A Post-#STGCC2013 Wrap-Up by TOYSREVIL & Friends

With my late father's hospitalization and subsequent passing, I never really had a chance to finish my coverage of STGCC this year … nevertheless I've since uploaded most of the images HERE in a single dedicated album on my Faceboook, for quick look at what was to be had in 2013.

Regaled below are some of my own personal impressions, along with helpful quotes from friends and fellow countrymen! (Thanks for the trouble, everyone!) So READ-ON, folks!

[Above-left: Entrance to STGCC / Right: Lobby Area outside Convention Halls]

ONE IRON MAN TOO MANY?

The 2013 Singapore Toy Games and Comic Convention had it's fair of fanfare this year, what with the Hall Of Armor showcasing 1:1 statues of Iron Man suits, and the Hot Toys booth next to the Marvel booth somewhat reminded me of a color saturated street scene in Pacific Rim! (Of which PR was strangely non-existent from the event tho…). Besides that, everything else felt like a regular "expo", catering to the walk-in-attendees rather than "geeks" like me … although the last thing we need to be, is looking like a "discount" New York ComicCon or San Diego ComicCon, don't we? LOL


Held in the Marina Bay Sands Convention Center for the second year running, seemed "Iron Man" turned out to be the main focus of the two-day weekend event (regardless if it was a conscious decision / direction, or not):

"Main draw of the event was Marvel, which had the Iron Man Hall of Armour … Which was awesome." -Event Attendee Jeremy Tanavit.

"… the displays (iron man suits, toys, exhibits) were bigger and better this time around. I really enjoyed that." -Exhibitor / Artist Gabriel Tiongson (Facebook / @diko_art) from The Philippines.

"STGCC has always been awesome year after year, but this year, there's too many Ironman!!! TOO MANY!!! There's too much focus on Marvel and Ironman that people who do not know the event may think that it's an Ironman event!" -Event Attendee Thero Dennis.

"… the event seems like (a) Ironman event." -Event Attendee Leon of local toy-blog Open The Toy.

"...it was too much Ironman for one convention. Although if the theme is different each year I guess it could work." -Exhibitor Adeeb Md Mynul Islam of HairyAsHell.

[Click on any image to view coverage of Play Imaginative @ STGCC 2013]

So perhaps some particular branding works better than others? (Heh.) But then again, I am conscious of the fact that I am "speaking" as one of the geeks who live within the pop-culture saturated parallel Universe, while the masses might well be more exposed to media-related concepts, which this event has no doubt catered to, methinks.


SOMETHING IN IT FOR EVERYONE

Of course there will be different aspects of the event to look out for, for different folks - for example an attendee hunting for goodies might have a different experience than, say, a toy-blogger would, versus an exhibiting artist:

"My likes would be quite a lot of photo taking experience like Ironman 1:1 Hall of Armor from Hot Toys and Ironman of Play Imaginative. (The) Marvel booth also had lot of activities. (I) personally found this is the best year of STGCC event since 2012." -Leon of Open The Toy.

"I brought so many stuffs to sell at my booth, my briefcase weighed more than 30 kilos. I never thought the appreciation for my art is going to be that high, that when I got back home, it's still 30 kilos, but the content inside were replaced by all the statues, figures, and artwork that I bought from STGCC! So much for self control." -Event Exhibitor / Artist Ario Anindito from Indonesia.

[View my STGCC-Scores on TOYSREVIL and/or on Facebook]

The fact is, "buying" is a huge part of a geek-convention (or so I placade myself, to feel less "sinful" for splurging MUAHAHAHA :p), along with free signings and sketches, not to mention "photo-ops", of course! I've always mentioned to overseas folks, attendees from Singapore are very good at one particular thing: Taking Photographs - from digi-cams, mobile-phone-cams to iPad tablet cams - many a photos are snapped, but I wonder how many are actually "tagged" on Facebook LOL

I remember vividly spending way more than I should at Artist Alley, where the choices were more unique and interesting! And it's not that the bigger main vendors booths are not "interesting", but in terms of providing unique products, their efforts were waning, and frankly, most times pretty disappointing, at least in my own opinion.

[Look at the intense queuing for an Autograph Session!]

I would surmise that bearing in mind some brands might be opting for "brand exposure" versus "sales", but personally I come to a convention looking for "exclusives" or "special editions", and yes, even to gawk at products previously showcased in earlier cons like San Diego Comic Con et al, but not necessarily to re-acquaint myself with things I already know of, which of course is a conundrum, as folks come to celebrate what they love, and not just to discover new things specifically.

"I felt that the whole event was a bit lacking. It seemed like there was a bigger bang last year. But I may have not realized all the happenings since I was running around and helping out the VoV stall." -Exhibitor / Artist Gabriel Tiongson.

[Click on above image to view coverage for Vinyl on Vinyl booth @ STGCC 2013]

THEY CAME FROM FAR AND WIDE

Exhibitor Mix was an interesting affair this year, with a wider and more diverse spread of Overseas and Asean-based Creators and Artists, both in the urban arts, art toys, and comicbook practitioners. Names which appeal both locally and in Asia, which to me is as important to grab at folks immersed in geek-culture, as well as attracting fresher and newer converts to the scene.

The inclusion of English-speaking cosplayer Vampy was an inspired choice (although I did not even get to see her at the event itself - besides a couple of minutes at the press preview *facepalm*). Finally someone who does cosplay-characters beyond the tried-tested Anime-themes, IMHO!

And while I was aesthetic to meet friends from overseas, I am also keen to see artists and works from asian regions being represented, not least of all local Singaporean artists, IMHO. And from the feedback from folks, seems the cocktail mix went down pretty well:

"its always feels like family warmth whenever I sees a homie (local/overseas) having their booths and promoting their new stuffs. For this year, I get to FINALLY meet Machine56 after years of chatting online, having fun in AOS booth and exchanging sketches…" -Event Attendee / Local Artist ANTZ.

"Awesome line-up of artists/toy artists! Jryu, Angry Woebots, Luke Chueh, Nathan Hamill, Instinctoy's Okubo Hiroto, TPE Bremen, FluffyHouse and Singapore's TheGoodCitizen Dan Wong! (And) VAMPY!!! Who doesn't love that beautiful cosplayer!" -Event Attendee Thero Dennis.

"Being a fanboy, I was stoked that the organisers are opening up to prominent urban artists, such as Angry Woebots, Jryu and Luke Chueh. I think their presence this year means that there will be more of such in the coming year. Instinctoy also participated and I am really happy that visitors got a chance to experience Japanese sofubi designs." -Exhibitor Jackson Aw of Mighty Jaxx.

"With the focus on artists, I'm sure the event will grow and more big name artist will be represented which is a nice contrast to AFA where they focus mostly on cosplay idols and celebs." -Event Exhibitor Adeeb Md Mynul Islam.

[Click on above image to view coverage of the Mighty Jaxx booths at STGCC]

There is also an obvious inclusion of Japanese anime-related concepts, pretty similar to Anime Festival Asia - which to me is a double-edged sword, as on one hand you can cater to the diversity of the show, and at the same time replicating what another event might represent/have. Be that as it may, this year's event felt sort of like an "expo" of sorts, like a "sampler" of a niche pop culture scene, rather than a in-depth geekery, to which a continuous gripe had always been:

"...not enough comics at a comicon. So comic lovers were limited in their shopping experience." -Exhibitor / Artist Kelvin Chan of Rocketraygun.

THE ARTIST ALLEY OF INSPIRATION & BROKEN DREAMS

I personally enjoyed the Artist Alley zone of STGCC 2013 (and have been, for the past two years prior, admittedly so), as it has grown much bigger and carries more indie artists and brands, which offers an opportunity to showcase their works, and for folks like me being able to score some splendid unique works, as opposed to the mass-market products, IMHO. And the chance to see a more diverse selection of local works, really invigorated me personally.

"A pleasant surprise was this year, much more people were interested into local produced comics, compared to previous years. The exposure was better than expected, bringing new readers into Project Red, pulling up the sales of the previous book 1." -Exhibitor / Artist Shawn Siow of Draw Slowly (who released Vol.2 of his Project Red at STGCC)

"As an artist, its still great. The Artists Alley continues to grow as a platform for aspiring and veteran artists to debut and launch their new wares. The SG community is growing, many more deals are brokered and I see the age of a Singapore Comic Universe coming. The talent pool continues to get better and better, its challenging and inspiring to meet new talents every year. Best thing is, everyone's a buddy and the network is stronger." -Exhibitor / Artist Kelvin Chan of Rocketraygun (who released his sketchbook at STGCC)

[Local urban artist Samantha Lo aka SKL0 performing a "live" demo at the Mighty Jaxx booth!
Click on above image to view coverage]

It has become an affordable (well, compared to the bigger booths anyways) option and opportunity for practitioners across Asia (Not counting the "Invited Guests" sponsored by the organizers) to partake of this event, and showcase their works to the geek masses, sometimes to mixed reactions, from both exhibitors and attendees;

"The crowd didn't seem as responsive to original artwork as I might've liked, but it's a norm with locals in general. They prefer "fanart" more than anything. Also, I'd like if the artist's alley booth was more affordable. It's a lot of money to fork out for the starving artist." -Exhibitor Adeeb Md Mynul Islam

"STGCC is fun but I hope STGCC can do more to promote the Artists Alley." -Event Exhibitor Shenly Yee of D'creativeaholic.

"I know the artist wasn't really like the main attraction of the event for the organiser so it was kind of cramp while trying to visit booth to booth. Especially when I went alone and had to carry my barang barang. Had to run to the car twice to store the stuff I bought..." -Event Attendee Jeremy Tanavit.

ABOUT THAT SLIPPER SITUATION…

In the course of bugging folks-n-friends for their impressions - specifically for this post - I discovered something "interesting" though = What was the situation with "footwear", with at least two exhibitors speaking about it? I know slippers are not allowed in the casinos at Marina Bay Sands, but does it also extend to the convention halls?

"I think the event overall is very enjoyable ~ the people in Singapore are very nice and friendly ~ Just one thing troubled us (on) the first day is that the organizer told us that we cannot wear slippers in the hall, so we can't get in to do the preparation as we didn't bring other shoes except slippers … ^^; and they told us that even during the event, slippers are not allowed ... yet we saw most people wear slippers during the event ...

I think many oversea exhibitors didn't know about that ... it (would have been) better if they had told us before …" -Event Exhibitor "Trouble Rabbits" of FLUFFYHOUSE from Hong Kong.

"(I had) to go back to my hostel at the first day of assembling because my shoes doesn't look like shoes, and the event people forbid me to get inside, to my own booth!" -Event Exhibitor / Artist Ario Anindito from Indonesia.

WITH BOUQUETS COME BOOS

Personally for me, the excitement and fervor of the event was drowned out by the intense music turned "noise pollution" at the main stage area, especially when the DJ/whatever performance happened, so much so I was literally having a screaming conversation with friends (at the Mighty Jaxx booth), and I seriously did not appreciate that.

Do consider having this area closed off to the rest of the exhibition hall (for future cons), and let the folks at the stage enjoy themselves, and leave the rest of the event alone, methinks. This might be something one might associate with the hustle-n-bustle of Anime Festival Asia, but this is not a giant 'rave' folks might be looking for, in this particular instance, least of all myself.

Perhaps the organizers could take a cue from their F&B space management:

"One of their best improvement (was) choosing to relocate the food area just outside the exhibition hall. That way, it isn't too messy to line-up and grab some grub without worrying about the passing crowd. They could use alot more tables and chairs though." -The Philippines artist Gabriel Tiongson (Facebook / @diko_art)

SO HOW? YOU LIKED IT OR NOT?

When all is said and done, the core aspect of this annual convention remains different but same-same to both attendees and exhibitors;

Is it an event worth the price of admission?
Is the event worthy of happy memories or besotted with negativity?
Is the event something worth working towards, to showcase your own works, to even sell and make a profit?
Is the event worth the once-an-annual-wait for?

"I think STGCC 2013 was awesome. There's just unbelievably plenty of great artworks here and there, and they're all made with originality and strong, unique style. They have distinctive characters, so you just can't choose one. There's no comparison like -this one is better than that one- simply because they all have different flavour, and I just gotta try 'em all." -Event Exhibitor / Artist Ario Anindito from Indonesia.

"STGCC has come a long way since its inception. This year was a big improvement with guests coming from all corners of the world. I love that the organizers try to bring in artists and put them on the main stage. That's why I told the organizers to keep it up! I'm eagerly looking forward to next year's guests. " --Exhibitor Adeeb Md Mynul Islam of HairyAsHell

"… the event was ok, hopefully the industry will grow locally for a good reason. (Although) I do know some people went there just for the sake letting people know they have been there rather than the whole purpose of such conventions." -Event Attendee Jeremy Tanavit.

"Always good to meet new friends, catch up with familiar faces and share the art love. I enjoyed the stgcc weekend although I didnt really feel the spirit of it since I was a walking zombie already from the moment I got down from the plane. Hahahaha." -Exhibitor / Artist Gabriel Tiongson (Facebook / @diko_art) from The Philippines.

"Over the years, its become the place for meeting up with friends, old And new." -Exhibitor / Artist Kelvin Chan of Rocketraygun.

So what can we look forward to, in 2014? What do YOU hope to see? Leave your wish-lists on the comments section of this post, and perhaps even let the readers know what was your favorite aspect of the event, and/or what you disliked the most.

Well, at the very least we might have something/someone to look forward to in 2014:

"Rex did not regret attending STGCC and is looking forward to getting a full booth in 2014." -added Artist Jerry Teo.