Geeks in Asia to Descend on Singapore Toy Show

Marcel Thee

Geeks of Southeast Asia, unite! Fans of toys and comic books in the region no longer have to fly to the United States to get a taste of Comic Con action. For the third year in a row, they will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with their favorite toy designers and comic book and animation illustrators at the 2010 Singapore Toy, Games and Comic Convention. The event will be held from Dec. 10 to Dec. 12 at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Center in Singapore.

“This announcement kicks off an exciting string of guests we are lining up for STGCC 2010,” event director Huileng Yeow said.

“Fans will be able to meet and engage with the creators of their heroes and villains on a personal level through autographing opportunities and panels, including interview sessions at STGCC.”

“We have no doubt that this year will be even bigger and more exciting that ever before,” said Gregory Ho, vice president and general manager of event partner Animax Asia.

Expectations are high, with the event co-organized by US company ReedPOP, which is behind events such as the New York Comic Con, dubbed the largest pop culture event on the East Coast; the New York Anime Festival, the long-running anime and manga convention; and the Star Wars Celebration, the official event by Lucasfilm for fans of the franchise.

STGCC’s inaugural guests include prominent comic book illustrators Salvador Larroca and Giuseppe Camuncoli — both represent Marvel Comics — who will be doing sketches for fans.

Larocca is known for his ground-breaking depictions of popular superheroes, such as Iron Man, Captain America and the Fantastic Four, as well as his work in series such as “Spider-Man” and “Elektra.”

Camuncoli also is popular for his work in “Spider-Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” and “Dark Wolverine.”

In addition to Larroca and Camuncoli, Emmy-Award winning cartoonists Phil Ortiz and Phil Yeh, will also be attending the STGCC with the charitable organization Cartoonists Across America and the World.

In Ortiz’s 30-year career, he has worked on such projects as animation royalty “The Simpsons” and “The Flintstones.” Yeh has been a professional cartoonist for 40 years.

Indonesia will also be sending in a few of its own toy artists, among them Eric Wiryanata, who is known for his Thunderpanda series, and newcomer illustrator Pamela Halomoan.

“I couldn’t be more excited. It is a proud moment for me to be part of an event of this caliber,” Eric said.

On display will be toy collectibles guaranteed to satisfy your geek cravings and exclusives from popular toy design companies include Tokidoki, Devil Robots and Uglydolls, among others.

Toy enthusiasts will also be able to meet well-known toy designers, including Tokidoki’s Simone Legno.

Other guests at the STGCC will include Jennifer Phillips, a famous fight choreographer who recently worked on the Angelina Jolie film “Salt.”

The organizers are hoping that STGCC will become the premiere event for comic and toy fans in Asia.

“STGCC will be a wonderful opportunity for toy designers, game developers and comic publishers from the US, North Asia and Europe to meet,” Huileng said.

“We will continue to carefully create a fusion of East meets West pop culture elements in close collaboration with our partners to develop a new currency of cool for Asia,” he said.

STGCC 2010  

SUNTEC Singapore  Halls 401 & 402 
Friday, Dec. 10, 12:00 p.m. until Sunday,
Dec. 12, 8:00 p.m. 
For more information:  www.singapore tgcc.com 
Twitter: www.twitter.com/singaporetgcc 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/singapore tgcc