled for 7 & 8 December at Marina Bay Sands' Convention Centre.

Adding to the list of well-known comic book guests announced in the first round, like artists Greg Capullo and Jock, a few more interesting personalities will be joining the convention for a whirlwind weekend of meet and greets, and panels held live on stage.

Here are the latest guest announcements:

LIVIO RAMONDELLI

Livio Ramondelli is best known for his work on IDW's Transformers comics series, where he has done both covers and interior artwork. He is also a long time fan of the Transformers, so will be able to talk shop with fellow fans about the popular Autobots and Decepticons.

His other comic book work include Dark Horse's Star Wars series and Dynamite's Battlestar Galactica comics, as well as Pacific Rim for Legendary comics.

Livio Ramondelli's art style is detailed as well as cinematic, especially in terms of the lighting. So, Red Dot Diva is not surprised to learn that he has also worked on concept art for Victory Hill Productions’ upcoming Transformers Experience in Shanghai, DC Universe Online for Sony/DC Comics.

Gamestart Asia 2018 - 5 Cool Things To Look Out For!

This weekend's Gamestart Asia 2018, South East Asia's premiere gaming convention, will be levelling up on a few areas.

There is an increased focus on industry related events with the launch of its Masterclasses on game art and design held in the last couple of days, which were led by experts Jacqueline Jocson and Carlo Arellano. During the convention itself, Gamestart Asia will also be holding workshops relating to building your own retro arcade machine and creating fun animations. These sessions are provided in collaboration with video production company, No Average Joe.

In addition, the arena of e-sports remains the major highlight, with the SEA Major 2018 hosting tournaments for 10 games, where international professional e-sports athletes will be competing for a prize pool of USD 50,000. Fans can get to watch their e-sports heroes in action, like Japan's Daigo Umehara, top female Tekken 7 player Tokido, home boy Ho Kun Xian and reknown multi-game champion Justin Wong.

Founder's Base will be back as well. This is where you can find the cutest, wierdest, quirkiest indie games built by local developers. Visit the area, try out the games there and vote for your favourite game at the Indie Awards. You will stand a chance to win a Wacom Intuos S BT tablet!!

Tabletop gamers will be happy to know that they are tons of opportunities to play their favourite games or try new ones. There are also cool prizes for grabs at The Gauntlet, where fans can show off their skills in a variety of games.

In addition, fans can shop at the the Doujin Market, and admire the awesome costumes at the Cosplay Runway. There is so many exciting things happening on both days, but if you are a casual gamer and are more interested in pop-culture/ entertainment, here is Red Dot Diva's pick of the Top 5 Cool Things to Look Out For at Gamestart Asia!

1. Meet Elise Zhang - Voice of Overwatch's Mei

The lovable voice actor from China will be at the convention meeting fans of the immensely popular game Overwatch during these times at the Gamestart Booth:

13 Oct - 3 to 4 PM
14 Oct - 1 to 2 PM

Photo prints are available at the Gamestart Booth as well. These cost $30 each. Limited meet and greet tickets are at $35 each, and you can bring 1 item for Elise to autograph.

Also, don't miss catching Elise on the main stage at 5:30 PM on 14 October.

Gamestart Asia 2018 - Elise Zhang, Overwatch Voice Actor Announced as Guest

Missing your favourite gaming convention in South-East Asia? Then, get ready to gather your friends together for Gamestart Asia!  The show is returning to Suntec City Convention Halls 401, 402 and 403 on 13 and 14 October 2018.

Just announced by the organizers today, Red Dot Diva is delighted to spread the word that The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia will be exhibition at the convention for the first time! Look out for more news on how their involvement will be at this year's show.

This piece of news is going to get Overwatch fans excited. Chinese talent Elise Zhang, voice of Mei in both English and Mandarin versions of the game, will be a guest Gamestart Asia! She also voiced Symmetra in the Mandarin version of Overwatch. Other voice work she has done includes "Power Puff Girls", "We Bare Bears" and "Lego NEXO KNIGHTS".

The other usual content that Gamestart Asia is well known for, will also be featured at the show. These include tabletop gaming, previews of games, e-sports, indie and retro games, as well as cosplay! Check out some of the highlights below:

STGCC 2018 Recap - Diva Reviews the Good and The Bad of This Year's Convention

The Singapore Toy Game and Comic Convention (STGCC) 2018 wrapped up its 11th year last weekend, and despite Red Dot Diva's misgivings before the show, she did manage to have quite a lot of fun at the show.

It was much more low-key than previous years, and there are a few reasons for that, like late announcement of guests, high ticket prices and a lack of new show ideas, but Red Dot Diva will get to more of that later in this article.

After taking some days getting over the STGCC hangover, and speaking to other geeks about what they thought of the show, here's a general recap of the good, the bad -- and some ideas on a way forward to a more vibrant convention.


THE GOOD:

Movie/ TV presence via Sony Pictures SG and HBO Asia
It seems that Reed is finally getting the idea that fans absolutely LOVE being part of their favourite movies and TV shows. So, having Sony Pictures SG set up a two-booth event promoting their upcoming movies, "Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse" and "Venom" at the showfloor, was a superb idea.

People could watch the trailers, take photos with cosplayers, or with props...

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A post shared by Red Dot Diva (@reddotdiva) on Sep 8, 2018 at 5:44pm PDT

Warner TV Escape Room Challenge Is Back at Centrepoint, 3 to 9 September

The Warner TV Escape Room Challenge is back!!!

From 3 to 9 September, the escape room based on the channel's TV series - "The Big Bang Theory", "Gotham" and "Lethal Weapon" is all set for fans to participate and solve. Compared to last year's challenge, the game plays have levelled up as well

Here are different game room levels:

Escape Room 1 - Difficulty Level 1 - The Big Bang Theory
Help Sheldon Cooper locate his missing comic books!

Escape Room 2 - Difficulty Level 2 - Lethal Weapon
Deactivate the bomb before it hurts hundreds of innocent lives in the Central District!

Escape Room 3 - Difficulty Level 3 - Gotham
Escape Gotham City Police Department’s jail cells with your fellow cell mates!

Gamestart Asia and Anime Festival Asia Form Alliance To Build More Awesome Content in Asia

Fans who enjoy gaming and anime are in for a treat this year and beyond.

SOZO, the organizer of Anime Festival Asia (AFA), Red Dot Island's largest Japanese pop-culture event, has joined hands with Eliphant, the owners of Gamestart Asia. The two companies intend to use their newly formed alliance to power up on more gaming, anime and cosplay content in both of their shows held within the region. They have even moved to a new office premise together in order to consolidate their efforts.

As previously reported, Gamestart will be expanding their show to Indonesia this year. Dates have not yet been announced for the new show.

As for AFA, there will be plans to add more gaming activities and content in their events. 2018 is also AFA's 10th anniversary for the Red Dot Island show, so there is definitely are going to be a host of celebratory activities happeing at the convention!

“Southeast Asia emerges as one of the fastest growing markets for gaming and content, we recognised that both AFA and GameStart audiences have diverse interests in both gaming and anime. With our partnership, we hope to work closely to bring even more exhilarating content and holistic experiences to both fanbases across the regions,” said Shawn Chin, Managing Director of SOZO and founder of Anime Festival Asia.

“We are extremely excited to be able to bring our event to various regions, with the support of our partners. We are determined to support the regional gaming industry, especially in esports and game development. We are positive that our partnership will provide more events and enable us to bring awesome content to both gamers and anime fans,” said Elicia Lee, founder of GameStart Asia and CEO of Eliphant Pte Ltd.

It is not too early to start working on your cosplays, and saving money to attend both Gamestart Asia and AFA later this year. Also, remember to keep a look out for more exciting announcements about their calendar of events on both events' official channels in the coming weeks!

Gamestart Asia 2017 Version 4 Returns on 14 and 15 October 2017

Gamestart Asia, the 2-day convention aimed at gaming fans, will be returning to Suntec Convention Centre on 14 and 15 October 2017.

In version 4 of the premiere gaming convention, the event has taken up an even bigger space amounting to about 6,000 square metres, with two new sections - The Gamestart TableTop for all card/ board games like Dungeon and Dragons, and The Drinkery. Red Dot Diva likes the sound of the The Drinkery, which is plugged as a cyber-punk themed lounge space, where food and drinks are available for hungry, thirsty gamers and attendees. Oooh. Red Dot Diva wonders if the servers will be in cyber-punk wear too?

So, what else can folks expect from Gamestart Asia version 4?

STGCC 2017: Diva's Interview with Hunky Professional Cosplayer, Leon Chiro

When professional cosplayer Leon Chiro was announced as a guest of STGCC 2017, a collective wave of squeals and happy sighs rippled through the local geek and cosplay communities.

Who can blame them? After all, the Italian cosplayer does realistic performances of gaming and pop-culture characters, is absolutely shredded (Yum!), interacts constantly with his fans, and has a cheeky sense of humour to boot!

Leon Chiro's detailed and convincing cosplays have caught the eyes of many AAA gaming companies, and they have hired him as official cosplayers for their promotional activities and events. These companies include Ubisoft ("Assassin's Creed" / "Watch Dogs"), Square Enix ("Gladiolus - Final Fantasy XV" - a huge fan favourite!), Capcom (honorary mention for his Dante) and many more.

For the "Assassin's Creed" movie, Leon go to put on the mantel of Aguilar de Nerha and worked with 20th Century Fox on the film's promotional campaign, stunt work and official European launch events.



What attracted Red Dot Diva to Leon's cosplays were his confident, very true-to-life takes on characters, like Gaston from Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" and his playful spins to existing personas, for instance, Baywatch Gladio. He even does a spot-on Leon version of Saltbae!

Leon Chiro is so popular in the gaming and cosplaying community that he gets invited to attend several conventions around the world - about 3 to 4 shows a month! In many of these events, he is asked to judge cosplay competitions as well, and at STGCC, Leon will be one of the judges for the Championship of Cosplay 2017!

Before he steps foot on our sunny island, Red Dot Diva got hold (mmm mmm) of Leon to ask him some nosy questions:

Diva Visited GnB Comic's Spanking New Place for Halloween Comics Fest!

Yesterday (29 October 2016), Red Dot Diva visited GnB Comic's spankin' brand new shop at Kitchener Complex for Halloween Comics Fest!

Halloween Comics Fest is an annual worldwide event when free horror comic books are given out to fans of all ages at participating stores. This was also Red Dot Diva's first time attending the celebration.

One of the few comics bookstores existing in Red Dot Island, GnB Comics has been operating at Rochor Centre for several years. Unfortunately, the blocks of old but colourful apartments and shops were marked for demolition, and as that time drew nearer, fans and members of GnB were getting twitchy wondering if the shop will carry on at another site or close its shutters for good.

Then, in late September, a surprise announcement was made on GnB Comics' mobile app. The comic book store has found a new home at Kitchener Complex, which is just a hop and a skip away from Lavender MRT Station! Woohoo!

Gamestart Asia 2016: The Gaming Scene Got Even Bigger and Louder!

The Microsoft X-Box booth (Pic Credit: Gamestart Asia)

The third edition of Gamestart Asia, the region's premiere gaming convention, wrapped up last Sunday after a rousing 3-day run.

The organizers reported that over 20,000 gaming enthusiasts and fans made their way to the show, where they could immerse themselves in the gaming world by trying out new titles, watching e-sports and participate in quirky events, like SecretLab's chair race!

Secret Lab's chair race, with mascot Alyse 3.0 (Pic Credit: Gamestart Asia)

Adding colour to the event were the several cosplayers who wandered around the hall in their skillfully crafted costumes, of course.

Cosplay competition (Pic Credit: Gamestart Asia)

It was unfortunate that Red Dot Diva was not able to take in the Gamestart action because she was overseas at the time. However, Andre aka Million Dollar Smile and the rest of the Glam Bloggers Alliance was at at the event to check out the various games and booths.

Here's Andre's photo blog of the event (with some additional boosters from Toys-etc's Ed!)

After 2 very successful events, Gamestart Asia was back for its third year. Some of the highlights for this year’s events were the first appearance of the Microsoft’s Xbox booth where recent and upcoming releases like Gears of War 4, Forza Horizon 3 and Final Fantasy XV were showcased, and the South East Asia Major (“SEAM”), the Southeast Asia's first and largest console tournament, which will pit Asia’s very best against one another.

So what else happened at Gamestart Asia 2016?

Check out the quick photo post of what went down on the day I was there.

Gamestart Asia 2016: Get Ready To Blast Off at Suntec Convention Centre, 7 - 9 October 2016

Gamestart Asia, the biggest gaming convention in South-East Asia, is all set to blast off their third edition at Suntec Convention Centre, 7 to 9 October 2016.

The show mascot Alyse has also levelled up to 3.0, all geared up in a more kickass-armour and weaponry, thanks to Kinetiquettes and Xmashed Gear. Love the new Alyse and want to bring her home? You can do that by getting hold of the beautiful custom ¼ scale statue of Alyse, crafted by the talented Kinetiquettes team. There are even LED Light-up Features in the statues! Check them out here.

Red Dot Diva attended Gamestart Asia for the first time last year. Even though she wasn't a gamer, she had a fun time trying out a Sony Playstation VR game and checking out "uniquely Singapore" mobile app games like the KAN-CHEONG! Kopitiam Saga. She also became a X-Wing fighter for awhile playing a few minutes of Star Wars Battlefront. The best experience though was hitting targets inside the Star Wars Battlepod. She lined up to get her adrenaline rush of two rounds of that immersive and thrilling game!

May The Fourth 2016: A Heartfelt Fan Celebration of All Things Star Wars

The gathering was not held on May the Fourth itself, since that will be a working Wednesday, and Red Dot Island fans are practical folks who do need to clock into their day jobs.

However, the May the Fourth event that kicked off earlier today at OCBC Square, Singapore Sports Hub, was a good way to get your Star Wars fix. At least until the next Resistance.

A photo posted by Red Dot Diva (@reddotdiva) on Apr 29, 2016 at 11:26pm PDT

May The Fourth 2016: Join the Local Geekdom for Star Wars Day, 30 April & 1 May 2016

Calling all Star Wars fans in Red Dot Island!

Join the local geekdom in an early early May the Fourth celebration of all things Star Wars this weekend. Organized by fans, the event is held on 30 April and 1 May at OCBC Square, Singapore Sports Hub, 11 AM to 8 PM.

For this year's May the Fourth or Star Wars Day, the list of activities include the largest display of Star Wars toys here, a show consisting of artist fan art, commissioned artworks as well as character sketches by the Band of Doodlers, Jashorn Lee and Rachta Lin, as well as exciting lightsaber performances + workshops on stage by FightSaber. Of course, there will also be appearances and photo opportunities with your favourite Star Wars characters, courtesy of 501st Legion Singapore Garrison and Cathar Outpost - Rebel Legion.

What's new this year is a panel with Lucasfilm Singapore artists who have worked on the most recent movie "Star Wars: The Force Awakens". Red Dot Diva thinks this is definitely worth attending for those who are interested to know more about the magic that happens behind the scenes.

Wizards and Muggles Descend on Kinokuniya For Harry Potter Gathering

Everyone should know this by now: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not just for kids.

For one thing, many of the young 'uns are now already grown up and still retain their love for the best-selling book series by J.K. Rowling. And for another, many many adults are seriously into the Harry Potter universe right from the beginning!

Red Dot Diva readily admits she is one of these "older kids".

Yesterday afternoon, Kinokuniya held a Harry Potter Party where there was story-telling and fun activities related to the books. Red Dot Diva's friend and "older kid" Jas swooped in on her broom to the bash, and she conjured up this report of all the wizardy that transpired that day!

Gamestart Asia 2015: Where Diva Explored The World of Gaming

Gamestart Asia 2015 kicked-off with a bang yesterday at Suntec Convention Centre.

There was a grand official ribbon-cutting ceremony by special guests and an industry/ business conference.

The gaming convention occupied 2 halls this year, which offered far more space for fans to wander and try out the gamut of titles available.

Red Dot Diva (together with Ed from Toys-etc and Andre the Red Dot Dude) was at the Media Preview yesterday and from the looks of it, this year's convention had definite buzz to it.