Sunday, September 27, 2015

Movie Review: Attack on Titan (進撃の巨人) 2 : End Of The World - Not Enough Crunchy Bits

Even though the live action movie "Attack on Titan" Part 1 did not meet most of the fans' expectations, it still had a pretty good box office run both in Japan and locally in Red Dot Island.

Part 1 made SGD 3.8 million (USD 4.8 million) in its opening week in Japan, and over here, gross takings was over SGD 818,000 after four weeks of screening at only 15 locations.

Red Dot Diva watched the preview of Part 2 earlier this month and was all set to enjoy a similar "fear experience" that was the most enjoyable aspect in the first movie.

To her surprise and disappointment, the follow-up film had fewer hungry Titans stomping and much less gore, with hardly any character development. In fact, some of the characters were hardly even seen or had spoken dialogue - like Sasha, for instance.

Instead, there was a lot of dialogue which slowed down the pace considerably, making the movie harder to sit through without feeling impatient. The action did pick up toward the end but by then, one would hardly care enough for the young cadet team to root for their victory.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Hello Kitty Go Around Singapore - The Purrfect Catnip For Fans

Even while Red Dot Diva was busily admiring biceps at AsiaPop Comicon in Manila, she got wind of the news (accompanied by very loud purrs) about a big Hello Kitty event coming up in Red Dot Island.

Knowing how a large number of Red Dot Islanders get catnipped by the mere mention of Hello Kitty and her friends, Red Dot Diva assigned fan Special Agent H.Y. to find out more about the upcoming Hello Kitty Go Around Singapore.

Here is Special Agent H.Y.'s report:

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Download the Retro-style Official Game and Get Ready for Gamestart Asia 2015!


Go download the retro pixel-art style official mobile phone game for Gamestart Asia 2015. It's available on both iTunes and Google Play, and it's FREE! (Yes, FREE with no in-app purchases necessary!)

The game, which features Gamestart mascot Alyse, all battle ready in her Version 2 gear, kicking ass battling obstacles and unlocking other playable characters who have have their own unique powers. This specially created game was done by the Gamestart Asia organizer Eliphant, in collaboration with Seow ‘Sonic’ Zong Hui, a developer of Street Fighter vs MegaMan.

Check out the introductory game preview video here:



Here Are The STGCCBiceps Instagram Contest Winners!

The Glam Bloggers Alliance held the 2nd Edition of the STGCCBiceps Instagram photo contest during STGCC two weeks ago, together with the Global Beards team.

Here are the selected winners who have posted very nice pics showing off some wonderful STGCCBiceps. Congrats!

Check them out here:


First Prize - @markangelorivera
DAD Biceps are the best!!



Saturday, September 19, 2015

The Red Dot Diva AsiaPop Comic Con Manila Experience Hyperlapsed!

AsiaPop Comic Con (APCC) Manila kicked-off yesterday at the World Trade Centre yesterday, in a large event hall filled with wondrous giant displays of characters from Marvel, like the Hulkbuster, as well as gorgeous exhibits from "Alien vs Predator" and "X-Men: First Class" courtesy of the folks from Amalgamated Dynamics!

Here's a quickie video, edited by the wonderful Ed from toys-etc.com on Red Dot Diva's adventures.

Biceps Included!




Tomorrow is the last day of the epic comic-con filled with comic book guests, local artists, cosplay guests, toy stores and celebrities!

There was even a very nice fireworks display to wrap out Day 2 (Saturday) just now.

Don't miss being part of this inaugural international pop-culture convention in Manila!

And if you see Red Dot Diva prowling the showfloor on Sunday, do come up and say hi!


Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Post-STGCC 2015: Videos! A Quick Roundup, Greeting From Adam Hughes and Talking Comics Panel!

Was STGCC 2015 a fun weekend for you?

Red Dot Diva had a great time with fellow geeks and friends, despite the haze and a severe bout of exhaustion due to lack of sleep. Also, the convention guests were stellar, especially Agnes Garbowska's, Adam Hughes' and Simone Legno's lines were never-ending, and both worked so hard to sign, chat and sketch for their fans.

Red Dot Diva and Toys-etc's Ed are rushing to head to Manila for AsiaPop Comicon Manila in a few hours. So, here's a post-STGCC round-up.... in video!




Saturday, September 12, 2015

STGCC 2015: Camilla D'Errico Shares About Her Artistic Journey

Today was the first day of STGCC 2015 and boy, was it a busy day for the Glam Bloggers Alliance (GBA)!

One of the interview sessions GBA had was with Canadian surrealist artist Camilla D'Errico with a unique visual style. Camilla is also the creator of graphic novel "Tanpopo" (published by BOOM! Studios), a story about a mysterious girl who has no emotions and is set on a poetic quest for self-discovery.


Camilla first exhibited at STGCC 6 years ago in 2009, and it is great to see her back in the show, with more of her latest art for sale. At the interview, she was very upbeat about meeting the fans (both new and old) here at the convention, and it was interesting to see how much she has progressed in the last few years.

On a side note, Red Dot Diva's pal Ryan had asked Camilla to do a special commission of his son as a superhero, and this was her piece:


A photo posted by Red Dot Diva (@reddotdiva) on

Don't you think it's just lovely?

GBA's Agent W rounds up this evening's interview with Camilla about her art journey:

Friday, September 11, 2015

STGCC 2015: Media Preview with Adam Hughes, Huck Gee and Stella Chuu at the Flashy New DC Superheroes Cafe!

To be honest, Red Dot Diva wanted to type in "Spanking New" in this article's header, but she did not want no DC Superheroes suddenly crashing into her room and delivering the necessary punishment.

Although....... if it were Batman bringing her some Batman sliders... Hmmmmmm.... *wriggles eyebrows*

A photo posted by Red Dot Diva (@reddotdiva) on


Thursday, September 10, 2015

STGCC 2015: Toys-etc Reviews The Exclusive SG50 Unico by Tokidoki!


When it comes to reviews, there is undoubtedly always a personal bias within. Especially so, when it relates to someone or something you adore or look up to.

As a fair blogger though, one tries to place some amount of balance to the opinion. Red Dot Diva finds it difficult to judge about lifestyle brand tokidoki's toys, simply because they are all generally SO CUTE.

However, Glam Bloggers Alliance buddy, Ed from Toys-etc dares to tread into dangerous territories. Here is his "Totally Unbiased" review of the SG50 Unicorno!

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

STGCC 2015: Adam Hughes Arrives in Singapore! Others Are On Their Way

Master and super-popular artist Adam Hughes was announced as a guest for this year's STGCC a few months back, and comic book fans here have been patiently waiting for the convention weekend to arrive.

The two-day convention will kick off this Saturday 12 September, and earlier today, Adam Hughes and his wife Allison Sohn have finally arrived in Red Dot Island after a super long 20-hour flight from the U.S.A!

The first tweet upon the couple's touchdown was this:


They must have heard about the traditional pre-convention guest dinner, which consists of dishes of local yummies, including the "must-have" chilli crab!

Monday, September 7, 2015

Ubisoft Set To Open Theme Park in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia!


This just in!

And what exciting news this is!

Fans of "Assassin's Creed" and other games by Ubisoft will be able to indulge in the imaginary worlds that they are familiar with as the game company targets to develop a next-generation theme park. The first of such parks will be an indoor establishment with an expected area of 10,000 square metres, and is set to open in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, sometime in 2020

Sunday, September 6, 2015

STGCC 2015: Time to Flex Those Muscles Again! It's the STGCC Biceps Instagram Contest!

The Glam Bloggers Alliance's Instagram Contest held at during last year's STGCC was so much fun, that they have decided to run one again this year!

Attendees of the convention can pump up their biceps and FLEX to take part in the 2nd edition of the STGCC Biceps Instagram Photo Contest! This time, there will be a special Bonus Round, with the help of the team of Global Beards.
 
Here is how one can join in the fun:

Terms & Conditions: Glam Bloggers Alliance (GBA) STGCC Biceps Instagram Photo Contest

Pose a selfie or pose with a friend or STGCC guest showing at least one arm’s biceps in the photo. Three of the most creative interesting posed photos with caption wins.

Note: If you are posing the photo with someone or having someone to pose in the pic, please do remember to ask the person for permission to be included in the photo. Stalker pics will not be accepted as a contest entry.

Saturday, September 5, 2015

STGCC 2015: Gilamon Studio's Lefty Will Be Swinging By With Some Very Limited Edition Art Goodies!

STGCC has become a bonding time between many of the region's artists and fans, especially if they only get to see each other once a year or so!

It's also Red Dot Diva's opportunity to be able to catch up with Lefty from Gilamon Studio again. She has always liked his art style, and she has to blame him for always tempting her with his art goodies. Bad, Lefty! Very bad! ;)

If you have been to Penang's Georgetown in the last few years, you would have noticed that there are notable street art located in several places. Lefty has contributed many pieces, including this steel rod sculpture based on this artwork called "Win Win Situation".

Pic found on Pinterest (Source unknown?)

This year, Lefty will be dropping by local store GnB Comics this coming Friday as well as roving around STGC. He has VERY LIMITED pieces of his art available for pre-order! Most have 10 pieces or fewer left! (Scroll down toward the end of this article for the description and prices.)

Red Dot Diva last did an interview with Lefty about 3 years ago. Wow. Time sure flies. (Check out the article here.) She has bumped into him at conventions between then and now, but since he has some really cool stuff available for sale this coming Friday, she grabbed him for a quickie online Q&A.

Friday, September 4, 2015

AsiaPop Comic Con Manila 2015: Jason Momoa No Longer Attending; Look out for Amalgamated Dynamics

NEWS ALERT!

Celebrity guest Jason Momoa will no longer be attending AsiaPop Comicon Manila (APCC Manila).

This is very unfortunate, but as in the case of actors, their film schedules and opportunities can come up in the last minute, and such guest cancellations are quite common in the convention scene.

Do not feel too disappointed though! Red Dot Diva says that APCC is still set to heat up the convention floor on 18 to 20 September. Their current guest list is one of the best seen in this region so far, encompassing a very broad range of genres for any respectable geek.

One exhibit area to look for is the one hosted by Academy Award-winning special effects studio Amalgamated Dynamics (AD), a leader in prostethics and animatronics.

AsiaPop Comic Con Manila 2015: Clear Your Vision! Paul Bettany Joins Celebrity Guest List!

SQUEEEEEeeeeEEEE!!

This fantastic news drops early in the evening for all geeks who will be attending APCC Manila two weeks from now.

Paul Bettany, who made waves recently as the powerful android Vision, joins the growing celebrity guest list for the convention!

Red Dot Diva first noticed the talented Brit actor when he shared screen time with Heath Ledger (one who is still greatly missed) in the 2001 movie, "A Knight's Tale". In the movie, Paul Bettany had many memorable scenes as the charmer Geoffrey Chaucer but mainly also because he flaunted his adorable nakedness in the first few scenes, like so:


le sighs...

Thursday, September 3, 2015

STGCC 2015: Meet Seth Adams At Artist Alley - But Look Out! There's Going To Be An XMas Zombie Apocalypse!

There is an XZA coming to STGCC.

Yep. An Xmas Zombie Apocalypse. In the middle of September. Never mind that it's not the winter solstice yet. (Zombies, after all, aren't the most reliable source for time-keeping.)

But you have been duly warned, and it would be best if you head to Artist Alley Booth 96 during STGCC to get prepped about the XZA. Ask for Seth Adams. He will tell you more about the impending invasion of the undead.

Who? You ask.

Seth Adams. Artist. Creator. The tough-looking, bald, beardy, bicepstuous one-half of the booth occupant who knows the details behind XZA because he is the source. (Besides, the other guy who will be there is neither bald nor beardy, tho' still bicepstuous, so it would be doubtful you'll make a mistake. Also, the other dude's name is Kelly Bender. ;) )

To help you get a little more comfortable with Seth Adams, Red Dot Diva huddled down with him, all whispery and in camouflage, so as not to attract any hungry zombies who may be lurking around.

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

STGCC 2015: Do You Know The Story of Instinctoy?

The Glam Bloggers' Alliance are back again for STGCC 2015! The alliance aims to cover a broad spectrum of geeky topics for fans who will be heading to the convention next weekend.

In a first cross-post for the year, Red Dot Diva is "koping" an article by Ed of Toys-etc about Japanese toy brand Instinctoy.

---------------------------------

The Story of Instinctoy 

The journey of Hiroto Ohkubo began with a Be@rbrick.

He was doing design and fine art and, other than having an growing interest in toys, he knew next to nothing about them but he was drawn to the three inch figure. This was Be@rbrick's first run. It was an opportune moment, just before the explosion of global interest in designer toys and he decided to act on his childhood dream of having a toy that showcases his artistic expression.

For the next three years, rest and vacations were something other people had. To dismiss the success that Instinctoy is having today, to call it a lucky break, would be to ignore the hundreds of drafts, many of which were just spent on perfecting the position of the eyes, ears and paws while coming up with the final version of Inc; the thousands of hours poured into market research, trying to understand the volatility of appeal before he picked up enough confidence in a design that would win the audience over without compromising his aesthetics; the solo trips to Hong Kong to find a factory willing to bring his toy to life, and then the process of getting the eyes right, one that spanned two years (start of 2006 to end of 2007).

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

AsiaPop Comic Con Manila 2015: Colton Haynes Joins Guest List and Show Tickets are On Sale NOW!

WHOA. Those collective squees are sure loud from here!!

Three weeks ago, model/ actor Colton Haynes hinted on Twitter, that he will soon be meeting his fans in Manila. His tweet causing a flurry of excitement and speculation as to which event he will be attending.

Finally, just a few hours ago, the mystery has been solved! AsiaPop Comic Con Manila (APCC Manila) has confirmed that Colton is a guest for the show! APCC Manila will be held at the World Trade Center Metro Manila on 17 to 20 September 2015.

Colton Haynes is best known in his roles on MTV's "Teen Wolf" as Jackson Whittemore/ Kanima and as Roy Harper/ Red Arrow in CW's popular superhero series "Arrow". He was also recently on the big screen together with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in the disaster movie "San Andreas".