2016 is shaping up to be an amazing year for Superhero fans. We’ll soon get to see the holy trinity of DC Comics on screen in BATMAN v SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE on 24th March, as well as Jared Leto’s interpretation of the Joker in November.
While the excitement in the cinemas is real, that’s not even the beginning. Singapore has jumped on the bandwagon, hosting a whole range of activities, apparel, toys and even food to fuel your inner geek.
Here are 10 awesome places for the hidden superhero in you to live in the pages of your very own comic book!
If you haven’t heard about BATMAN v SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE, you must have been living under a rock for the past few months. The hype for this movie has been exploding on social media, with trailers, posters and cast interviews flooding the web. Its marketing campaign has gone absolutely nuts, pulling out all the stops to make Gotham seem like a real place to visit:
Considered by experts to be the first movie to kickstart the DC Movie Universe, this sequel to Man of Steel (2013) will set the standards for all DC films to come. DC has been relatively quiet on the movie front, which is why the announcement of BATMAN v SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE in 2013 had fans giddy with anticipation.
What better way to celebrate the launch of this movie later in March than to see your favourite superheroes decked out in all their finery. Being able to see Batman – even if it’s only a replica – would make me tremble slightly in my state of euphoria.
BATMAN v SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE Battle Set Display
Dates: 5th March to 3rd April
Location: 201 Victoria Street, Level 2, Bugis+ Atrium, 188067
If taking pictures isn’t your thing, and you would rather live out the experience for yourself, Bugis+ has a virtual reality game for fans of the movie. If you’ve always wanted to throw a batarang at iconic Batman villains or wanted to wreck boulders with heat vision, here’s your chance!
Participants can take part in different battle scenes from the movie and step into the shoes of either The Dark Knight or the Man of Steel. Using motion capture technology, this game allows participants to throw razor sharp batarangs or use heat vision to scorch obstacles in your path.
Battle of the Best Interactive Gaming Zone @ Bugis+
Dates: 5th March to 3rd April
Location: 201 Victoria Street, Level 2, Bugis+ Atrium, 188067
Battle of the Best Interactive Gaming Zone @ Funan DigitaLife Mall
Dates: 14th March to 20th March
Location: 109 North Bridge Road, Level 1, Funan DigitaLife Mall Atrium, 179097
If you’ve watched any Batman cartoons growing up, you’ll know that Batman is synonymous with one thing: the Batmobile. This massive powerhouse of metal and lead which serves as Batman’s personal armored tank, also happens to be every superhero fan’s dream ride.
Good news for all you Batmobile lovin’ fanatics out there, the Batmobile will be parked at Clarke Quay and Westgate. Make sure you stop by and pay homage to one of the greatest armored fighting vehicles to grace comic books since 1939.
Until the 3rd of April, shoppers with a minimum spending of $60 at Westgate can also bring home a complimentary instant print of themselves with the Batmobile in a specially printed photo sleeve. Maybe you’ll even fool your friends into thinking you actually acquired your very own Batmobile!
Batmobile Replica @ Clarke Quay
Dates: 5th March to 20th March
Location: Clarke Quay, Central Fountain
Batmobile Replica @ Westgate
Dates: 22nd March to 7th April
Location: Westgate, Courtyard, Level 1
Absolute Comics has been around since I was born and they have never disappointed me. The staff of the Plaza Singapura stall have been selling me comic books for over a decade. The store is located in a central location which is easily accessible for anyone. It also boasts a wide selection of comic books, including popular titles like Flashpoint and The Court of Owls.
Highly recommended if you’re looking into expanding your own comic book collection or simply if you’re ready to venture into the world of comic books. The staff are warm and friendly and will always go the extra mile to reserve your comic books for them. If you’re new and looking for recommendations, don’t be afraid to approach them for suggestions!
Absolute Comics Plaza Singapura
Address: 68 Orchard Road. #B1-17 Plaza Singapura, 238839
Tel: 63333193
These adorable Funko Pop! vinyl figures have been around since 2005, and you’ll find them almost everywhere, from toy stores to novelty shops to even electronic stores. Simply Toys is one of the largest supplier of Funko Pop! vinyl figures, with a huge selection of them from various comics and tv shows.
Just walking into the store, you’ll find yourself dwarfed by stacks of Funko Pop! figurines. The staff here are also super friendly and are willing to assist you with all your figurine related enquiries. If you’re looking for something you don’t see, give them a holler – they’ll find it for you.
Simply Toys @ Bugis Junction
Address: 200 Victoria Street, #03-10A Bugis Junction, 188021
Tel: 63330669
Simply Toys @ Plaza Singapura
Address: 68 Orchard Road, #07-10/11A Plaza Singapura, 238839
Tel: 68844402
If you’re looking for something beyond your traditional superhero apparel, these are the places you need to check out immediately. They stock everything from Wonder Woman shot glasses to limited edition Superman and Batman figurines – this is your one stop guide to superhero fandom.
The merch Action City keeps bringing is as legit as it gets. They have figurines that I can’t find even on the internet, it’s ludicrous that they even have it. In fact they already have exclusive Superman branded headphones from LittleBigSound, I haven’t seen any other store selling them yet. This is the store I go to the most when I need to find something that doesn’t exist in Singapore, I highly recommend it.
In addition, Action City at Bugis Junction is selling six adorable Cosbaby figures to celebrate the launch of BATMAN v SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE. My personal favourite has to be the Armored Batman Cosbaby which even comes with LED light-up eyes! Sales for these limited edition figurines start on 7th March and end on 27th March.
Action City @ Bugis Junction
Address: 200 Victoria Street #03-23, Bugis Junction, 188021
Tel: 68372723
Check out their online merchandise store here!
If you’re in the market for a Batman sippy cup, or just looking to expand your superhero memorabilia collection, pay Reel Useful at Bugis Junction a visit. This small stall has surprised me time and again with new and interesting collectibles that they’ve specially imported. You might just find a perfect ornament for your bedroom right here!
P.S: If you’re looking for something specific and they don’t have it, try talking to the owners, they’ll go the extra mile to bring it in for you.
Reel Useful
Address: 201 Victoria St, #02-71, Bugis Junction, 188021
Tel: 62388071
I swear by Toy Outpost, it’s never failed me whenever I’m looking for the most random superhero knickknacks. I’ve found superhero themed keychains, poker cards and even face towels here. I wouldn’t be surprised if you could find superhero boxers or underwear here too! I once snagged a set of Batman figurines which were carefully concealed, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled.
Toy Outpost @ Bugis Junction
Address: 200 Victoria St, #03-10B, Bugis Junction, 188021
Tel: 63330388
Toy Outpost @ Plaza Singapura
Address: 68 Orchard Road, #07-11B, Plaza Singapura, 238839
Tel: 63399022
This is THE definitive store for all things DC-related. Whether it’s the latest Batman and Superman T-Shirt or a Flash track jacket for all those late night runs, this store has you sorted. Every corner is crammed with merchandise specific to all your favourite DC superheroes.
All the products here are official DC merchandise and come with the brand’s seal of approval. I bought two shirts from the store and the quality was what I would expect from an established brand like DC.
DC Comics Super Heroes @ Bugis Junction
Address: 200 Victoria Street, Bugis Junction, #01-63, 188021
Tel: 63335560
DC Comics Super Heroes @ Plaza Singapura
Address: 68 Orchard Road, Plaza Singapura, #B1-31, 238839
Tel: 63386838
They say dressing up for parties is passé. I beg to differ, if dressing up as a superhero will get me free food and booze, I would gladly oblige. And with a stream of superhero themed parties lined up at Clarke Quay to celebrate the launch of BATMAN v SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE, I can’t think of a better time to suit up and party the night away.
Grab Batman or Superman-themed burgers here!
No superhero party is complete without themed foods. The Butcher’s Club is launching their very own Batman and Superman themed gourmet burgers, complete with colored buns. Pick your side and whet your superhero sized appetites by munching down one of these beauties! These Superman and Batman burgers are available from the 4th of March to the 20th of March 2016.
It definitely isn’t a party without booze, and the superhero theme continues with the Clark Cocktail at Little Saigon! Superman himself would approve of this cocktail, and I certainly do as well. The Blue Curacao and Sweet and Sour bring the drink to life, recreating the iconic colors of Superman himself.
Other parties you can hit up include the .f.Club’s themed party on the 18th of March. Not only do you get to dress up and frolic with other superheroes, getting suited up also gives you complimentary entry all night long. In addition, you’ll stand a chance to win a 3D2N stay in Bali if you have the best outfit of the night!
For all of the details on these exclusive deals and events, check out this website!
Fan art courtesy of Josiah Gan, Member of the Association of Comic Artists (Singapore) (ACAS)
Comic book artists have always impressed me, the level of detail in each frame that they draw is beyond compare. Unlike them, my art skills are abysmal and I’ve never pictured myself being able to draw Supes or Bats.
However, with the Batman and Superman fan art workshop this might all change. You might not have the natural talent of an artist but you should have the dedication and persistence to learn a new skill. Under the tutelage of Jerry Hinds, President of (ACAS) and creator of SupaCross, Singapore’s First World of Superheroes Universe, you’ll be drawing your own fan art in no time.
Artgerm AKA Stanley Lau, the legendary co-founder of Imaginary Friends Studios who produces comic book cover artwork for DC, will also be doing a fan meet on the 26th of March at Raffles City. If you’ve ever wanted an opportunity. If you’ve always wanted to meet a comic book artist, here’s your chance!
Stanley will be signing Artgerm products and InkInk DC prints from 3pm for all you DC fans, don’t miss this opportunity of a lifetime!
Create Your Own Batman and Superman Fan Art
Dates: 14th March to 20th March (All Days Except Thursday)
Time: 2pm to 3pm
Location: Funan DigitaLife Mall, Atrium, Level 1
Artgerm Fan Meet
Date: 26th March
Time: 3pm
Location: Raffles City, Atrium, Level 3
Imagine a fair filled with so many superhero merch and activities that your mind couldn’t possibly fathom such an event. You’re with people dressed in superhero costumes, surrounded by booths filled with posters, A-4 size prints and other character products. It’s a dream come true for any superhero fan!
There will even be life-sized statues of your favourite characters towering beside you! These behemoth statues are crafted with intricate detail and precision, you won’t want to miss seeing them in the flesh.
Attending this fair with such a like minded community and your friends is just scratching the surface. This fair will be happening when the hype for BATMAN v SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE is at an all time high. Definitely giving any superhero fan more than enough reason to head down and celebrate!
Hero Toys Fair @ Bugis Junction (Action City, BHG and Simply Toys)
Dates: 7th to 27th March
Location: Bugis Junction, Level 1
Hero Toys Fair @ Junction 8 (By Simply Toys)
Dates: 14th to 20th March
Location: Junction 8, Level 2
Hero Toys Fair @ Raffles City (By Simply Toys)
Dates: 21st March to 3rd April
Location: Raffles City, Level 3
You can find more details about the Hero Toys Fair at this website!
What better way to embrace your inner superhero fandom than to cosplay as one yourself! With events like the annual Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention (STGCC) and the Justice League Run which happened last year, there’s never been a better time to get suited up.
You can get great looking costumes of your favourite superheroes at Costumes ‘N’ Parties. They specialize in authentic and comfortable outfits for any occasion. The Supergirl outfit for ladies and Green Lantern outfit for men come highly recommended, both looking like the costumes in the comic books.
Costumes ‘N’ Parties
Address: 73 Kampong Bahru, #01-01, 169374
Tel: 62248742
Check out their online catalogue of superhero apparel here!
Free comic books once a year?! It’s ludicrous, unheard of in some parts of the world, but yes it exists. Every year people gather and queue, but instead of Hello Kitty stuffed toys, they queue for quality comics.
If you were looking into starting your very own superhero comic collection, but you didn’t know where to begin, this event was made for you. Not only do you get free comics, the owners of the stalls are happy to recommend comics that you might be interested in.
Free Comic Book Day
Date: 7th May 2016
Location: Various comic book stores around Singapore
Follow their Facebook page for updates about the event!
Source The Batman exhibit on the Warner Bros. VIP Studio Tour
If all of that wasn’t enough, CapitaLand malls are also giving you a chance to win a trip to Los Angeles to enjoy an exclusive Warner Bros. VIP Studio Tour. Just imagine getting a chance to visit the movie sets of your favourite DC films, and being able to see the props and costumes used. It’s something few people think about, let alone stand a chance to win.
All you need to do to participate in the giveaway is to gather exclusive collectibles across different CapitaLand malls. It’s so easy, and the collectibles look great as well! It’s almost like you’re being rewarded as you work your way towards the final giveaway.
Just spend a minimum of $180 across 3 combined same day receipts in one mall and you’ll be able to redeem one of the four collectibles. Once you collect all four designs, cross all your fingers and toes and hope you win the pair of tickets to Los Angeles!
You can find more details about the participating shopping malls and the giveaway here!
With the golden age of superheroes upon us, it’s easy to feel like a kid again. Taking a picture with Superman doesn’t feel cheesy, because I’m taking a shot of someone I grew up with. It’s this feeling of wonder and amazement that brings me to all of these stores on a journey of rediscovery.
Now you don’t even have to comb the entirety of Singapore for a glimpse of your favourite heroes. Bugis+ and Clarke Quay are super accessible locations which will satisfy your die hard Batman and Superman crazes. And if all else fails, there are so many stores selling superhero merch in Plaza Singapura and Bugis Junction, you’ll fix your superhero needs in a flash!
So, suit up in your best costume and find the child in you! You might just find yourself falling in love with Wonder Woman and Superman all over again. And with such a huge range of activities and shops to browse, there’s never been a better time to geek out! After all, it’s chic to be geek in 2016!
This post was brought to you by CapitaLand Malls.
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