This year's Singapore Toy Game & Comic Convention was last weekend and boy, did I have an incredible time there. So many memorable moments, all good ones.
Without a doubt, best experience of all was me getting on stage and moderating a one-on-one panel with Guest of Honor, Paul Levitz, former president and publisher of DC Comics. Let’s see now, how should I put this…imagine asking a die-hard Beatles fan to interview Sir Paul in front of a camera and a hundred Beatles fans. So you can tell how I felt. Helluva nervous when I was first approached to do it couple weeks ago but really, for someone as high up the geek food chain as he is, he turned out to be one of the coolest and most genial person I have ever met. …Now keeping fingers crossed for own talkshow offer to come… :P
Despite several regular toy and comic shops pulling out of this year’s convention (for rather selfish reasons from the rumors I heard), the event was still seen by many as a bigger success than the last one. Rental was up but you got more overseas guests, larger Asian presence and from what I gathered, the feedback from exhibitors and guests were generally positive.
Besides my moderating debut, I managed to score some great bargains too. Mostly action figures plus a limited edition vinyl display toy, the O-No Sashimi by Andrew Bell. A hot seller at the convention, I thought it was funny and cute. Hey, I like sashimi, the designer Andrew Bell was there to autograph it so why not. Now all I gotta do is find a suitable place to display it. ;)
Other amazing bargains I got was the Classic Avengers figure set for S$45, spotted the only box less than half hour after I entered the hall. Great deal, grabbed it immediately. On the second day, bought the latest Batman Inc. figure for less than S$20, another steal at that price. Plus a lovely Catwoman sketch by the talented Wendy Chew.
Another thing that really, really stood out for me was how nice and friendly everyone was. From stall owners to convention guests, almost everyone was cool bout everything. Had a nice short chat with the wonderful folks at the DC Comics and Kinokuniya booths.
And the next thing I knew I had these little babies in my possession; a couple of San Diego Comic Con exclusives like a loose Zoom action figure and a Wayne Casino poker chip.
And finally, let's not forget that this convention is and always will be for the young and young at heart.
Oh, you gotta luv how the convention takes care of any 'lost and found' kids. No way you can miss them here. ;)
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