1. It is huge

Why would anyone want go to a convention where people play Halloween in the the day or to a toy fair which sells expensive toys that cannot be played? Well, more than 35,000 people this year thought it was a good idea. It’s a ticketed convention no less for the two-day convention at Marina Bay Sands.

2. It has merchandise with wide appeal

There were a number of aunties in queue for the hotly anticipated toys sold at STGCC. Blame it on the Hello Kitty craze but limited edition toys are now part of the must-queue repertoires of Singaporean aunties, along with condo launches and nasi lemak. You know you’re doing something right with your business model if people start queuing for your stuff just because they see others lining up.

3. There are Free stuff

The hallmark of comic conventions - the SWAG (shit we always get). Or in local Singaporean term – Free Gifts. There are many movie posters, badges, recyclable bags, postcards, t-shirts, and many more that were given away at the convention. Singaporeans + Free Gift = Must go.

4. It is becoming mainstream

With the yearly movie releases of superhero blockbusters, the once niche appeal of comic books has gained mass audience acceptance. Conventions like STGCC will start to attract wider audience other than the hardcore comic book nerds or cosplayers.

5. It is fun

How can going to a convention be fun? First, you get to see the cosplayers dress up in characters that range from Japanese manga to American movies. You cannot help but be impressed by their dedication in costume design and their efforts to stay in character. Doubly impressive when there were cosplayers as young as 5 years old. There are also quite a number of life-sized statues for you to take photographs with. Who wouldn’t want to cosy up to Ironman?

6. The Government recognises geekdom.

One of the last things you'd expect to see at a comic convention would be something to do with our Government. But lo and behold, right smack at the entrance of the convention was a booth by the Workforce Development Agency (WDA). The booth was shared with a few academic institutions which provided courses on game development, digital design and digital art, including DigiPen. It shows that even our straight-laced Government is recognising the potential that this industry possesses and is eager to develop our own local talents in game and digital design. Just not professional cosplayers perhaps.

Photos by Adam Tun-Aung and Jonathan Lim