Come to STGCC or Hulk will grab ya and drag ya there anyway! |
Day 1 was a doozy, because we'd planned to dress the son up as his fave Captain America and were looking forward to not having to carry him around since he can walk now. But we had a friend's wedding lunch to attend first. As it turned out, after we were done, Lil Cap was more than happy to carry around his shield, which I had tied to his backpack (which he loves carrying around for some reason.) So he looked awesome!
"I hope they like my costume!"...says Daddy |
I forgot to mention that we were going to meet the Rangerlord and was bringing along the Justice League: Supergirl, Batgirl, and (later on) Green Lantern. Rangerlord was just the guy collecting the money for the photos. I kid. By the time Green Lantern arrived, Cap was so deep in sleep there wasn't any way for a female Justice league/Baby Cap team-up, so sorry there's no pic of them all together kickin' a$$ and taking names. Ah, well. We'll dress them up again soon...
On to the Con itself, true believers!
Like: Exclusives. I think this is the first year that the "western" or action figure toy vendors come up with their own exclusives--and it's very much a welcome move. The past few years since the Con began has seen the vinyl toymakers, artists, writers, etc. all come up with special items for STGCC. So it was nice to see toy distributors Falcon's Hanger produce a Thundercats 8" Mumm-ra as Lion-O Exclusive. While I didn't get one for myself, it was one of the few things I was excited to see. Too bad the figure wasn't made in the 6" scale that the 8-inchers were revamped to. That would've truly made the figure sought after (at least by me). I also didn't much fancy the S$69.90 price tag on Mumm-Ra/Lion-O. That's about two-and-a-half times what the regular Lion-O costs at retail. :(
Also exclusive to the Con:
- Play Imaginative's 12" Super Alloy Batman, made mostly of die-cast parts. They also had a prototype Iron Man on display. Nice as they were, Bats was priced at some S$320, which was definitely too expensive for my blood. :(
- Hot Toys' Rescue Uniform Version Captain America, Lt. Jim Gordon, and Pirates of the Carribean Angelica. These were SDCC 2012 Exclusives first though. But it was nice too see them offered here.
Like: The Hot Toys display. This one's become a regular feature at STGCC. And why not, since their home is a short flight away in Hong Kong? This year, Hot Toys had a Movie Avengers diorama as their main attraction amidst the rest of their pieces.
Hulk looking picture-tiny..but huge next to 12" Cap! |
Like: Cosplayers/dressups! Besides tiny Captain America, young Supergirl, lil' Batgirl, and mini Green Lantern, there were loads of people suited up!
It's not Iron Man--it's a giant Lego display by the 501st! ;P |
There were also a squad of Halo guys, and of course, the 501st Legion dressed up in their Star Wars gear!
More 501st Lego! |
All this Lego and no where to buy it! |
More 501st Lego filler--this time it's the Battle of Helms Deep! |
There's no contest? Are you sure it's not down there? |
Posing contest: Gotta love that expression |
The Haul (Sorta)
So I guess I had to buy something. To be honest I didn't see anything that I really had to buy because I wanted it and it was a great deal. There were good deals, most of which I figured I wouldn't springing for:Movie Fantastic Four Light-Up Human Torch - S$15: He's got a good likeness to Chris Evans--my first thought was to pilfer the head and modify it for my Marvel Legends movie Cap. Then I saw the parking meter, post box, and partial sidewalk--all "melted" to varying degrees by the Human Torch's sudden Flame-On but still useful for a diorama/display. A steal at that price!
Masters of the Universe Classics Hurricane Hordak - S$35: Ooh, all that shiny gold! I must've been a D&D dwarf in my previous life. Truth is, he's one of my favourite villains from when I had old MOTU figures--his one hand with switchable and spinnable weapons was just too kickass! I don;t think this one spins his weapons but they're still switchable. And did I mention he's gold shiny gold armour? Heheh.
DC Direct Brightest Day Deadman - S$15: Comes with White Lantern, alternate Boston Brand human head, and Deadman mask. It's an awesomely sculpted and painted figure, though I suspect he's not a lot of people's fave for the right Deadman build, which is lanky and tall. That's ok for me though, because again, I was looking at the accessories and the parts I could possibly use for customs. I know, I'm a murderous maniac who's started killing my toys. But trust me, once you do your first victim, everything becomes easier and you'll start to look at your action figures differently! Mwahahaha!
Marvel Universe San Diego Comic Con 2012 Masters of Evil 3-Pack - S$85: This one comes from good ol' Toyrealm and its owner Vincent, who was the only one who brought it in. Orginally priced at S$95, he slashed $10 off the price. Though still pricey, I don't think I'll ever see this 3-pack again unless I go online, by which time, after shipping, the price would be more or less the same. The way I see it, S$28.34 per figure for a hard-to-get exclusive is completely worth it!
Hot Toys! |
Getting stores to produce their own exclusives is a step in the right direction, but wouldn't it be amazing if almost every vendor has an exclusive? It doesn't have to be anything brand new. Just look at Con Exclusive GI Joes: most of 'em are kitbashed from existing parts, have new paints slapped on 'em, and a Con logo somewhere or other. Some are even just repaints. Falcon's Hangar Mumm-Ra-Lion-O is a great example. And despite the steep price and not buying the figure, I commend their effort for doing something unique, at least. If more vendor would do this, there would certainly lots of people biting if they did. I know I would. :)
Hot Toys 18" Movie Batman |
"Oh boy, oh boy I can't wait for next year!" |
Those, I suppose, are the challenges for next year and the years beyond. I'm glad there were more attendees then ever (35,000 over 2 days) but I'd love to see this number grow and STGCC expand to 3 days or more to accommodate the number, as well as all the potentially new activities and exclusives!
Excellent! Glad you're back!
ReplyDeleteThanks, man!
DeleteLooks like a fun time was had with the family and it will be great seeing more post again from you. : )
ReplyDeleteI'm also hoping to see more posts from me soon! Lol. ;P
DeleteGreat to hear you were able to enjoy some quality time with your family. Lil' Cap is so cute especially that last pic - lol. I hope I can attend next year's Con.
ReplyDeleteThanks and yes, hopefully you can. Let me know if you make it!
DeleteAnd I am of the belief that the Masters of Evil set will eventually be made into single packs.
ReplyDeleteNoooooooo...but you are probably right. Lol.
DeleteAiyah! why didn't tell me when u were there? was walking round and round...wah, u bought the masters of evil! Agree with what u said bout the lack of action figures this year.
ReplyDeleteLol, yes, I heard you were there. But hard to track you down with your ninja skills. Haha. Yeah, the price on those Masters are EVIL!
Deletehahah nope not right! it's dillon! hmm this year's con seems smaller. and less stuff too. but i found the whole mu wave 18 and wave 21!
ReplyDeleteDarn! I missed it by THAT much. ;) Very sorry. Dillon, it is. Yeah it seemed smaller for some reason. But I'm glad you found complete waves! :D
Deletehahah only imperial stormtroopers are so precise. HAH the reason was mbs is smaller, costs more to rent, and they get to rip you off! hahaha thank you! but i only got beast haha and the quality is well, from china..
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