STGCC 2016:The Captured memories
Last weekend, on the 10th to 11th at Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Halls E and F, Singapore Toy Game and Comic Convention 2016 came to a close after smashing records and eviscerating expectations. Pop culture fans flooded the event grounds attending the biggest STGCC in history since its inception 9 years ago, with the most number of exhibitors over two days.
- Fans queued since early morning to snatch up exclusive merchandise
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| In celebration of SJ50, “SJ50 MY FIRST BE@RBRICK B@BY” was one of the many exclusive at the event. |
As of every STGCC,eager toy aficionados camped for limited edition items like “SJ50 MY FIRST BE@RBRICK B@BY”, Hot Toys’ “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice Knightmare Batman” and “Iron Man 3 Disco Mark XXVII in snaking queues early in the morning.
Jeremy Low, a Computer Technician who was the 1st in the line said: “Other than the exclusives, I enjoyed myself as there are other things to look forward to like XM Studios, BE@RBRICKS and even apparels from Teeturtle. I am also eager to meet Phil Noto, the magical hand behind the popular comic art of Star Wars.”
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| Mighty Jaxx booth |
Jackson Aw, Founder of Mighty Jaxx, commented: “We have been exhibiting at STGCC since 2012, it’s been fun every year! The collectors have been very supportive and we couldn’t have done it without them. We hope to bring more productions to life and bring more artists to Singapore!”
- Main stage performances enlightened and wowed crowd
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| KorsK on stage at STGCC 2016 DJ Night |
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| Sae Tsukiyama and Tracy(Amatres Records) who performed Several Touhou tracks including Skydive! |
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| Masayoshi Minoshima Spinning some tracks on stage |
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| Nomico Performing the hit song "Bad Apple!" during Akiba Pop Stage. |
As for the Western Pop culture fans they were delighted by the open panel discussions with guest such as:Jacob Chabot,Brooke Allen and Nick Spencer.
- Cosplaying fun for the whole family
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| This year STGCC Championship of Cosplay winner. Erika Jean Garbin Cosplaying as Lich from FFIX. |
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| Kids Cosplay parade |
STGCC is also the chance for cosplay enthusiasts to gather and interact with members of their community. On 11 September, adorable kids dressed up as their favourite characters in the Kids Cosplay Parade. This year’s winner for STGCC Championships of Cosplay was also crowned. Decked as Lich from Final Fantasy IX, Erika Jean Garbin, 26, walked away with $1000 in cash prize and will represent STGCC in the Crown Championships of Cosplay finals at C2E2 2017 in Chicago.
9 year-old Ryan Ho had a blast cosplaying as Ghostbusters enjoys the attention and is elated when he gets photo requests said- “It is a good chance to dress up and take photos”.
- Cosplay Guest Galore!
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| Cosplay Guest Hisui and MoMo cosplaying as Hanamaru Kunikida and Ruby Kurosawa from Love Live Sunshine! |
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| King as Spark from taking a Welfie a fan who is cosplaying as Blancheboth from the popular mobile game Pokemon go |
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| Haoge as kotori minami taking photo with a fan |
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| Pugoffka as Maleficent during the STGCC Walk of fame. |
This Year STGCC invited Haoge, Hisui, King, Momo, Pugoffka,Alma & Yao as cosplay guest. Fans flock to their Walk of Fame sessions and bought their Merchandise for it to be autographed. (Editor note:Seriously Haoge? He really looks good as a she IRL, there isn't really a need for much editing. Friends who saw him in person agreed to that too.)
- Gamers battle it out to clinch the “Overwatch STGCC eSports - Mountain Dew Cup”
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| Players Battling out during the Overwatch STGCC eSports - Mountain Dew Cup |
Secretlab co-founder Alaric Choo said, “Secretlab was delighted to support and sponsor STGCC’s new gaming segment as well as providing for their other seating needs. This marks a more holistic approach, giving something for everyone.”
One of the participants, Jaushan observed, “I thought there were only 8 teams but it turned out to be 16, so competition was definitely tough. The prizes were attractive and if there is a second edition next year, our team will definitely take part again to gain experience.”
- Artist Alley and Commercial Booths
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Lion Geeks booth at the Artist Alley Rachta Lin working on a Commissioned art.
Of course no convention would be without these. STGCC's mix of Eastern and Western Pop culture can be seen at both the commercial and Artist alley booths each catering to their diversified fandom of the event attendees.
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With a record breaking scale and positive feedback, the main aim of STGCC is still to promote the wonderful and imaginative world of pop culture.
Captain America: Steve Rogers author and STGCC featured guest, Nick Spencer said, “The crowd was very energetic and excited to see us, with lots of wonderful displays (in the convention).” On the pop culture scene in Singapore, Nick commented, “It’s really surprising to realise that people outside the States know about my works like Captain America and are hard-core fans of the series. Sometimes in European comic conventions, I find that American comics do not get as much attention, but I am pleasantly surprised by the warm reception here.”
As STGCC 2016 draws to a rousing end, preparations are already ongoing for next year’s edition.
“We are very heartened by the unwavering support that STGCC has received over the years and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves. We look forward to bringing more undiscovered gems and well-received mainstream artists to Singapore. See you next year!” thanked Lin Koh, Assistant Project Director of Reed Exhibitions.
More captured memories at STGCC 2016 can be found in the Gallery,Videos(Some Courtesyof NTU VAS & Operation P・Ani・C ) and Interview Transcripts(Courtesy of NTU VAS) below:
Photo Gallery:
Rie Yunohara Videos Courtesy of Operation P・Ani・C:
Nomico & Masayoshi Minoshima "Bad Apple!" Video Courtesy of Operation P・Ani・C:
Sae Tsukiyama & Tracy(Amatres Records):
Kors K:
Ryu☆:
D.Watt(IOSYS):
Nick Spencer Interview Transcript Courtesy of NTU VAS :
Pugoffka Interview Transcript Courtesy of NTU VAS :
Interview with Nomico with Masayoshi Minoshima(Alstroemeria Records):
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