With the Assassin’s Creed franchise going back to its roots with the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Mirage, which arrives a week earlier than initially planned on 5 October, there is perhaps no better time to celebrate the franchise. At the heart of the new adventure is the street thief, Isu reincarnate, and Hidden One known as Basim, and you can invite the assassin into your home with the new PureArts Animus Basim 1/4 statue.

Appearing as a stranger from the Holy Land in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and returning as the playable main character in Assassin’s Creed Mirage, the PureArts Animus Basim 1/4 Scale Statue captures Basim in 9^th Century Baghdad. Basim crouches in a classic assassin’s landing in front of a hyper-detailed golden-age Islamic architecture base complete with Muqarnas and a dome made of colourful tiles. LEDs throughout the statue light up PureArts’ signature Animus effect.

The PureArts Animus Basim 1/4 Scale Statue comes with two interchangeable base tops, allowing you to choose the height of your statue. The PureArts Exclusive Edition, limited to only 250 units and available only on the official website, includes a metal wearable replica of Basim’s ring.

The key details are as follows:

• MSRP: US$899.00
• Hyperdetailed sculpt with stunning clothing textures and details
• LED Animus Effect
• Two interchangeable base tops
• Exclusive Item: Wearable metal replica

Be sure to make some room to display this exciting new PureArts piece, as the Animus Basim 1/4 Scale Statue has dimensions of 43 by 34 by 78cm, and weighs in at a considerable 10kg. Fans who pre-order the piece can expect to bolster their collection in the first quarter of 2024.

In addition to Basim, there are also many other Assassin’s Creed statues produced by PureArts, including one for Connor Kenway, Bayek, Kassandra, Eivor, Edward Kenway, Ezio Auditore, Altair, and even a diorama featuring the latter two.

Jake Su

Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and part-time Steam Sale victim. He has a thing for Batman and awesome statues, and running out of space for both. Send help.

The post Prepare For ‘Assassin’s Creed Mirage’ With PureArts’ 1/4 Scale Animus Basim Statue appeared first on Geek Culture.

Get ready to unleash your inner geek when Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) returns this December!

From 9 to 10 December 2023, SGCC turns the Sands Expo and Convention Center into a geeky playground for fans of comics, games, anime, cosplay and more. Spanning across five halls (level 1 and basement 2), fans can look forward to a lineup of incredible guests, exciting exhibitors, exclusive merchandise and captivating programming fit for geeks of any age.

SGCC will be bringing guests from across the globe to this island-city we call home and will see exciting performances brought to the Main Stage including an orchestra, cosplay competition and a certain blue dog (psst.. we think it’s Bluey!).

Some popular exhibitors guests can look forward to include MightyJaxx, Bandai, Infinity Studio, Gamersaurus Rex and more. Table-top gaming makes a comeback too and invites veteran card slingers and noobs alike to take part in Dungeons & Dragons adventures, miniature painting and tournaments.

Meanwhile, aspiring creators can gain more inspiration at the W.I.P Programme Gallery where talks will be held by industry professionals.

Tickets this year start from S$35 and can be purchased from Klook starting 18 August, 12pm SGT. Frank by OCBC card members can purchase early access tickets from today and enjoy 10% off ticket price when they use the code FRANK10OFFEA for early access or FRANK10OFF for all the ticket bundles. Kids under 12 enter free. Each paying adult can be accompanied by a maximum of 2 children under 12.

All tickets purchased before 31 August are automatically entered into the SGCC 2023 lucky draw where you can stand a chance to win prizes from LEGO x The Brick Shop, Simply Toys, Sabermach, Advance Approach and OSIM.

The full list of prizes include:

For more, check out Singapore Comic Con 2023’s official website.

A'bidah Zaid

Don’t judge a book by its cover, for behind all this makeup, is a geek just like you. To simply put it, superheroes, Star Wars, Harry Potter and all things gore and creepy makes this girly girl swoon.

The post Singapore Comic Con 2023 (SGCC) Returns In December, Tickets From S$35 appeared first on Geek Culture.

There have been many iterations of Pokémon toys over the years, some cuter than others. The latest addition, however, is an outlier that most likely never saw coming: a 10-inch Wiglett Poké Plush, which has never looked any more, uh, NSFW (short for not safe for work, for the uninitiated).

Retailing for US$24.99 on Pokémon Center, it’s modelled after Paldean variation of the classic critter Diglett first introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The plush measures about 10 ¼ inches (26cm) tall and 4 ¾ inches (10.8cm) wide, with a “bendable body [that] lets you create custom poses”. Yeah, the phrasing certainly isn’t helping matters.

It wouldn’t be so suggestive if the product images were taken from another angle, but alas, the side profile truly cuts a phallic image and makes every descriptive line sound like innuendo. Just give this a read: “In any case, this long Poké Plush version of the Garden Eel Pokémon is ready to stand tall as part of your plush collection, perched on your couch, coffee table, or bookshelf.” Come on, it’s clear The Pokémon Company knew what they were doing.

If anything, the plush’s design certainly aligns with Wiglett’s reputation as one of the most NSFW Pokémon out there. This Wiglett Poké Plush comes just a few days after the most recent Pokémon Presents livestream, which unveiled a new animated web series, a sequel to the Detective Pikachu game, further details about the upcoming DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and more.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post Grab Hold Of Pokémon’s NSFW And Suggestive Plush, Wiglett appeared first on Geek Culture.

Remember that good iconic OG one-sheet movie poster of RoboCop? Not many knew it was a painting all along, especially seeing how photorealistic it looked. Over the past 36 years, there have been plenty of toys, statues and busts of RoboCop, but none have replicated that scene of RoboCop stepping out of the Detroit police car. McFarlane Toys did it in 2007, which was basically a 3D replica of the exact poster.

Fast forward to 2023, Iron Studios has announced pre-orders for a deluxe art scale 1/10 statue or RoboCop stepping out of the Detroit police car, but with a slight twist. He’s holding his auto-9 pistol in his right hand and although different from the movie poster, it does make for a better pose overall. The polystone statue stands at 24cm tall and weighs 2kg. Some collectors may frown upon the fact that the car is cut up and not whole, but it actually makes sense so it takes up less space on the shelf (which we could all appreciate). There is a missed opportunity by not having the blue and red lights of the car light up, and powered by a USB cable.

Iron Studios also has a regular version of the statue, minus the car. But why would any fan settle for that? The statues are expected to ship in Q2 of 2024. The deluxe statue is priced at US$299.99 while the regular statue is priced at US$159.99. The choice is pretty clear on which version to get, and dead or alive, it’s coming with me.

Yonk

Yonk is a geek who is fortunate enough to have an equally geeky Star Wars fan for a wife, who owns a LEGO Millennium Falcon encased in a glass coffee table as their home’s centre-piece.

The post Iconic ‘RoboCop’ Poster Now A 1/10 Scale Iron Studios Statue appeared first on Geek Culture.

There’s just something alluring about the Cup Noodle brand. There’s been the HyperX April Fool’s joke in 2019 about their Cup Noodle headphones, and the plastic model kit that was released in 2020 by Bandai.

Over the years there have been various merchandise and collectibles in all forms for Nissin’s Cup Noodle brand, and Tomica is expanding on their “car” collection this September. The original Dream Tomica No. 161 Cup Noodle car was released in 2015. The new collection will comprise of six flavours, and here’s the kicker, they will be packed in blind boxes. Measuring just 4cm tall, these Cup Noodles on wheels feature a top lid that opens up to show its contents.

The six flavours include seafood, curry, chili tomato, miso and spicy noodles. The exception will be the original Cup Noodle car, which will be sold as a normal non-blind-box piece. Priced at 880 yen each, the Tomica Cup Noodle car collection will be released on 2 September at all Tomica retailers in Japan or, you can buy the complete set of six for 5,280 yen on the Takara Tomy Mall.

Yonk

Yonk is a geek who is fortunate enough to have an equally geeky Star Wars fan for a wife, who owns a LEGO Millennium Falcon encased in a glass coffee table as their home’s centre-piece.

The post Tomica Cup Noodle Blind Box Car Collection Rolls Out This September appeared first on Geek Culture.

Sonic the Hedgehog is joining the world of LEGO!

The Danish toymaker is releasing five new sets surrounding the blue speedster and the popular SEGA game. Each set is unique and features other characters from the game too. Ranging from S$52.90 to S$179.90, the sets can be purchased online or when they hit the stores this August.

The five LEGO sets include:

76990 Sonic’s Speed Sphere Challenge (S$52.90)

76991 Tails’ Workshop and Tornado Plane (S$64.90)

76992 Amy’s Animal Rescue Island (S$84.90)

76993 Sonic vs Dr. Eggman’s Death Egg Robot (S$109.90)

76994 Sonic’s Green Hill Zone Loop Challenge (S$179.90)

In addition to five new playsets, LEGO is also releasing two LEGO BrickHeadz based on the game too. They are the 40627 Sonic the Hedgehog and 40628 Miles “Tails” Prower.

These new sets from LEGO are perfect to celebrate the legacy of the game and show your love for the the blue hedgehog and his friends in a fun and creative way.

A'bidah Zaid

Don’t judge a book by its cover, for behind all this makeup, is a geek just like you. To simply put it, superheroes, Star Wars, Harry Potter and all things gore and creepy makes this girly girl swoon.

The post Five New ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ LEGO Sets Springs Into Stores This August appeared first on Geek Culture.

In the lead-up to the release of Star Wars: Ahsoka, LEGO has unveiled three new Star Wars sets for San Diego Comic-Con 2023. The 75362 Ahsoka Tano’s T-6 Jedi Shuttle and 75364 New Republic E-Wing vs Shin Hati’s Starfighter sets now join the 75357 Ghost & Phantom II in celebrating the latest entry in the franchise, which premieres 23 August on Disney+.

Recreating Ahsoka’s new ship of choice in the show, the 599-piece T-6 Jedi Shuttle set features an opening cockpit, retractable landing, gear, two stud shooters, and two storage compartments. It sports a different colour scheme, and includes minifigures of Ahsoka Tano, Sabine Wren, Professor Huyang, and the mysterious new Inquisitor Marrok. The kit will retail for US$79.99 from 1 September, but pre-orders are open for those who want to call first dibs.

Meanwhile, the 75364 New Republic E-Wing vs Shin Hati’s Starfighter comes with the two titular ships from the series. Both builds boast opening cockpits, two stud shoots, and storage compartments, along with five minifigures in total: Shin Hati, Baylan Skoll, Morgan Elspeth, Captain Porter, and a New Republic astromech droid. The 1,056-piece set is priced at US$109.99 for release on 1 September, with pre-orders now live.

Rounding out the list is the 75371 Chewbacca kit. Coming in at 2,319 pieces, it’s the biggest and tallest LEGO Star Wars statue in recent memory. The Wookie, designed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Return of the Jedi, measures 46cm tall when assembled, and will include a special Chewbacca minifigure with a display plaque. Like the two Ahsoka sets, it’ll be available on 1 September, and is now open for pre-order. The buildable figure costs US$199.99.

The 75362 Ahsoka Tano’s T-6 Jedi Shuttle and 75364 New Republic E-Wing vs Shin Hati’s Starfighter continue to build hype for Ahsoka, which follows the former Jedi as she investigates a galactic threat. Rosario Dawson is starring in the title role, joining a strong ensemble cast that includes Hayden Christensen, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Eman Esfandi, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, the late Ray Stevenson, David Tennant, Ivanna Sakhno, Genevieve O’Reilly, Dianna Lee Inosanto, and Lars Mikkelsen.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post SDCC 2023: LEGO Unveils New 2023 Star Wars Sets With Ahsoka & Chewbacca appeared first on Geek Culture.

Just when you thought the Robosen’s self-transforming Optimus Prime at US$700 in 2021 was already too hefty, and 2022 saw Optimus’ auto-converting trailer come in at US$750. Now, in 2023, we’re getting an auto-converting Transformers G1 Grimlock Auto-Converting Robot for a whopping US$1,499!

Grimlock stands tall at 38cm in both dinosaur and robot mode, and is the world’s first dual-form, bipedal walking robot. It’s the most articulated robot engineered by Robosen with 34 high-torque and high-efficient servo motors that activates seamless conversion, while ensuring stable and smooth movements. The 6-axis IMU sensors constantly monitor the robot’s balance to keep it stable throughout.

Grimlock has built-in 150+ original audio lines, recorded exclusively for Robosen by Gregg Berger, the original voice of G1 Grimlock. Apart from mobile app control via Bluetooth, it can also recognise 42 voice commands, allowing a hands-free interaction with the robot. Grimlock also comes with a light-up energon sword and rocket launcher, oh, and a gold crown.

The Transformers G1 Grimlock Auto-Converting Robot Flagship Collector’s Edition is available for pre-order now at US$1,499 on HasbroPulse’s website. If you live in Singapore, The Falcon’s Hangar is taking pre-orders for S$1,988. It is expected to ship on 1 November 2023.

Yonk

Yonk is a geek who is fortunate enough to have an equally geeky Star Wars fan for a wife, who owns a LEGO Millennium Falcon encased in a glass coffee table as their home’s centre-piece.

The post SDCC 2023: Robosen’s Transformers G1 Grimlock Auto-Converting Robot Is Yours For US$1,500 appeared first on Geek Culture.

With the release of a transformable 70cm tall Autobot Ark in 2021, it made sense for Hasbro to come up with a transformable Decepticon ship too. Enter the Transformers Legacy: Evolution Titan Class Decepticon Nemesis, inspired by the G1 animated series.

She transforms from ship to robot mode in 36 steps, and stands at 60cm tall in robot mode.

The lower wing of the ship unfolds to allow the ship to sit on its hull, and opens up a loading ramp in the rear, located below the thrusters. Apart from featuring multiple turrets on its surface, there are also two retractable bridges on each side of the ship which house landing platforms for a pair of Seeker micro fighters. These are similarly located on each forearm of the Nemesis when it’s in robot mode.

The design of her head/helmet is clearly inspired by the Decepticon logo. The designers have incorporated subtle elements of the coronation crown (as seen on Starscream) into the helm. It also features a modular battle mask that opens up to reveal Nemesis’ face.

The Nemesis features detachable shin guards that transform into blaster cannons and her upper shoulder canards can be separated as hatchets for up close attack. When all else fails, she has her deadly razor claws to rip her enemies apart.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison with the Ark which we unboxed and reviewed back in 2021. It sure is a worthy nemesis for the Autobot, and the perfect pairing for any Transformers collector.

The Transformers Legacy: Evolution Decepticon Nemesis is out now in Singapore on The Falcon’s Hangar, Robo Robo and Hasbro Pulse for S$319.90. Or if you live in the US, it is available on Amazon.

Yonk

Yonk is a geek who is fortunate enough to have an equally geeky Star Wars fan for a wife, who owns a LEGO Millennium Falcon encased in a glass coffee table as their home’s centre-piece.

The post Unboxing Hasbro’s Transformers Legacy: Evolution Titan Class Decepticon Nemesis appeared first on Geek Culture.

Funko Pop! vinyl figures have been around for quite some time now, and we’re pretty sure most collectors are running out of space by now with their massive Funko collections. But now, the Funko Bitty Pop!s are taking the collectibility of Funko Pop!s to a whole new scale.

Coming in at just 3cm tall, down from the original Funko Pop! box size of 16cm tall, these adorable little collectibles are taking the world by storm. Ran out of spare at home or at the office to display your Funko Pop! collection? No problem, with these Bitty-scale Pop!s, 80 of them take up the equivalent of one Funko Pop! (Yes, we have done the calculation).

Here’s a pro tip if you’re a serious collector – Each box comes with 36 blind bags (plus one on display at the top of the box). Each complete collection comprises of 12 mini figures. Each box is equally packed with three complete sets. So if you are Disney or Harry Potter fan, simply band together two other friends and get a whole box. However, this takes away the thrill of opening blind bags. So to each his own.

We unboxed a full box each of the Disney and Harry Potter series and here

The Disney and Harry Potter series of Funko Bitty Pop! blind bags are available now at all Simply Toys, Toy Outpost and Hako stores islandwide. The Disney series is also available at all 7-Eleven stores. The blind bags costs S$5.90 a pop.

Yonk

Yonk is a geek who is fortunate enough to have an equally geeky Star Wars fan for a wife, who owns a LEGO Millennium Falcon encased in a glass coffee table as their home’s centre-piece.

The post Mini Disney & Harry Potter Funko Bitty Pop! Are The Latest Singapore Blind Bag Toy Craze appeared first on Geek Culture.

After Barbie, Mattel is ready to bring out all the big guns in the playhouse. The toy manufacturer has revealed a total of 45 toy-based movies in the works, including (but not limited to) Barney, Hot Wheels, Polly Pocket, Uno, and Masters of the Universe.

A deep-dive by The New Yorker reported that only 13 of these projects have been publicly announced, with American Girl, Magic 8 Ball, Major Matt Mason, Matchbox, Polly Pocket, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Uno, and View-Master rounding out the list. While the movies are set to produced by different companies, Mattel’s in-house Mattel Films will be taking the lead on every one.

One of the more unconventional entries in the pipeline is Barney, which will be produced by Daniel Kaluuya, best known for his work on Get Out and Nope. According to Mattel Films executive Kevin McKeon, it will take on a more adult-oriented approach and have an “A24-type” quality.

“We’re leaning into the millennial angst of the property rather than fine-tuning this for kids,” McKeon said. “It’s really a play for adults. Not that it’s R-rated, but it’ll focus on some of the trials and tribulations of being thirtysomething, growing up with Barney — just the level of disenchantment within the generation.”

The same mature tone will also be carried over to Hot Wheels 0, which director J.J. Abrams describes as “emotional and grounded and gritty.” It’s not cast in stone, however, as a script has yet to materialise.

If Barbie turns out to be box office hit, then it sets the rest of the films up for equal success. The Gerta Gerwig-led movie is releasing on 20 July, and stars Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken — here’s everything you need to know about it.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post Mattel Has 45 Toy-Based Movies In The Works, Including ‘Hot Wheels’, ‘Barney’, ‘Masters of the Universe’ And More appeared first on Geek Culture.

Have you ever wondered what it is like in the Upside Down? If you make your way to Stranger Things – The Encounter: Singapore, you’ll not only experience what it’s like, but battle the evil Vecna while you’re at it too.

There are also plenty of other activities to look forward to, so if you’re keen on immersing yourself in the world of Stranger Things, here’s a list of things you can expect at Stranger Things – The Encounter: Singapore.

1. Step into iconic locations of the show

Step into iconic locations seen across the four seasons of the popular Netflix show. Try to decode Will’s message in Joyce’s living room, solve puzzles at the Hawkins National Laboratory, have chills run down your spine when you enter the Creel Home and finally, come face to face with Vecna himself in the Upside Down.

PS. Before you enter the event space, you will be given a wristband to collect special digital stickers and elements along the way. Make sure you pay attention and keep your eyes peeled – they’re very important!

2. Shop till you drop at Starcourt Mall

Look, if you’re coming to Stranger Things – The Encounter: Singapore, be prepared to spend. Starcourt Mall is an absolute dream for fans who want to get their hands on exclusive Stranger Things merch. We’re talking light-up VHS tapes, art posters, plant pots, t-shirts, towels, plushies, stationaries and more! There are also blind boxes from Mighty Jaxx of the various demopets that are way too adorable to pass up on. An absolute dream for any fan, but a nightmare for those on a budget – so make sure you come prepared. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

3. Have a lick at Scoops Ahoy

Presented by Burnt Cones, Stranger Things fans with a sweet tooth will be delighted to enjoy a scoop or two from the show’s Scoops Ahoy. With local flavours like Milo Dinosaur and premium flavours like Pistachio or Dark Chocolate, fans can have their desired gelato in a cup, on Eleven’s favourite Eggo’s waffles or Eddie’s Hellfire Cone.

4. Enjoy a slice of pizza, Brochachos

Surfer Boy Pizza is brought to life by Papi’s Tacos in Starcourt Mall. At Surfer Boy Pizza, you can enjoy a slice of pizza – or even two! There are plenty of options to choose from like ‘Singapore Stranger’, a pizza with a local twist featuring braised beef brisket and rendang sauce. Surfer Boy’, a pineapple, chicken pepperoni and pickled jalapenos pizza and the ‘Hellfire Club’ which comes with chilli oil atop mozzarella cheese, sundried tomatoes and more.

5. Take a special customised gift home

Remember how we said the wristbands are important? Well, when you’re done shopping, eating and celebrating victory against Vecna with your friends, head over to the customisation station where you can design your own t-shirt (S$39.90) or tote bag (S$29.90) to take home. It’s a unique gift that no one else but you would have so we’d highly recommend getting it if you’re nostalgic and are looking for a piece of merch to purchase to commemorate your eventful day.

The wristband tells the staff what stickers you’ve collected throughout your experience (and by this time you can’t turn back to collect more), and you can choose up to five elements to design your tote bag or t-shirt with. These elements can range from backgrounds of Joyce’s home, the Rainbow Room, the Arcade or the Upside Down itself, as well as various demopets or popular items seen throughout the series like a box of waffles, Max’s walkman, Eddie’s guitar, polaroids of the Party, bicycles, spider-webs and more. Best of all, you can even print your name on the front of the t-shirt or tote bag.

Stranger Things – The Encounter: Singapore takes place from 30 June to 1 October 2023 and is located at Bugis+, Levels 2 and 7 from 2pm to 10pm on Weekdays and 10am to 10pm on Fridays and Weekends.

The Encounter on Level 7 spans roughly 45 minutes and tickets are priced from S$39 per person or S$109 for a Priority Pass Ticket that includes an exclusive merchandise bundle. The Starcourt Mall Area is priced at S$15. The Visitor Center is free to enter and is located on Level 2.

A'bidah Zaid

Don’t judge a book by its cover, for behind all this makeup, is a geek just like you. To simply put it, superheroes, Star Wars, Harry Potter and all things gore and creepy makes this girly girl swoon.

The post What To Expect At Stranger Things – The Encounter: Singapore appeared first on Geek Culture.

In the realm of Gundam fandom, there’s a fascinating preference for Gunpla — do-it-yourself Gundam plastic model kits — over pre-made Gundam mecha figures in Japan. Perhaps it’s the influence of the franchise’s captivating in-anime pseudo-science, but enthusiasts are drawn to the idea of constructing their own Gundam, piece by piece, rather than acquiring a pre-assembled one.

Twitter user @seirei526 recently completed his remarkable rendition of the XVX-016 Gundam Aerial, the celebrated mecha from the currently airing Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury. Astute Gundam fans will quickly notice that enthusiast’s Gundam Aerial deviates from the official Gunpla version, and that’s because he ingeniously constructed it using Lego bricks.

Rather than relying on a box filled with pre-cut parts and detailed instructions, @seirei526 armed himself with a collection of Lego blocks and the skills to transform them into a towering robot. Designing the Aerial’s sleek form with bricks proved to be an added challenge, but his creation exudes such finesse that one could easily mistake it for an officially-licensed Lego set, complete with exclusive custom pieces.

Notably, @seirei526 painstakingly crafted the Aerial’s shield and even added the extra adornments of its Bit On Form. This attention to detail further exemplifies the thoughtfulness behind his build. Standing at an impressive 50 centimeters (19.7 inches), the Aerial is specifically sized to be a 1:36-scale model, and features an Ericht Samaya stand-in inside.

In a heartwarming twist, @seirei526’s supportive wife offered him a “sponsorship” based on the number of likes his tweet showcasing the completed build received. Judging by the overwhelming response from the Twitter community, one can hope that he has secured enough funds to fuel his future Lego endeavors.

Edwin Teo

Edwin has been a geek for a really long time, having grown up on a steady diet of video games, comic books, movies, and more. He loves a good story and intricate world-building, is partial to cute monsters, and can hold his own in a game of Overwatch too.

The post ‘Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury’ Fan Crafts An Epic Lego Gundam Aerial appeared first on Geek Culture.

The Transformers movie franchise has long been a massive box-office draw, while it’s toyline and cartoon cousin, G.I. Joe, hasn’t had the same luck. There was a time in the 1980s when G.I. Joe had the superior toyline and franchise compared to the Transformers, so when Marvel Comics obtained the publishing license for both, all three came together to produce G.I. Joe and the Transformers, a four-issue crossover that ran in original Marvel Comics Transformers series, from issue #23 to #27. 

When Hasbro’s most popular properties of the 1980s, Transformers and G.I. Joe combined universes, it was an occasion that got people to sit up and notice. The plot itself was straightforward – The G.I. Joe and Autobots would join forces to stop the Cobra and the Deceptions from taking over the world. It’s a tale as old as time and the series has been collected as a trade paperback in two volumes. But having these properties come together in one place was unheralded back in the day.

The series continued on with the following, though it should be noted that all three series are only loosely connected and don’t always match up in terms of continuity:

• G.I. Joe Starring Snake-Eyes and the Transformers (1993)
• G.I. Joe and the Transformers Generation 2 (1993 – 1994), which featured Megatron’s G2 Tank form

With the benefit of nostalgia goggles, the art of the series certainly has aged differently and it might be a bit rough for new fans of the franchise to get into.

Thankfully, subsequent license owners took Marvel’s guidance, and produced more G.I. Joe and Transformers crossover comics, with better art and more updated storylines which everyone should check out.

Transformers/G.I. Joe (Dreamwave / 2004)

During the turbulent late 1930s, with the world on the verge of conflict, Cobra stumbles upon the Matrix, which they employ to revive the Decepticons. Consequently, the Decepticons wreak havoc across Europe, prompting the United States to mobilize a fresh special operations unit, G.I. Joe, in an effort to halt the destructive rampage of the villains in the Transformers’ world. But the Joes have help in the form of the Autobots and it’s a good take on an alternate reality if the World War was fought with the help of giant robots.

The comics showcase art with a distinct style that would greatly appeal to fans of military aesthetics. The artwork often portrays a gritty and powerful atmosphere, although some frames may be challenging to interpret. The entire narrative takes place during the evening or nighttime, within a world immersed in dust, smoke, and shadows with liberal use of negative space.

This is one of the most grounded updates to the series but audiences have been unable to see more, due to the eventual bankruptcy proceedings of Dreamwave comics.

Transformers vs. G.I. Joe (IDW / 2014-2016)

As the most updated entry to the Transformers / G.I. Joe crossover comic, the IDW interpretation of this shared universe, looks the most retro. While there have been a few outlets publishing Transformers comic books up to this point, IDW was able to gain control of both licenses eventually.

The result is a continuity that exists independently and is not connected to either of the primary universes that the company has created for the Transformers and G.I. Joe comic book series?.

Led by Megatron, the Transformers’ home planet enters the Earth’s solar system. Decepticon emissaries are dispatched to negotiate the surrender of Earth’s representatives, the G.I. Joe team, who are engaged in clearing up the remaining threats posed by the Cobra terrorist organization after the apparent demise of Cobra Commander. Naturally, the Joes respond with resistance towards the hostile actions of the extraterrestrial beings, leading to a full-blown war between the two worlds.

The artwork draws significant inspiration from the renowned comic book icon Jack Kirby, effectively capturing the aesthetic and atmosphere of the Silver Age of Comic Books. The cast consists of larger-than-life characters reminiscent of the bombastic nature of the Silver Age, accompanied by exaggerated dialogue. The storylines consistently feature a barrage of wild and imaginative cosmic science fiction concepts, akin to Kirby’s style, presented in a fast-paced and densely packed manner, with the potential for numerous characters appearing on a single page.

G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers (Devil’s Due / 2004)

Battling with Dreamwave at the time, Devil’s Due Press published their own line of G.I. Joe and Transformers crossover comics together with Image Comics. Unlike the rest of the pack, the focus here was much more fun and bordered on the nonsensical.

The story begins with Cobra stumbling upon the hidden Ark and the dormant Transformers contained within it. Cobra proceeds to reprogram both Autobots and Decepticons, transforming them into conventional war machines aligned with the Cobra faction and subjects them to the commands of Cobra Commander. However, when the Transformers manage to liberate themselves from Cobra’s influence, chaos ensues, and the situation spirals out of control.

Ultimately, this series was not taken very seriously which led to the universe taking liberal strokes such as killing off key characters.

G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers: Black Horizon (Devil’s Due / 2007)

The fourth of the series in the Devil’s Due universe, G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers: Black Horizon focused on more obscure characters within both the Transformers and G.I. Joe Universe.

Centering around the arrival of Unicron, something we’ve come to get familiar with as fans time and time again. The planet eater appears in ancient times, but a powerful underground realm known as Cobra-La brokers a deal: they would retreat underground, permitting human civilization to flourish, and Unicron would revisit Earth at a later time. The idea here was for Unicron to consume the planet once humanity had advanced technologically and probably to have a much more fulfilling meal.

While it might be a stretch for some, Transformers / G.I. Joe crossovers have had a long history and it wasn’t too long ago that we even had a reissue of the G.I. Joe Mash-Up Megatron H.I.S.S. Tank & Baroness.

Gerald

Gerald currently straddles between his love of video games and board gaming. There’s nothing that interests him more than trying out the newest and fanciest gadget in town as well. He dreams of publishing a board game sometime in the future!

The post Top Transformers / G.I. Joe Comic Crossovers To Read appeared first on Geek Culture.

And just like that, we’re halfway through the year, which means the summer blockbuster movie season is underway, and if you’re an online shopper, June is the start of the mid-year sale – a wonderful time to restock essentials for the remaining half of the year.

And if you’re a long-time reader of Geek Culture, you’ll know that our preferred mode of celebrating is treating ourselves to more toys, electronics and geeky experiences – and there’s only one place to do so! 

Lazada is having its annual 6.6 Super WOW mid-year sale from 6 to 8 June, with a focus on electronics and toys and with it, a series of promotions that shoppers will definitely want to take advantage of. From Flash Sales, Lazada Bonus and more, we’ve put together a whole online shopping guide of the best deals available and how you can maximise discounts, deals and vouchers from the 6.6 Super WOW Sale with Lazada.

Top Geeky Picks! 

We’re kicking this off with our top geeky picks – and these aren’t any regular picks – these are 8 top finds we did not expect to find on Lazada!

Fossil x Star Wars Watch Collection – Starts from S$509

40 years after the release of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Fossil is dispensing with the pleasantries, and putting fans of the galaxy far, far away, back on schedule. Choose from Darth Vader, Stormtrooper, Boba Fett or TIE Fighter designs. Each time piece comes individually numbered and packaged in a collector’s box that showcases cinematic sound effects, comic-book-style-inspired illustrations and a replica movie ticket pin. You’ll want to act fast, as there are only 1983 pieces of each design available.

LEGO 75351 Princess Leia Boushh Helmet – S$119.90

We’ve seen and built Din Djarin’s helmet, as well as Boba Fett’s helmet – even Darth Vader and Stormtrooper helmets, but what we have not seen nor built is Princess Leia’s helmet which she wore as a disguise in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. This set is a detailed build-and-display model of Leia’s Boushh helmet she wore as a disguise to enter Jabba the Hutt’s palace so you can expect a lot of fond memories building this set.

LEGO Technic 42152 Firefighter Aircraft Building Toy Set – S$179.90

Why build cars when you can build planes? LEGO Technic 42152 Firefighter Aircraft Set is another must-have set that users should buy from the e-commerce site. Yeap, you can’t just walk in to any old LEGO store and get your hands on this bad boy.

Resorts World Cruises Genting Dream – 3 Nights Phuket Cruise (Oct 2023 to Apr 2024) – S$638

Everyone loves a holiday and what better way to spend the mid-year holidays than a cruise to Phuket, Thailand? Better yet, this 3 nights cruise is 53% off of its original retail price of S$1,358 so you’re getting the full Genting Dream experience for half the cost, and it’s less than a thousand dollars too. We don’t know a better deal than that – and we can’t believe it’s on Lazada!

Transformers: ROTB Smash Changer Optimus Prime Action Figure – S$64.90

Ahead of the anticipated 2023 movie release, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Hasbro has released a new toy line, including this figure of Autobot leader Optimus Prime. This is something skewed more for the little ones, and is a little bit different from regular figurines. For starters, this toy quickly converts to vehicle mode in 3 steps by smashing on it! Each smashing motion activates a conversion step but you have to manually convert back to alternate robot mode in 11 steps.

MSI Modern 14 – S$999

While we might have sorted out our desktop workspace at home, MSI is making full use of their gains in the past few years forging ahead with updated laptops – perfect for individuals who will be out and about.

The MSI Modern 14 is productivity focused and great for the road warrior. With a full suite of ports (even a full sized HDMI port!) and weighing only 1.4kg, this laptop has everything you need to knock that next boardroom presentation out of the park!

MSI Thin GF63 – S$1,679

While a great sleek laptop like the MSI Modern 14 is great for some, we know that gamers out there want the best of both worlds. 

With the MSI Thin GF63, it’s a nice starting point for anyone looking to get into the content creation game and enjoy a bit of light gaming by the side. While the latest triple-A games might perform better on a souped up device, the MSI Thin GF63 is great value for its price and specs.

VR Shooting Game Experience at The Centrepoint – S$10

If we’re being honest, we didn’t even know that CentrePoint had a VR Experience, let alone find a great deal for it on Lazada!

For S$10 (previously S$12.50), players can participate in 10 fun-filled minutes of a shooting experience at The Centrepoint, where participants can pick from 12 exciting themes, including shooting Dinosaurs and pre-historic creatures, escaping a prison or fighting the undead at the end of a metro line.

LazFlash Sales (6 – 8 June)

Lazada will be having flash sales on 6 – 8 June for some of the most popular products on the site. Shoppers can look forward to up to 50% off discounts from brands like Logitech, Seagate, Sonos and more.

Here’s a little sneak peek of some of the items you can expect –

Lazada Bonus (1-8 June)

Available from 1 June, shoppers can collect Lazada Bonus and use them during the 6.6 Super WOW sale. Lazada Bonus allows shoppers to offset S$12 off every S$150 spent on selected products, so be on the lookout for products with this special offer.

This deal can only be used on products with the Lazada Bonus badge, so keep your eyes open. 

You can collect Lazada Bonus from 1 – 8 June, and use it from 6 – 8 June so visit daily and often to collect the maximum bonus vouchers! After collecting all these vouchers, you can cart out during the 6.6 sale. and you get to enjoy your great discounts! 

The 6.6 Super WOW sale is shaping up to be an impressive sale for tech and toy fans, especially with products and experiences you’d never thought to find, let alone at a discounted price! Mark your calendars for huge discounts on big electronic brands that we all know and love because this is definitely a sale not to be missed.

A'bidah Zaid

Don’t judge a book by its cover, for behind all this makeup, is a geek just like you. To simply put it, superheroes, Star Wars, Harry Potter and all things gore and creepy makes this girly girl swoon.

The post Prepare To Be Amazed: Grab The Best Deals With Lazada’s 6.6 Super WOW Mid-Year 2023 Sale appeared first on Geek Culture.