Star Wars Toys Malaysia Doesn’t Get! – 2017
Original article from Pop Culture Fun – Malaysia = HERE
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Kuala Lumpur: 31 August is known to Malaysians as a…. PUBLIC HOLIDAY first haha What’s the occasion? Hari Merdeka… Independance Day for folks in Malaysia! This year, 2017, it had another cause for celebration – Force Friday II!
What is Force Friday?
Basically Force Friday is an event where Star Wars licensees launch all the new series / season of Star Wars merchandise / toys / collectibles. It is a globally synchronized event organised by selected toy retailers (the big named ones), who use a ‘stroke of midnight unveiling’ style event aka ‘midnight launch’. The festivities on the list include crowd interaction fun games, activities, trivia quiz, costume contest, which is held through the time of 10pm – 11:59pm. This can be very testing because the mall / shops close at 10pm, which means air-conditioning is shut down. Woe to the costumers!
So Malaysia’s Force Friday II took place in Mid Valley’s Toys R Us outlet. The gathering was a much anticipated one as it gave friends & fans yet a another date on the calender to geek out!! The others are May 4th (May The FOuRth) or May 6th (revenge of the SIxTH), Star Wars READS, The Road to [Next Star Wars Movie]… and now Force Friday and other Star Wars movie anniversary. This year was a grand year as 2017 marked the 40th anniversary release of Star Wars: A New Hope.
Coincidentally, Tourism Singapore & Disney worked out a 3 year deal that will place Star Wars attractions at various locations in Singapore, launched on Force Friday II. This event is called Experience the Force SINGAPORE. Famous vehicles (and other displays like character statues) from the Star Wars universe, from miniature models to full sized 1:1 scale, will be build and placed at selected locations thru out Singapore and will be moved from location to location as time goes by.
So I was fortunately that Experience the Force SG, also ran through STGCC, which I was making my trip to. STGCC is Singapore Toys Games Comic Convention aka Singapore’s Comic Con.
Force Friday II Singapore was held in ION Orchard and the Experience the Force SG were held there itself within the mall as well as the whole entire street walk way on ION Orchard and the cross section of Orchard Road & Scott’s Road.
RELATED ARTICLE: Have fun with the AR elements of Experience the Force SG, even without going there! #FindTheForce
Now that the back ground is set, back to the topic above.
I’ve heard friends & fans say before, that here in Malaysia we don’t get certain items / certain models of collectibles. Dollar for dollar, items in Malaysia were cheaper after conversion. Example a Hasbro 3.75″ figure would cost RM40, the same figure would cost S$20. So if you convert by some 2.85 Ringgit to the S$ dollar… it would be cheaper for Singaporean collectors to cross the border & buy in Malaysia. So in this light I think it’s a fair trade off for Malaysians. We don’t get everything, but for what we get (basic stuff), it’s slightly cheaper.
Regional Price Change
Then from 2015 I started noticing a big change at the pricing, the regional pricing and of course the weak Ringgit getting weaker. Now it seems that basic figures in Malaysia have gotten a price hike almost twice in a year which was 2016. Example Marvel Legends 6″ figures from RM79.95… jumped to RM99.95 and then to RM139.95. From 99.95 to RM139.95 within the same year, from one Marvel movie to another. Ridiculous.
Mean while, in Singapore Marvel Legends 6″ are priced at S$39.90 which converting at 3.12 still equals about RM 124.80. The difference is still about RM15 at the high of 3.12. This goes the same for the beloved Star Wars Black Series 6″ figures. And at the end of the day we still don’t get those special triple pack, or two pack or collectors edition. This really has Malaysia friends & fans angered.
The Stuff Malaysia Doesn’t Get
At least for Marvel fans, we can still get most of the Marvel stuff released by Hasbro but our Star Wars friends & fans are not so fortunate. Most of it is Hasbro stuff, though not all of it are. So here are the items that we spotted at Force Friday Singapore that Malaysia didn’t get…. nor do we know if we’ll ever get. #DamnTheMan
- The Black Series: Centerpiece – Darth Vader.
FANS PISSED OFF – HIGH – [Level 10 of 10]
- The Black Series: Centerpiece – Luke Skywalker (Hoth Snow Speeder Pilot).
FANS PISSED OFF – HIGH – [Level 10 of 10]
- The Black Series: Luke Skywalker X-34 Land Speeder
FANS PISSED OFF – HIGH – [Level 8 of 10] Possibly because they might already have the SDCC 2017 Limited Edition version!
- The Black Series: Rey’s Speeder (Jakku)
FANS PISSED OFF – HIGH – [Level 8 of 10]
- Electronic PORG.
FANS PISSED OFF – MID – [Level 7 of 10] Either you love them or hate them. Time will tell.
- NERF Rey’s Blaster (Island Journey)
FANS PISSED OFF – HIGH – [Level 8 of 10] Because it’s remembered as a the last souvenir handed personally by the great General & Smuggler Han Solo
- BB-8 2 in 1 Mega Playset
FANS PISSED OFF – MID – [Level 6 of 10] Old skool fans love these big play sets as they were one of the more innovative evolution of the era of just figures and vehicles, back in the 90s.
- Nerf Poe Dameron Blaster
FANS PISSED OFF – MID – [Level 6 of 10] Not so hyped as Poe has yet to use his blaster as of Ep7. Who knows in Ep8
- Forces of Destiny (Dolls) – Princess Leia (Endor Adventure with Wicket, Hoth with R2-D2)
FANS PISSED OFF – Uncertain- [Level Unknown] Sentiment & nostalgia because she was the fans first Princess of the galaxy! On the other hand, doll figures don’t usually sells so well.
- Forces of Destiny (Dolls) all the other LADIES! – Rey (Jakku / BB-8), Jyn Erso, Sabine Wren, Ahsoka Tano, Hera Syndulla, Padme Amidala.
FANS PISSED OFF – Uncertain – [Level Unknown]
Only managed to see Rey (Jakku) with BB-8 at the time.
#StarWars #StarWarsTheLastJedi #Hasbro #ForceFriday #ForceFridayII #ExperienceTheForceSG #FindTheForce #TheBlackSeries #StarWarsBlackSeries #Malaysia #Singapore #TheCaptain #PopCultureFunMY #Disney #Lucasfilm #MarvelLegends
STGCC 2017 – Preview
By The Captain for Pop Culture Fun – Malaysia 2017!
Singapore Toy, Game and Comic Convention RETURNS this weekend at the world famous Marina Bay Sands. This years event is an extremely special one as it marks the 10th Anniversary of the brand. Times really flies and this event has really morphed & transformed in these past 10 years.
I can remember so clearly as I made plans with Outpost Productions Commander, Richard Chua, to travel to Singapore to check out this debut event back in 2008! Half way planning then all plans are messed up because guess what else is debuting in Singapore…. the first ever F1 Singapore Grand Prix!! And it’s a night race too!! Roads were blocked, bus routes were changed, accommodation was in shock… our trip nearly didn’t take place haha. 
Anyways, STGCC has come a long way since then. But the biggest change… or the morphing + transforming part came when Reed Exhibitions bought over the brand. Now things really got interesting as the worldwide network of Reeds strong arm is now available to what was already known to be the regional hub of South East Asia.
I only made my first (Reed Pop Era) STGCC visit in 2014 and it was great!! But seriously… I really wanted to make for STGCC 2013 because of all the MARVELous stuff brought by Hot Toys!! THAT 1:1 display IRON MAN HALL OF ARMOUR!! Oh man… the photos look mesmerizing. Well, better 2014 than never!! 2014 was Hot Toys year to debut their brand new Star Wars stuff, so my theme expectation had to change! Then I came back the following year in 2015 and had another great encounter with Western Pop Culture!! I couldn’t make it in 2016 so I am definitely doing my best to head over this year for the it’s 10th outing!! And heading to STGCC 2017 with the Outpost Productions Commander – R.Chua is the perfect way to celebrate this trip!!
My TOP 5 Reason To Go STGCC in Reed Pop Era:
1) Meeting Marvel & DC artists: Oliver Coipel, David Mack, Cameron Steward, Adi Granov, Humberto Ramos, Harvey Talibao, Jim Cheung, Adam Hughes, C.B. Cebulski, Philip Tan etc.
2) Group Panel talks with the guests
3) Browsing Western Comics, memorabilia and collectibles.
4) Catching up with Singapore friends & Malaysian friends in Singapore
5) Online Media folks are treated so well in contrast to events in Malaysia.
My TOP 5 Reasons to go STGCC 2017
1) It’s the 10th Anniversary man!! It’s a big deal for any event!!
2) Western Comic Guests: Legendary Level Artist Mr. Art Adams, Frank Cho, David Mack, Adi Granov, James C. Mulligan… etc
3) Star Wars: Experience the Force Singapore – a whole buzz of activities & events on Orchard Road.
4) Life size THIS – 
5) And Life Size THIS –
And the mysterious Kylo Ren – TIE Silencer, yet to be unveiled!! Something tells me it’s gonna me life size too! 1:1 scale!!
The Silencer CR: Lucasfilm
Along with a whole lot of other unseen merchandise & collectibles that have the power to suck your money away!! Haha
Here’s the official release & preview info!
=====================================
Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention (STGCC) returns to Marina Bay Sands this September with its biggest party yet, in celebration of its 10th birthday.
Happening between 9 and 10 September, STGCC promises an entertaining weekend of pop culture and comic wonderland for both fun-loving families and passionate gamers, featuring the best of local and international toys, games, comics, anime and collectibles, topped with an exciting line-up of guests and personalities.
On top of the usual line-up of activities, STGCC will also be introducing a host of new zones specially catered to the ever-growing community of pop culture lovers.
For the first time ever, STGCC is hosting the Good Game Experience (GGXP), offering gaming fans an exhilarating programme of entertainment and tournaments. Taking up an entire exhibition hall, GGXP features a host of local and regional game publishers – supporting and celebrating their love for games, and honouring outstanding Indie Game Developers through the Good Game Awards (GGA) 2017.
Attendees can get to try their hands on new and unreleased games on-site, from card games such as Pokémon Trading Card Game, Final Fantasy Trading Card Game & Yu-Gi-Oh!, to immersive VR games, and take part in casual competitions happening through the day.
Not to be missed is the Akiba Zone, a zone inspired by Tokyo’s famous Electric Town, giving Japanese subculture and cosplay fans the chance to indulge in their hobby, get up close with their favourite idols and cosplay guests, catch exciting stage performances and win attractive prizes. Experiencing a cosplay wardrobe malfunction? Costume repair service is also available in this zone.
The convention will be headlined by renowned illustrator and animator Hiro Kanzaki (JP), making STGCC his first ever convention outside Japan.
Other international star attendees include beloved cosplay stars Iori Moe (JP) and Siu Tao (HK), returning fan favourites such as Marvel comic book artist, Adi Granov (US), rising star and DC Comics artist, Mirka Andolfo (IT), and American comic book writer and artist David Mack (US).
Hailing from our home ground, 6 Eisner Award Nominee Sonny Liew (SG) will also be making an appearance at STGCC. Playing the soundtrack of Akihabara’s subculture, music fans can look forward to acclaimed composers and DJs, such as ARM/IOSYS (JP) and Taku Inoue (JP).
Comic fans will also get to meet and view the creations of American comic cover artist and writer Arthur Adams (US), comic book writer and illustrator Frank Cho (US), comic book illustrator Joyce Chin (US), professional cosplayer, stuntman and model Leon Chiro (IT), Taiwanese cosplayer, Shimo (TW), and co-founder of Japanese-inspired lifestyle brand, tokidoki, Simone Legno (IT).
James C. Mulligan (US), one of Disney’s top selling artists, and Marvel Comics editor and talent scout, C.B. Cebulski (US). Budding artists hoping to join the ranks of Marvel’s esteemed artists will get the chance to have their portfolios reviewed by Cebulski himself. Shortlisted candidates will get to meet Cebulski for a one-on-one review.
Japanese pop music fans can look forward to beloved Japanese dance vocal groups Color Pointe (JP) and Tokyo CLEAR’S (JP) making an appearance at STGCC, along with composer Yunomi feat. nicamoq (JP), producer group REDSHiFT (ID), and DJ MarGenal (JP). Also present at the convention is prominent toy designer brand The Beast Brothers (MX), Sorbet Jungle’s founder DeAnne George (US), and Japanese toy designers Hinatique (JP) and Yasu (JP) both making their first appearance in Singapore.
For the complete line-up of guests for STGCC 2017, please click this link here.
Get your game on at STGCC
For the first time ever this year, STGCC is dedicating an entire hall for the ultimate GGXP gaming zone, featuring nail-biting eSports tournaments and the latest gaming and product showcases for visitors to play with.
In partnership with Gam3.Asia and Asus, three live gaming tournaments – ROG Masters 2017 – DOTA 2 – Singapore Qualifier and ROG Masters 2017 – CS:GO – Singapore Qualifier finals, and semi-final to finals Vainglory Championship 2017 – Southeast Asia – will take centre stage at the GGXP.
In the ROG Masters 2017 – DOTA 2 – Singapore Qualifier and ROG Masters 2017 – CS:GO – Singapore Qualifier, the top two playing teams will be facing off against each other in a best-of-three playoff for a chunk of the SGD$20,000 total prize pool (SGD$5,000 for 1st place, SGD$3,000 for 2nd place and SGD$2,000 for 3rd place in both qualifiers). The champions of the two qualifiers will also receive a sponsored trip to represent Singapore in the APAC Regional Qualifiers in Philippines from 26-29 October 2017. One of the most prestigious eSports tournaments in the world, the ROG Masters will feature a staggering total prize pool of USD$500,000 between the two games at the main event. There will also be a livestream of the Singapore qualifiers on the ROG Masters website.
On 10 September, mobile gaming fans can look forward to the Vainglory Championship 2017 – Southeast Asia where the top four teams in the semi-finals will battle towards the grand finals for their portion of the USD$5,000 prize pool. Please click here to register for Vainglory Championship 2017 – Southeast Asia.
Exclusive merchandise up for grabs at STGCC
Catering to fervent fans of Star Wars and comic and toy enthusiasts alike, leading developer of licensed merchandise, Beast Kingdom, will unveil an exclusive Egg Attack Action EAA-055 Darth Vader Hologram Version action figure from Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. For Marvel fans, Beast Kingdom will unveil an exclusive Egg Attack Action EAA-021SG Avengers: Age of Ultron – Iron Man Mark 45 Special Edition. Beast Kingdom will also delight DC comics’ enthusiasts with the brand-new 1/9th scale film accurate collectible figures from the DC Universe.
Singapore-based collectibles retailer ActionCity will also release limited edition collectibles exclusively for the STGCC’s 10th birthday, such as Mr. Kiasu Stylised Art Toy, tokidoki Unicorno Porcelain Art, and a 1.2m tall Daruma featuring a uniquely Singaporean design.
Experience the Force at STGCC
For fans who just can’t get enough of the Star Wars: Experience the Force Singapore festival at Orchard Road, there will be an entire experiential zone at STGCC this year specially dedicated to Star Wars! Fans will be offered an immersive experience of getting up close and personal with fan-built vehicle replicas, games, and collectibles.
Be transported to a galaxy far, far away by a replica of Kylo Ren’s TIE Silencer from the upcoming movie, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.
In addition, larger-than-life fan made props have been flown in specially for this exhibition, including Rey’s Speeder, signed by film director J.J. Abrams, and a film replica of the interior of the Millennium Falcon.
Fans can also get to meet and interact with the most adorable droid in the galaxy, BB-8, through a virtual reality experience at STGCC. The latest addition to Star Wars’ ever-expanding mobile gaming family will also be featured at STGCC. Fans are welcome to take aim and compete with one another in real-time demos.
Tickets to STGCC will also be available for purchase at the Star Wars: Experience the Force Singapore event at Orchard Road, as well as on STGCC’s website.
Star Wars: Experience the Force Singapore festival is one of the initiatives supported under the three-year collaboration between Singapore Tourism Board and The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia. Beyond the Star Wars events this year, Disney fans can also look forward to more unique Marvel and Disney Animation/Disney Pixar activities that will be taking the spotlight in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
For more information about Star Wars: Experience the Force Singapore, please visit http://www.experiencetheforce.sg/.
STGCC Official After Party
The fun doesn’t end at Marina Bay Sands Expo! STGCC goes full force with their Official After Party set to take place at VLV Singapore. On 10 September from 9pm onwards, the post-STGCC celebrations will feature four popular Japanese guest DJs – Camellia, kors k, kradness, and Ryu☆ – to end the convention’s 10th birthday on a high note.
Entry tickets sold at VLV. Cover charge is priced at $35, show up at the after party with STGCC’s wristband to enjoy $10 off and enter at $25!
Online Tickets Prices:
VIP TICKETS = S$85 STGCC ALL ACCESS PASS
1-Day Pass = S$19 [STGCC ALL ACCESS PASS ] / S$7 [GGXP + AKIBA ZONE PASS]
2-Day Pass S$28 [STGCC ALL ACCESS PASS ] / S$13 [GGXP + AKIBA ZONE PASS]
Ticket Prices at Door:
VIP TICKETS = S$85 STGCC ALL ACCESS PASS
1-Day Pass = S$21 [STGCC ALL ACCESS PASS ] / S$9 [GGXP + AKIBA ZONE PASS]
2-Day Pass S$30 [STGCC ALL ACCESS PASS ] / S$15 [GGXP + AKIBA ZONE PASS]
#STGCC #STGCC2017 #StarWars #ExperienceTheForceSG
#PopCultureFunMY #CosplayFunMY #TheCaptain #PopCultureFunMalaysia #CosplayFunMalaysia #OutpostProductions
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