ASCENDING the escalator to Level 4 of the Suntec Convention Center, I noticed that several well-known artists — Brian Bolland, Gary Baseman, Tan Eng Huat and Joe Ledbetter — had already been busy doing their thing on a 5 foot by 25 foot panel outside the entrance.

It was a good start to the Singapore Toy, Games & Comic Convention 2009 and getting my pass and goody bag was a painless affair, taking no more than 10 minutes.

A nice spread of goodies from the Comic Con.
PHOTO: Justin Noreikis

Once inside, I was confronted by a huge Nintendo stand, helmed by a young lady so impassive, I thought she was a robot herself. I had to stand and look at her for about 30 seconds before I could discern any kind of humanoid movement.

Moving on through a small group of cosplay stormtroopers and Jedi knights, the Bandai stand was massive and comprised mostly of a hundred plus "Capsule Station" vending machines that hopefully dispensed the toy of your choice for between $2 and $4.

The Capsule station theme was a popular one, with Rise doing nothing else.

Capsule stations lined up, all in a row.
PHOTO: Justin Noreikis

As I started my safari, I noticed there was still a bit of setup going on, so I bypassed the mountains of bubble wrap, boxes and plastic, and headed in, looking for the Wrecker Tike stall, hosted by Rick Treweek, an artist I have been following for a while now.

He did not disappoint, and I managed to pick up all his released works so far in one fell swoop. Result.

The Wrecker Tike stall with artist Rick Treweek.
PHOTO: Justin Noreikis

Next door, I ran into Race Racel Krehel, an acquaintance from Singapore Drum and Bass parties. A skilled illustrator who works for Lucasfilm, he had a interesting setup and body of work. We tried to crash the wall outside for a bit of a scribble, but it was not to be. A-Listers only, it seems.

I next stopped at the Camilla D'Errico stand, and picked up some beautiful but disturbing prints, which she was gracious enough to sign. After a brief chat with this charming girl, it turned out she had also worked with Ashley Wood, an artist I respect hugely.

The Singapore Toy, Games & Comic Convention 2009 was fun for all the family, from 4 years up, as far as I could see. The emphasis this year, however, was more on games, figures and character development rather than comics.

More games and action figures than comics at this year's convention.
PHOTO: Justin Noreikis

I only saw a half dozen comic stores in the place, although there were many crews who had put together little art books and mini mags, which were quite enchanting.

I was also impressed by how many exhibitors there were from Indonesia and Malaysia. They were all very friendly and had some really interesting ideas, notably the My Tummy Toys crew.

Arumi was happy to show and explain some of their works, which included a diorama of Singapore that fit into a suitcase, representing the Singapore leg of their Asian tour. An excellent idea, and well realized.

Singapore in a suitcase showpiece. PHOTOS: Justin Noreikis

Their P77 resin handmade figures were desirable, but with a price tag matching the effort involved, I did not treat myself.

Close up of the fine resin figures in the Singapore in a suitcase display.
PHOTO: Justin Noreikis

Dhanny Sanjaya and crew were super friendly, and it was good to hook up with them for a chat. It was their first working trip to Singapore, so best of luck to them.

The Thunderpanda X eightyfourcube crews also had some interesting work. All of their works combined a sensitive style with some hardcore themes, a heady mix.

The Creative Ink gang did a good job of representing Malaysian comic culture, offering a wide range of works.

Although it was cool to see the big names about, it was so much more interesting to talk to the local crews from Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, who really had some great ideas and styles.

I left the place with some good hookups, loads of excellent stickers, signed Wrecker Tike and Camilla D'Errico prints, Issue #1 of Kult Magazine (thanks, Steve), a limited edition Yamaguchi Kuro Kat and a Soul of Chogokin BossBorot.

Nice! Job's a good'un, I'm out of here.

Justin Noreikis is Project Manager with Atex Global Media and attached to Singapore Press Holdings' Editorial Systems Support Unit.