(SGCC 2022) An Interview With Boey - Author of When I Was A Kid Series

Hi Huneybees,

Photo credits: Boey

It's December and I'm super stoked the annual Singapore Comic Con (SGCC 2022) is finally back physically this year after the pandemic break. I'm always there every year, checking out the artists' works, and what's new in the comic/art/gaming scene as well as snagging the latest collectibles to add to my collection and this year will be no exception.

There was a prelude back in October 2022 at City Square Mall and getting to experience what's upcoming got me all riled up. Are you ready for it?

Anyway, before the event happens in December, I managed to have a little interview with one of the featured artist - Cheeming Boey.

Q: Where do you get inspiration for your webcomic creation given that you update every couple of days?

My comics used to be a daily update till about three years ago when I realized I can't keep up with it and not get paid. Social media has allowed for greater exposure of any kind of comic artist but has also taken away the ability for a lot of artists to get paid since so much of it is free. Going back to the question, most of what I write is about my day-to-day, and documenting it isn't hard. It is making sure the series of events are told in a manner that is intriguing that is. 

Q: It’s been a while since we last saw your foam cup art, will you start a series again?

If I ever go back to the art of cups it would only be for fun. People move on, and I move on. It was a cool little thing I did but there's much more to be done. 

Q: We are almost at the end of 2022, how has 2022 been for you?

2022 has been a learning experience. I put a new book out (when I was a kid 7), and I've learned to not try to top myself every time. The pressure from writing so I meet the expectations of the public has also eased a lot more. And I've learned how the book industry works from my experience with switching distributors. So it was good. Not many ppl get to experience that. :)

Q: What’s new for 2023?

A: 2023 is going to be great. I have plans but I can't say what they are yet. 

Photo credits: Boey

Better known as Boey, he first caught my attention with his intricate works on styrofoam cups. I was into doodling then and whilst doing some research online, I chanced upon his works on social media. He has since moved on to posting his webcomic - "I Am Boey" and even published his autobiographical graphic novel -"When I Was A Kid", with book 7 launched recently.

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A post shared by Cheeming Boey (@iamboey)

The stories in the novels are a reflection of his childhood spent growing up in Johor Bahru, with simple doodle-style graphics and little words, Boey is able to bring out the little humour in life, and jog up the childhood memories of those pre-social media days.

SGCC 2022 will be taking place from 10 to 11 December at Sands Expo & Convention Centre,  featuring more than 350 exhibitors and 420 brands across four halls on Level 1 and B2. There are loads of collectibles and fun activities for all fans with a new Food Zone - featuring pop-up stores from LiHO, Gopizza, Blanco Court Beef Noodles, and Cat and the Fiddle.

The Artist Alley will have more than 100talented artists with highlights - Seth Adams, Rachta Lin, ComxNaut Studio, Bobblejot, Beatrice (Winter’s Tales), and Club Comix AX.

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A post shared by Singapore Comic Con - SGCC (@sgcomiccon)

Comics fans must also be there early for exclusive comics from Pinkponkcomics, Comics Grail Vault, and Crimson Star, Legionaries.

So hurry get your tickets if you have not done so, and do follow SGCC 2022 for more updates!

Do follow me on my social media for more daily updates...
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Singapore Comic Con 2022 Returns Big In December

Hi Huneybees,

The annual affair that is Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) will be making a glorious return to the event scene, as it ushers in its biggest convention yet. Taking place on 10 and 11 December 2022 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, SGCC 2022 is expanding to four exhibition halls across two levels, with more than 350 exhibitors and 420 brands in attendance.

A major party to grace the show floor is key sponsor integrated future culture platform Mighty Jaxx, who are releasing a limited run of 500 NFT (non-fungible tokens) / digital tickets called the SGCC XPass. Available as an exclusive in-app brand product, they will retail at US$109 each and offer the following perks:

• 1-day SGCC pass
• Early bird entry into SGCC 2022, 30 minutes before doors open
• Two blind boxes, redeemable at the Mighty Jaxx booth during SGCC 2022
• Participation in a giveaway for a unique collectible / commissioned art by a Mighty Jaxx
• partner artist
• 15% discount on entry into the next 2 SGCC editions (2023, 2024)
• 20% off the retail price of one (1) SGCC Mascot T-shirt, with 3 free-size designs available
• A place on the whitelists for selected future launches of Mighty Jaxx’s digital and phygital
• collectibles
• Communications and participation around giveaways, digital collectible sales and events
• Recurring giveaways
• Access to the Mighty Jaxx Metaverse

Those who miss out on the digital tickets can redeem one free SGCC XPass fragment that lands visitors a chance to secure their place on the whitelists for selected future launches of Mighty Jaxx’s digital collectibles, and stand a chance to win one of Mighty Jaxx’s giveaways (blind boxes, single releases and more) during the SGCC show days.

For figure collectors, Collectors Ark will be displaying limited-edition statues, busts, intricate figures, and film prop replicas of legendary characters, and icons from Marvel, DC Comics, Lord of the Rings and many more in a wide range of scales. 

A close partner of renowned brands like Prime 1 Studio, Queen Studios, and Infinity Studio, it has some impressive artworks under its belt, including lifelike life-size busts of the Joker and Harley Quinn from Infinity Studio.

A huge part of SGCC has always been fostering the community spirit, and this year’s iteration will build on previous versions of the Work In Progress (W.I.P) program to present a comic submission competition, talks by industry professionals, and award-winning creators from over 28 countries. A new Food Zone has also been added to B2, featuring pop-up stores from LiHO, Gopizza, Blanco Court Beef Noodles, and Cat and the Fiddle.

Photo credits: BANDAI

Tickets for SGCC 2022 are now available on Klook, with prices starting at S$25 (excluding S$2 booking fee per ticket). Alternatively, visitors can opt for any of three ticket bundles, with the first packing in a 2-day access pass and an exclusive Gundam RX7-8GP01 First Touch figure for S$108.

Photo credits: BANDAI

The second one includes the same 2-day access pass, but with a different exclusive item from Tamashii Nations. Fork out S$138, and fans will be able to get their hands on an accompanying Gundam RX-78-2 Clear Colour figure. Lastly, the S$85 Mystery T-shirt Bundle consists of a 2-day event pass and any one out of three mystery shirt designs.

SGCC 2022 runs from 10 to 11 December, and there will be more information about its guests and exhibitors nearer to the date.

Do follow me on my social media for more daily updates...
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Are You Ready For STGCC 2017?

Hi Huneybees,

Yes! I just got back from Sri Lanka and am so happy that was in time for the STGCC Press Conference. Held at the infamous Central Perk Cafe drawn from the F.R.I.E.N.D.S sitcom, we got a chance to sit and chat with a few of the headliners ahead of the convention this weekend and check out what's to expect too!

This year, STGCC will be expanded from 2 convention halls to 3 with a specially dedicated Gaming Experience zone - GGXP (Good Game Experience) with live eSports gaming championships and the latest gaming and product showcases for game fanatics to play with.

At the centre stage of GGXP, be sure to check out the ROG Masters 2017 - DOTA 2 - Singapore Qualifiers and ROG Masters 2017 - CS:GO - Singapore Qualifier finals, where the top 2 playing teams will be facing off in a best-of-three playoff for a chunk of the S$20,000 total prize pool. There will also be the semi-finals to finals of Vainglory Championship 2017 - Southeast Asia happening on 10 September, where the top 4 teams will battle towards the grand finals for their portion of the USD$5,000 prize pool.

Other than GGXP, the STGCC is also more organized to bring you through the retail experience first, through the Artist Galore to meet your favourite artists and toymakers, then the Star Wars Experience which I'm definitely looking forward to and then to the Akiba Zone where it's inspired by Tokyo's famous Electric Town, you can even go there to fix up your cosplay should you be having a wardrobe malfunction!

Ok, so getting down to the meet and greet. I got to chat and get my autographs with the talented Emmy-Award winning writer and illustrator - Frank Cho, Singapore’s first Eisner Awards winner and graphic novelist - Sonny Liew, one of Disney's top artist - James C Mulligan, popular Italian cosplayer - Leon Chiro, Japanese idol and J-pop singer - Rie Yunohara, Star Wars movie set and prop maker - Stefan Cembolista and the creative director and co-founder of tokidoki, who is present at every year's STGCC - Simone Legno!

Every year, I have my canvas and sharpies ready for autographs whilst I speak with these talented artists. It helps as I pluck up my courage to speak with these legendary titans of the comics and toys world.

Frank Cho's gorgeous drawings of ladies might be controversial these days, but I remember flipping through the library books during my animation days, admiring and grasping how he can get the lady anatomy down to such sexiness. I was tongue-tied in front of this idol and still regretting as I write this blog why didn't I speak with him?!

James C Mulligan is definitely excited to meet his fans at STGCC, looking smart in his leather jacket, I got an adorable Stitch autograph! Don't miss his live painting session on the main stage on Sunday and meet him at Walk of Fame! 

Sonny Liew shared with me his experiences in SDCC and we are both in the hopes that STGCC will be of the same scale in the near future. Thanks for the 'self-portrait' autograph and be sure to catch him at the Walk of Fame too!

It's always a wonderful experience to meet my favourite artist, Simone Legno. I've missed him last year, due to an overseas trip and seeing him again this year, I had a few items ready for him to autograph. When asked about his multiple collaborations with brands and products, does he get tired out, he says he is overwhelmed and honoured instead and that he wishes to be approached by an airline for collaboration in the future. OMG! YES! Someone answer his prayer and let me be the first passenger please?!

Next, I chatted with the adorable Rie Yunohara, who was looking super kawaii in her kimono outfit. She spoke of how she was discovered performing in STGCC back in 2014, she cosplayed amongst those big mecha cosplayers and she stood out with her performance. She's a graduate from MKM-ZERO and PhantomVoice, and currently performing as a solo artiste, she has been crowned as the official idol of Japan’s biggest food entertainment festival Niku-Fes. Be sure to catch her on centre stage on STGCC!

Leon Chiro was a hot favourite, I only got a few minutes to speak with him and boy was that wait worth it! He shared how gaming companies approach him and how he gets into character, how he makes a character comes to life, his cosplaying process, but the highlight has got to be when I asked him how long he trains for those killer abs, he jokingly said photoshop and pulled his top up for a little ab trick!

Lastly, we spent a little more time with Stefan Cembolista. He shared his stories of how a little hobby of converting scraps to Star Wars props, got his crew noticed and became known, meeting George Lucas and J.J. Abrams, traveling the world with Star Wars and Disney and attending all the comic cons in the world, simply everything a Star Wars fanatic can ask for. He was very jovial and would definitely love to share his stories with you. Catch him at the exclusive Star Wars : Experience The Force Zone as you go relive your Star Wars moment with his lifesize props!

Ok! For those who are interested in a little retail therapy at STGCC, there is gona be a ton of exclusives and merchandises for you to dig in. These include a limited edition Mr Kiasu figurine available at Action City's booth, limited edition Hot Toys 2017 Toy Fair releases, rainbow-coloured vinyl toys and items by designer Mark Nagata and his collaborators, Daniel Yu's signature Jiang Shi and don't miss out on this special hologram Darth Vader from Beast Kingdom!

So, prepare, get your gear on and be there early for there will be tons filled for you to experience these 2 days! Be there early for fear of getting disappointed. See you there!

Connect with STGCC on their platforms for more updates:
Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram 

Don’t forget to stay tuned to my blog / like my blog’s Facebook page / follow me @huney_84 on Twitter & Instagram  for the latest updates!

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Get Ready This September As STGCC Celebrates Its 10th Birthday

Hi Huneybees,

Are you psyched up for STGCC’s 10th birthday bash?! 

The highly anticipated Singapore Toy, Game and Comic Convention (STGCC) returns bigger and better as it celebrates its 10th Birthday at Sands Expo and Convention Center, Level B2 across Halls D,E & F on the 9th & 10th of September. Whether you’re an avid comic junkie, die-hard collector, gaming enthusiast or just keeping up with the pop-culture scene, be prepared for an extravaganza of star-studded guest list, exclusives and collectibles, epic installations and displays, engaging stage programmes, and thrilling gaming content which will keep you enthralled over the weekend! There’s no better way to kick-start the celebration and excitement leading up to the 10th edition. You’d Recognise These Faces Brilliant eastern and western artists from the pop culture scene...

FRANK CHO
Writer | Comic Book | Comic Strip | Illustrator

Known for his newspaper comic strip series, Liberty Meadows and the popular character Brandy Carter, Frank Cho, the Emmy Award-winning and critically acclaimed writer and illustrator joins the STGCC 2017 guest list. Cho has worked on various popular titles such as Mighty Avengers, Spider-Man, X-Men, Shanna the She-Devil, the Hulk and Savage Wolverine for Marvel Comics. As of this year, he is the cover artist for Harley Quinn at DC Comics. Brewing in the pipeline are several creator-owned projects, Skybourne at Boom Studios, Guns & Dinos at Image Comics, and World of Payne with novelist Tom Sniegoski for Flesk Publications

ARTHUR ADAMS 
Creator | Artist | Writer | Longshot

Monkeyman & O’Brien A talent and a creator, Arthur Adams’s highly distinctive pencilling and detailed artwork is what fans cannot get enough of. Since blasting onto the comics’ scene back in 1985 with his critically-acclaimed limited series Longshot, Adams became an immediate fan-favourite whose works have been in high demand. He has drawn everything from Fantastic Four, Batman & Superman to Spiderman, X men, Godzilla, Vampirella, Excalibur, and the Hulk.

JOYCE CHIN
Artist | Penciller | Marvel Covers | SuperGirl

Wife & Mother Behind every meticulously drawn heroine, lies a brilliant creator. Joining the STGCC 2017 guest list is California native Joyce Chin who has been working as a creator in comics since 1995 when she pencilled several issues of Guy Gardner: Warrior for DC. Since then, she has accumulated many titles under her belts, including the interiors and covers of stories for the Hulk, Red Sonja, Vampirella, Green Lantern, Xena, Spider-Man, Superman, and Witchblade, with a variety of publishers. Joyce is kept busy pencilling and inking a number of covers for Marvel including X-Men, Thor, Wolverine, Moon Girl and Ms Dinosaur.

TAKUYA FUJIMA
Writer | Illustrator | Manga

Japanese pop culture fans can look forward to Takuya Fujima, Japan’s most sought after illustrator. Not only does he design characters for anime and games, he is also a popular mangaka in Japan. Known for his extensive involvement with the Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha series, Fujima’s serialized manga “Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha ViVid” is made into anime by A-1PICTURES in 2015. He was also tasked with the original character design for the continuation “ViVid Strike!” anime in 2016 where he single-handedly drew all the anime end cards! Some of Fujima’s anime works include character designs of Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha ViVid, ViVid Strike!, R-15 and Black Bullet.

SIMONE LEGNO
Artist | Creative Director & Co-Founder of tokidoki

In celebration of STGCC’s 10th birthday, Simone Legno, the Cofounder and Creative Director of tokidoki returns. Launched in 2005, tokidoki catapulted into an internationally recognized popculture lifestyle brand and has amassed a cult-like following for its larger-than-life characters, bagging megawatt partnerships and extensive range of products from apparel and handbags to home décor and even slot machines. Fans of tokidoki can look forward to exclusive tokidoki x STGCC 10th anniversary merchandise. More details to be shared in the coming weeks.

You’ll be Mesmerized by Their Cosplay Catch the nifty and sought-after cosplayers in action 

LEON CHIRO 

Fans of gaming are in for a treat! Leon Chiro, the official cosplayer for leading videogame companies such as Ubisoft (Assassin's Creed/ Watch Dogs), Square Enix (Gladiolus - Final Fantasy XV), Capcom (honorary mention for his Dante) will be debuting at STGCC 2017. A veteran in the cosplay scene, Leon frequently judges in leading cosplay competition globally. Catch Leon live in action this September 9 – 10! 

SHIMO (霜月)

Hailing all the way from Taiwan is Shimo (霜月), a familiar face to the global cosplay scene. Charming her fans with her sweet dainty looks and almost doll-like portrait of bishoujo characters, Shimo (霜月) is at the top of her game. Best known for her Hatsune Miku (Vocaloid), Kotori Minami (Love Live) and Fumika Sagisawa (Idolmaster Cinderella Girls) cosplays, fans be prepared to welcome her back to the sunny island of Singapore. 

Time to Level Up Yes, exciting times ahead 

STGCC CHAMPIONSHIPS OF COSPLAY COMPETITION 

Raising the standards of cosplay in the region, the STGCC Championships of Cosplay is the center stage for aspiring cosplayers. Watch as the region’s top cosplayers and budding enthusiasts battle it out to represent STGCC at the 2018 C2E2 Crown Championships of Cosplay in Chicago, where they will compete for international glory among the best cosplayers from around the globe! Be inspired by Erika Jean Garbin who represented STGCC, coming in as the RunnerUp in the Crown Championships of Cosplay finals at C2E2 2017 in Chicago. Registration for the competition closes on 4 August 2017. 

Are you game enough? - This year, the “G” in STGCC will dauntlessly be levelled up & buffed. Gaming fans can look forward to an exhilarating programme of curated gaming content and enjoy the Good Game Experience (GGXP) at STGCC this September 9 – 10! Be the first to experience latest games, gaming products and merchandise brought to you by international and local game developers and publishers. What’s more, gather your team and battle it out at the eSports tournament to emerge victorious. 

“STGCC celebrates our 10th Anniversary this September. Dedicated to all our fans, we’d love to mark this milestone with them by throwing the wildest bash. The Force is especially strong with us this year and fans can anticipate more galactic excitement when we reveal details in the coming weeks. That’s not all; the G in STGCC will level up for our gaming fans out there. Look out pop culture fans, get psyched to be thrilled this September!” --- Lin Koh, Assistant Project Director, Pop Culture Cluster, Reed Exhibitions Singapore. 

Beat the crowd and get your tickets prior from 8 June 2017 onwards at the official ticket retailer, Action City. Online ticketing opens end of June. Stay tuned for more announcements in the next few weeks!  

Connect with STGCC on their platforms for more updates:
Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram 

Don’t forget to stay tuned to my blog / like my blog’s Facebook page / follow me @huney_84 on Twitter & Instagram  for the latest updates!

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5 Things To Prepare For STGCC 2015 Tomorrow

Hi Huneybees,

Are you all set for STGCC tomorrow? I can't be there as I'm currently overseas, but from my past experience, here's something to share with you and get you prepared for tomorrow...

1) Better plan your route and know where your targets are before stepping into the grounds. This is the show floor map and be sure to grab a copy of the STGCC 2015 Programme Guide before you enter the convention hall to note down stage sessions & signings  you want to attend and do check out the STGCC Lucky Draw Kiosk!

2) Every year, you get limited, exclusive and new products at STGCC and 95% of the time, the items are only available in a very limited run. This year, there is even a special site where talented artists residing in Singapore will be presenting an array of memorabilia in celebration of Singapore's Golden Jubilee -  exclusive SG50 custom Munnies by Tell Your Children, Keh Choon Wee, Ong Ean Keat of Keatopia, Mas of Wanton Noodle, Ziqi of Monster Little and Caramelaw A.K.A Sheena Aw will be available for bidding at a silent auction at STGCC, where all proceeds raised will go to child welfare organisation, Club Rainbow. Other Exclusives & New Products list, click on the link...

3) There's gona be tons of photo opportunities at STGCC and you would want to be capturing these precious moments - the gargantuan Hulk vs Hulkbuster installation, 1000% Jiang Shi BE@RBRICK guarded by an army of 100% clones, selfies with your 'idols' at the Walk of Fame & the inaugural STGCC Championships of Cosplay, the lists goes on. So, you better be charging all your power banks tonight and bring them along to ensure you're always on 100% phone battery life!

4) And if you are looking to meet your idols at the Walk of Fame, you better be bringing the canvas boards, posters or related merchandises to get them autographed. Don't think the artists will be happy if you were to be appearing with tissue paper... =P

5) Ok, last but not least, to ensure that you get the things that you want, you better be sleeping soon so that you can be there when the doors open on Saturday morning at 10am!

Don’t forget to stay tuned to my blog / like my blog’s Facebook page / follow me @huney_84 on Twitter & Instagram  for the latest updates!

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Gone Red & White For Singapore's 50th Birthday

Hi Huneybees,

How was your SG50 celebration weekend? It's back to work day in a few more hours and I'm really gona be missing those few days where I could go out to stretch those muscles and spend some quality time with my hubby.  :)

Anyway, back to Singapore's Birthday - 9th August. We spent the day doing things Singapore related in red and white style and the very first thing I did was to brush my teeth with The Real Red toothpaste by Pearlie White.

It is a proudly made in Singapore oral care brand and with the lion head symbol, you know they will be bringing in smiles to Singaporeans all over the island. An early minty breath is definitely a must to kick start such a wonderful day!

Then, it comes down to dressing up. I had initially wanted to flash those unique one-piece-only SG50 x DEPRESSION T-Shirts and couple them with hubby, but in the end, hubby still insisted on being the "red" pair.

It was pretty ironic we both wore something comic fans would love, but hey, that's what makes us a couple eh?  :*

Though we had planned to head on out to go catch the NDP'15 airshow and fireworks, but for fear my back could not take it, we decided to stay home to catch the parade on TV. I wished that I could have done more, given that it was such a memorable day, being Singapore's 50th afterall.

It was a pity to have missed seeing the planes zipped by and the specially created SG50 fireworks right before my eyes.

Anyway, these were taken when I was passing by Kallang the other day, when the Black Knights were doing a rehearsal for NDP. This was as close as I could get to this year's celebration. Guess I can only hope for next year... :(

So, how did you spend your National Day? 

Do share your photos if you were at NDP LIVE! :P

Don’t forget to stay tuned to my blog / like my blog’s Facebook page / follow me @huney_84 on Twitter & Instagram  for the latest updates!

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