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Singapore Comic con (SGCC) 2023

The Singapore Comic con 2023 (SGCC) once again unfolded as a vibrant celebration of pop culture, cosplay, and toy collections in the heart of downtown Marina Bay. As the 14th edition of this annual event, SGCC has evolved from its humble beginnings as a marketplace convention to a colossal convention showcase with over 300 booths sprawling across 200 thousand square feet over two hall floors at the Marina Bay Sands (MBS).

Welcome to Singapore Comic con (SGCC) 2023!
Welcome to Singapore Comic con (SGCC) 2023!

The convention’s venue at the Marina Bay Sands and convention center was familiar, but this year’s SGCC presented a dynamic mix of toys, pop culture, and captivating events spread across two floors of the basement of the Sands Expo & Convention Centre. Navigating through the halls, it was evident that SGCC continued to be a mecca for enthusiasts of toys, collectibles, merchandise, and art galleries.

Toy are a staple here at Singapore Comic con (SGCC) 2023.
Toy are a staple here at Singapore Comic con (SGCC) 2023.

Toys and collectables

Furthermore, on the convention center ground floor and top level of the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, you immerse themselves in the world of toys and collectibles. Notable participants included XM Studios. They are renowned for their large and intricately detailed figures from both Marvel and DC universes, with a price tag to match.

XM studios is back with full force this year at the convention.
XM studios is back with full force this year at the convention.
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Joker
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Superman
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Warcraft figs

Also, local favorites such as Tokidoki, alongside toy shops like Simply Toys and Collectors Base stores showcasing Funko pops and Anime figurines. There is also an emphasis on Teenage Mutant Ninja turtles this year with a booth area with several standing models for photo opportunities.

Teenage Mutant Ninja turtles.
Teenage Mutant Ninja turtles standees, in variety of universe styles.

We also see the return of Royal Selangor also had their presence known in the industry providing detailed pewter pieces in modern pop culture incarnations.

Evangelion
Detailed Evangelion Toys on display.
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Happibox
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Marvel booth
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Heedong

Also, a standout was the adorable Bluey, who not only made a return appearance but also had a dedicated booth with its own merchandise for sale. Additionally, Might Jaxx and Lego by Brick Shop commanded sizable booths, adding to the diverse array of offerings.

Classic ultraman tribute
Classic Japanese Ultraman tribute and toy models on display.

A pop culture reunion

One of the highlights of SGCC was the extensive invitational guest list, featuring pop culture heavyweights and fan favorites like Stanley “Artgerm” Lau, Marvel and DC illustrator Inhyuk Lee, Julian Mok with his D&D works, and James Mulligan. Also, we see the return of local comic heroes such as Sonny Liew with Mr. Kiasu added to the star-studded lineup.

Stanley
Stanley “Artgerm” Lau at his booth and doing comissions and signings.
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Doing commissions
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Guest meetups
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Guest personalities

Moreover, there is an art gallery showcasing a 60th-anniversary original art exhibition of Tony Wong. It further enhances the celebration of pop culture. Also, you can meet and greet with renowned Asian artists and personalities such as Fung Chi Meng artist such as Andy Seto, Tong Wong and Jerry Cho.

Tong Wong 60th Anniversary art exhibition.
Tong Wong 60th Anniversary art exhibition.

Also, there is also a section devoted to Diversity in Comics, with illustration from mainstream comics like X-men behind glass on the topic of inclusivity.

Section devoted to Diversity in Comics, with illustration from mainstream comics like X-men behind glass on the topic of inclusivity.
Section devoted to Diversity in Comics, with illustration from mainstream comics like X-men behind glass on the topic of inclusivity.
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Art displays
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Original stretches
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Diversity in Comics

 

Artists alley

Additionally, SGCC’s commitment to curating the best of toys, comics, and gaming from across the globe was evident in new and exciting activities. Fan-based zones, cosplay competitions, and an E-sports arena featuring local and regional leagues brought enthusiasts together for a two-day extravaganza.

Ware on sale at the Artist alley across two floors this year.
Ware on sale at the Artist alley across two floors this year.
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International zone
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Singapore boardgame design
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Localised games

Moreover, the main stage on the left of level 1 and the artist alley on the far right offered a dynamic experience, with the artist alley spans two floors on both floors of the convention this year. It also boasts wider walking paths to accommodate larger crowds.

Artist alley booths.
Artist alley booths.
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Darren Tan
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Got spidee?
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Merchandise booths

Interesting store is the Singapore boardgame design booth with their locally inspired quirky games and the  Singha bus character with a transformers depiction of our favourite everyday transit buses, as well as a model collection to the delight Singapore transport otakus.

SG Singha bus and model figurines.
SG Singha bus and cool bus model figurines.
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Localised artwork
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Family arcade area
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Posters on sale

SGCC Cosplayer galore!

1:1 scale minifig! Cosplayers are a staple at the convention and there are lots of them.
1:1 scale minifig! Cosplayers are a staple at the convention and there are lots of them.

No SGCC is complete without the vibrant presence of cosplayers. This year, the cosplayers took inspiration from the movies released in the past year.

Mandalorian Din Djarin!
Mandalorian Din Djarin!

Here, you can find characters like Rocket Raccoon from the last Guardians of the Galaxy movie making appearances. Security screening lines were efficiently managed on each floor, and the return of internal elevators connecting the basement and first floors streamlined access without the need for additional security checks.

Got rocket? Cosplayers at the Singapore Comic con (SGCC) 2023!
Got rocket? Cosplayers at the Singapore Comic con (SGCC) 2023!
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Got Loki?
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Who is you father?
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Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy

In addition to the main SGCC hall housing toys, games, and comics, gaming-related and anime entities occupied their designated sectors. Notably, there was a shift in emphasis, with and evolution and less focus on named sectors like the Gaming Experience Zone and the Japanese pop culture Akiba Zone observed in previous Singapore Comic conventions.

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Connecting elevator
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Magic gathering
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Creator stage

Stage event also includes demonstration of Light saber sellers, such as those brought to you by Fightsaber and Sabermach at the convention itself.

Table gaming and Basement floor

Basement pop culture food zone.
Basement pop culture food zone.

Moreover, the basement floor, with its more informal setting, featured a miscellany of tabletop gaming and in-house food stores. We also see the return of the pop culture food zone, home to about 16 stores here. Here you can find the aroma of carnival food filled the air, providing a micro Artbox market feel reminiscent of the earlier Artbox 2023 we visited this year.

Collection of new and classic transformers toys.
Collection of new and classic transformers toys.

Moving on, venturing to the lower basement floor, a community-based and tabletop gaming haven awaited attendees. Also, Warhammer 40k enthusiasts could engage in figure painting, tabletop gaming, and figurine painting workshops allowed participants to try their hand at intricate figure painting.

Painting warhammer figures
Hands-on painting Warhammer 40k figures at the table top gaming area.

Also, other notable areas of interest here is a Transformers Cybertron fest walk-through booth here with a display of comics and first generation and current line of toys from Hasbro.

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Transformers cybertron booth
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Cybertron booth interiors
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Transformers

In conclusion, the Singapore Comic Convention 2023 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre remained Southeast Asia’s ultimate celebration of Western and Asian pop culture. From toys and collectibles to comics, esports, and cosplay, SGCC continued to offer something for everyone, beckoning friends and families to don their favorite superhero or video game character costumes and soak up the bustling atmosphere. Can’t wait for next year’s event!

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