The Comic Embassy - An Interview With Local Sketch Artist Collin Yap

The comic book scene in Red Dot Island may be small, but dig deeper and you will discover a surprisingly long list of local writers and artists. To offer a spotlight to emerging and established local comic book artists as well as student groups, a new local artist communal space called The Comic Embassy is currently being set up at Tekka Place. More details about the site, its founders and the upcoming programme are coming soon.

The Comic Embassy will host two artist ambassadors each month. For June, one of these ambassadors is Collin Yap, who by the way, is a full-time tennis coach by profession! Though not formally trained, Collin has been taking notes from the masters of the industry. He also credits having a good mentor who challenges him to constantly improve himself. That mentor is local freelance creative director / artist/ art educator James Leong, who will be making his appearance together with Collin as the other artist ambassador.

To get to know Collin even better, Red Dot Diva lobbed some nosy questions to him. Check out the Q&A below:

Doom Patrol Season 3 Is Staying Weird And Fun - Now on HBO Go!

One of DC's strangest superhero groups, the DOOM PATROL, is back on HBO with a brand new season.

The first 3 episodes of Season 3 have been released on 23 September on HBO Go, the media company's streaming platform in Asia. There is a lot to unpack as the metahuman misifts consisting of Elasti-Woman aka Rita Farr (April Bowby), Negative Man aka Larry Trainor (Matt Bomer), Cliff Steele (Brendan Fraser), Crazy Jane (Diane Guerrero) and Cyborg aka Victor Stone (Joivan Wade), deal with their personal trauma as well as unexpected strangers who have crossed their paths.

DC Fandome 2021 Returns On 17 October With Sneak Peeks of The Batman and Black Adam

DC Fandome is back again this year! The live global fan extravaganza will happen for one day only on 17 October, Sunday in the Asian region (i.e. 16 October, Sat, USA time). Just like last year, the streaming event is free for all fans to attend.

All you need to do is to suit up and enter into the DC multiverse at DCFanDome.com. The landing page for the event is already up, so you can sign up for a login right now to receive the latest news and updates. DC fans who will be entering DC FanDome for the first time this year can also check out the wonderful video highlights of last year's event on the website.

What will be in store for this year's DC FanDome?

DC FanDome Part 2 Held on 13 September; HBO Asia and Warner TV Asia Go Into DC Superhero Mode

It's only a few hours to the launch of DC FanDome, the global virtual event entirely about DC Comics and characters from the DC Universe, put together just for the fans. Red Dot Diva is definitely camping out on her iMac, lapping up the exclusive reveals while trying to stay awake via caffeine pumping.

Because the initial schedule had so many panels and sessions which will be running simultaneously, fans had found it hard to choose which ones they wanted to attend. So, to cater to the fans' needs, DC FanDome is now expanded to two separate events. The panels previously announced in the other “Verses” like WatchVerse and KidsVerse, have now been postponed to the second event.

The original event on 23 August (Sunday) has been renamed as DC FanDome: Hall of Heroes with a more streamlined schedule. The live segment will begin at 1 AM (Singapore Time) for 8 hours, kicking off with its first panel on WONDER WOMAN 1984, followed by others for The Sandman Universe, THE BATMAN, THE SUICIDE SQUAD and THE SNYDER CUT of JUSTICE LEAGUE, alongside exclusive programming on comics, games, cartoons, TV series and more. The show will air two more times during the 24-hour period, so that fans from different countries will be able to enjoy the different sessions and announcements.

A second round of the mega fan event called DC FanDome: Explore The Multiverse will be held for 24-hours only on 13 September, 1 AM (Singapore Time). A kids-friendly event called DC Kids FanDome will also launch at the same time, and can be accessed separately as DCKidsFanDome.com.

At this event, fans will have full access to over 100 hours of on-demand programming spanning the vast DC Multiverse of TV series, movies, comics, cartoons, games and more. They can then customise their own schedule, and enjoy as many exclusive panel sessions, screenings and never-before-seen content as they wish within the 24-hour window.

It costs nothing to enter in DC FanDome, so don't miss the great lineup in store on both dates. The event can be accessed on all mobile devices as well as on your desktop and laptop computers. All you have to do is go to this link: https://www.dccomics.com/dcfandome

Warner TV Asia Celebrates International Women's Day with Women of Wonder

Happy International Women's Day!

To celebrate this occasion, Warner TV Asia is showcasing kick-ass female superheroes and heroines whose personal journeys aim to empower women all over the world.

WOMEN OF WONDER MOVIE SPECIALS

For the month of March, Warner TV Asia is running a WOMEN OF WONDER movie special every Sunday night at 9 PM. Each movie selected shines the spotlight on the beauty and strength of feminine power.

Kicking off on 8 March, on International Women's Day itself, is the scintillating hit movie “WONDER WOMAN”. As Diana Prince (Gal Gadot), the Amazon Princess from Themyscira leaps into our screens with optimism and her unique brand of fierceness. Her adventures takes her from London to the horrifying World War I battlefield in Belgium, in a bid to save humanity and stop the god Ares from creating more chaos.

The other movies on the list are rather odd, to be honest. They are “300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE” (there are the badass Queen Gorgo and enigmatic Artemesia though),  “CATWOMAN” (sadly, not a great movie despite the famous character) and “MAN OF STEEL”. Yes, the last movie is about Superman, but in Red Dot Diva's opinion, one of the best parts of the film was a Lois Lane, who was intelligent, proactive and who actually did some actual investigating as a journalist.

To enjoy these movies in March, tune into Warner TV on Starhub Channel 515 and Singtel Channel 306.

That's not all. For weekly boosts of feminine power, so that you can get pepped up to deal with the challenges of being female, check out these TV series with engaging, relatable DC female superheoes.

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.:

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.

It's X-Men Day on May 13th!

Gather your team - it's X-Men Day on May 13th!

This special international event marks the end of the X-Men film franchise by 20th Century Fox. The last movie of this franchise run will be “X-Men: Dark Phoenix”, starring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Sophie Turner, Tye Sheridan, Jessica Chastain and more. “X-Men: Dark Phoenix” opens locally at theatres on 5 June 2019.

To celebrate this occasion and the enduring support of the X-Men fanbase for the movies released in the last 10 years, there will be events happening all over the world, including various online activities. This include the debut of exclusive X-Men content, special events, and unexpected surprises for the loyal fans. This is going to be fun!

In addition, look out for hourly giveaways of “X-Men: Dark Phoenix” movie packs on TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX SG Facebook Page!

Advance tickets sales for “X-Men: Dark Phoenix” will also begin on X-Men Day. If you want to be the first bunch of X-Men fans to catch the movie, keep your eyes peeled on X-Men Movies (@XMenMovies) on social media!


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Watch the exciting latest trailer released for “X-Men: Dark Phoenix”



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Follow these Social Media accounts:

“X-Men: Dark Phoenix”
Official website: www.DarkPhoenix.com 
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/XMenMovies 
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/XMenMovies
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/XMenMovies 
Hashtag: #DarkPhoenixSG and #XMenDay

20th Century Fox SG 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twentiethcenturyfoxsingapore 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fox_singapore

Excelsior! To The Legendary Marvel Superhero Stan Lee (1922 - 2018)

It is hard to forget Stan Lee once you know of him - the bespectacled, mustachioed man with a booming voice, bright smiles and larger than life presence. He was the face of Marvel Comics, and even in his 70's, he was had more energy than those younger than him. The legendary writer, editor and publisher of Marvel Comics, who co-created several iconic comic book characters like Spider-man, Iron Man and Black Panther, loved being connected to the fandom as well as the people who worked in producing comics. Until recently, he attended a number of comic conventions meeting thousands of fans each year.

On Monday morning (13 Nov), Stan Lee pass away at the age of 95 in Los Angeles.

The last few years had been tumultuous for Stan Lee. He battled with pneumonia with legal issues and problems with trusted managers and caretakers which surfaced after his beloved wife Joan died in 2017 at the age of 69. Still, when long time friends like Todd McFarlane and Rob Liefield visited him while he was unwell earlier this year, he was energetic enough to offer positive messages to the fans and creators.

DC's Legends of Tomorrow Season 4 Premieres on Warner TV Asia, 23 October

The 4th season of "DC's Legends of Tomorrow" premieres on Warner TV Asia today (Tuesday), 23 October at 9 PM, a same day telecast as the U.S.

In this new season, powerful mage John Constantine (Matt Ryan) comes on board the Waverider to join "the legends" in their time travelling adventures. For those who have been watching the series, Constantine had warned the team about how defeating Mallus in the last season, has caused a new set of problems. Basically, the barriers between worlds have weakened, and the world is now plagued with magical creatures from myths, fairytales and legends called the Fugitives.

So, it's all up to the ragtag team of superheroes, consisting of feisty Sara (Caity Lotz), nerdy inventor Ray Palmer (Brandon Routh), gruff ex-con Mick Rory (Dominic Purcell), totem-bearer Zari (Thanks ala Ashe), and heartbroken historian Nate (Nick Zano) to save the universes in their own zany and inimitable ways, as they groove their way to Woodstock 1969 in the season opener entitled "The Virgin Gary", and make various stops in other historical eras, like the Salem Witch trials and 1970's London. Get prepared for unicorns in the mix too!

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!

STGCC 2018: Booth Highlight - Spice Up Your Art Collection with Graphicurry!

Pop-culture icons, well-known personalities and celebrities are transformed into colourful, humourous yet spot-on caricatures in the deft hands of Bangalore-based artist Prasad Bhat. His design studio and company name Graphicurry is as wittily conceived as his art pieces.

With Prasad's special knack of being able to distill the essence of a person's features into impressive and unique Vector artwork, he has amassed a large number of followers and fans spanning across the globe. Red Dot Diva herself is quite a fan of his "Evolution of" graphic series.

This year, Graphicurry will be making an appearance at the Singapore Toy Games and Comic Convention (STGCC) Artist Alley for the very first time. Red Dot Diva managed to ask the company's brainchild Prasad Bhat some nosy questions, before he makes his way to Red Dot Island.

Sentosa Sandsation 2018 presents a MARVEL Edition from 1 to 16 September 2018

This September, not only will you be able to enjoy the warm sun, salty air, and waves splashing at your feet, you will also get to admire 15 larger than life sand sculptures of comic book superheroes.

The Sentosa Sandsation returns with a MARVEL Edition at Silosa Beach from 1 to 16 September, 10 AM to 9 PM daily. The largest sand festival in South-east Asia, Sentosa Sandsation is part of the 3-year collaboration between The Walt Disney SouthEast Asia and Singapore Tourism Board.

Award-winning sand sculptor JOOHeng Tan and his team will be building sculptures of Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Hulk - just to name a few.

14 of the world's best sand sculptors will be showing off their skills by taking part in The Sentosa International Sand Sculpting Championship. The theme of the sculptures will be MARVEL-inspired creations, of course!

It's a great way to enjoy a fun day out with the kids during the school holidays, or hang out with your crew, as there are many other activities to participate in. Here are some of them:

ArtScience Museum's Marvel Studios: 10 Years of Heroes Exhibition Needs More Punch

The Marvel Studios: Ten Years of Heroes exhibition, which celebrates the 19 Marvel superhero movies in the last 10 years, opened to the public at ArtScience Museum on 9 June 2018. From now till 30 September, fans will be able to relive their favourite Marvel superhero movie moments at the show.

The project is part of a three-year collaboration between Singapore Tourism Board and The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia. For the exhibition, Taiwan-based toy company Beast Kingdom worked with Walt Disney for the concept and displays.

Attended a preview of @artsciencemuseumsg of Marvel Studios - 10 Years of Heroes exhibition which opens this weekend. #DivaatMarvel10ASM #Marvel10ASM #marvel #avengers #superheroes #exhibition #Singapore #artsciencemuseum

A post shared by Red Dot Diva (@reddotdiva) on Jun 9, 2018 at 6:36am PDT

Within the exhibit hall, there are 10 different galleries featuring places from the movies - for example, Stark Industries, Aasgard, and Wakanda. Each of these areas have life-sized statues, static displays, or interactive areas for fans to get their superhero fix.

Red Dot Diva was at the special preview for bloggers to take in the signs and sounds of the exhibition, and here are some of the things you can expect.

ArtScience Museum's "Marvel Studios: Ten Years of Heroes" Exhibition Begins 9 June 2018

"Avengers: Infinity War" is set to have an epic showdown of Thanos versus almost everyone's favourite Marvel superheros. The film, plugged as the biggest movie event of the year, premieres in Red Dot Island on 26 April 2018. It is going to be longest Marvel movie, with a runtime of 2 hours 36 minutes. So, do plan your toilet breaks accordingly!

After watching the "Avengers: Infinity War" movie, Marvel fans can indulge with even more superheroes fun at a special interactive exhibition called "Marvel Studios: Ten Years of Heroes", which will be held at ArtSci Museum. Curating from Marvel's decade of movies (which consists of 19 films in total), the exhibition will present the superheroes, like Iron-Man, Thor, the Hulk, Black Widow, Starlord and more, via cutting-edge AV and media technology.

Fans will be transported into these Marvel cinematic worlds, with interactive exhibits that include segments from the recent international hit "Black Panther", "Thor: Ragnorak", "Avengers: Infinity War" and the upcoming "Ant_man & the Wasp".

Robert Downey Jr and Benedict Cumberbatch in Singapore for "Avengers: Infinity War" Fan Event on 16 April 2018

It's going to be red carpet (phew, it's not blue carpet!) time again at Marina Bay Sands (MBS).

On April 16, mega stars of Marvel's superhero action movie "Avengers: Infinity War", Robert Downey Jr (Tony Stark/ Iron Man) and Benedict Cumberbatch (Stephen Strange/ Doctor Strange), will meet fans at a special fan event as part of the film's publicity. YEAAAAASSSS, Team Rich Guys!!

Karen Gillan (Nebula) and director Joe Russo will join them for the occasion as well.

The fan event is free and open to the public, but there is a registration process this time round. Places are limited, and ticketing will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Details about time, venue and registration process will be revealed at MBS' website on 2 April, noon. So keep an eye on that page!

STGCC 2016: Booth Highlight - HRJoe Photography Talks About His Techniques and His Fave Toys!

One of Red Dot Diva's favourite things to do in STGCC is wandering around Artist Alley. More of than not, there is a credible level of accessible and appealing artistic endeavours in that section of the show floor.

Red Dot Diva is excited to note that there are several new exhibitors and booths by local and regional creators in this year's convention. One of those exhibitors is HRJoe Photography.

Fans might be familiar with HRJoe Photography's cheeky superhero toy images, like the one show below. This photo has also been noticed and shared by Iron-Man himself, Robert Downey Jr. A couple of his other images have also been shared by the legendary Stan Lee!

A photo posted by hrjoe Photography (@hrjoe_photography) on Jun 12, 2015 at 10:46am PDT

With an increase in fan interest, HRJoe Photography has started boothing at various conventions, including Asia Pop Comicon Manila which just wrapped up yesterday. He will soon head to STGCC where he will be offering art prints for sale. After which, he has plans to exhibit at Italy's Festival del Fumetto in September and then back home for Indonesia Comic Con in October.

As you can see, HRJoe Photography has a very busy schedule ahead of him! So, Red Dot Diva is glad to be able to catch him for a few minutes to answer some nosy questions. And in case you are wondering, his name is not Joe!