Juliana's Toy Collecting Tips

2012 The Amazing Spider-Man movie trailer 2

Juliana Heng — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:08:12 +0000

Scheduled for worldwide cinema releases in July 2012! Happy waiting Marvel and Spider-Man fans!

2012 Ghost Rider 2: Spirit of Vengeance movie trailer

Juliana Heng — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:45:29 +0000

I watched the first Ghost Rider movie when it was screened in the local cinemas in 2007 and I found that movie quite forgettable among all the Marvel franchised films. I thought that the first movie didn’t perform well in the box office, hence I’m surprised that a sequel to it has been made. Nevertheless if you are keen, “Ghost Rider 2: Spirit of Vengeance” is scheduled for worldwide cinema releases in Feb 2012, in 3D as well. Happy waiting for it!

2012 Avengers movie trailer

Juliana Heng — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:28:35 +0000

Scheduled for worldwide cinema releases in May 2012! Happy waiting Marvel and Avengers fans!

Transformers Cybertron Convention 2012 Mystery Exclusives!

Juliana Heng — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:16:04 +0000

Transformers Cybertron Convention 2012 Mystery Exclusive Toys. © Hasbro

Following my earlier blog post on the same event, this is a photo print out that I received with my Media Kit from the organisers of the upcoming Transformers Cybertron Convention (TFCC) 2012.

I have no idea if the silhouettes of the above mystery TFCC 2012 exclusive toys have been updated for 2012, or are reused from the promotional materials for the TFCC 2010 held in Shanghai. But one thing’s for sure is that there will indeed be exclusive TFCC 2012 toys available for purchase. Here are their official FAQ replies:

“Will there be TRANSFORMERS merchandise for sale at the event? What are the merchandise available and prices? Are there any exclusive items?”

“Yes, there will TRANSFORMERS merchandise available for sales in a wide range of prices. There will also be exclusive Cybertron Con items. These items will only be revealed at the event itself.”

“Can I pre-order any of the exclusive Cybertron Con items?”

“Unfortunately, pre-ordering requests for Con Exclusive(s) before the event will not be available. However, fans can purchase them at the event.”

These are all I have from the info source I’ve got. Were the organizers of the past Botcons in the US so secretive about their exclusive toys as well? I remember that most exclusive toys of many other toy conventions were revealed (or leaked perhaps?) way before the events themselves. Maybe the above mystery exclusive toys of TFCC 2012 will be unveiled soon before the event starts. I really hope so! Happy waiting everyone!

Transformers Cybertron Con 2012 is coming to Singapore!

Juliana Heng — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:36:43 +0000

I received this package at my home today and at first I wondered what it was for I did not recall buying anything online recently. Then when I looked at the package, I realised what’s it about!

Transformers Cybertron Convention (TFCC) 2012 Media Kit!

Transformers Cybertron Con 2012 Collectible Gift - KRE-ON Optimus Prime’s so cute!

Transformers Cybertron Con 2012 Poster. © Hasbro

Transformers Cybertron Con 2010 Displays at Shanghai - We can expect to see such similar displays of the latest Transformers toys at TFCC 2012. © Hasbro

Transformers movie Bumblebee - I hope to see this car on display at TFCC 2012!! © Hasbro

Main Information:

Event: Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) Singapore Transformers Cybertron Convention (TFCC) 2012

Dates: 11-14 March 2012 (Sun - Wed)

Opening Times:

11 March (11am – 9pm)
12 – 13 March (10am – 9pm)
14 March (10am – 6pm)

Venue: Compass Ballroom at RWS Convention Centre

Where to buy tickets (available from 3 Feb 2012):

1) Online at www.rwsentosa.com;

2) At Universal Studios Singapore ticketing booths;

3) At RWS Ticket and Membership Hub;

4) Via hotline 6577 8888

Tickets Prices:

1) SGD 12.00 for a 1-Day Pass

2) SGD 68.00 for a VIP 4-Day Pass - c/w Unlimited event access (11-14 Mar 2012); Photo opportunity w/22-ft Optimus Prime; 1 x VIP Lanyard; 1 x Transformers KRE-ON figure (should be similar to the one I received with my Media Kit)

There are some promotional packages tied with Universal Studios Singapore as well. You can check out the official RWS website to find out more.

Official Write Up: The TRANSFORMERS Cybertron Con is a visually stunning exhibit celebrating the TRANSFORMERS brand. Fans can enjoy the full TRANSFORMERS experience via engaging activities and design workshops; extensive displays from the TRANSFORMERS toys; comics; entertainment franchise; as well as thrills from TRANSFORMERS: The Ride. This is the first ever TRANSFORMERS Cybertron Con to be held in Southeast Asia.

Organised by branded play company, Hasbro, the TRANSFORMERS Cybertron Con is a visually stunning exhibit celebrating the TRANSFORMERS brand which has taken the world by storm over the course of four decades, garnering a wide international fan following.

The bi-annual event aims to provide a platform for TRANSFORMERS fans from all over the world to unite and come together to collectively celebrate the love for the TRANSFORMERS brand with other lifelong fans and new fans alike. In addition to a colourful and interactive exhibition of stories, characters, art, action figures, and entertainment surrounding the TRANSFORMERS franchise, fans will also enjoy the ultimate TRANSFORMERS experience as they interact with, and meet the makers of the TRANSFORMERS franchise, as well as receive the latest news regarding the brand.

This is the second edition of the TRANSFORMERS Cybertron Convention with the inaugural convention held previously in Shanghai in 2010.

More on the TFCC 2012 info can be found at their official website, or you can also find them on their official Facebook page.

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LEon of Open The Toy also blogged about this event and our blog post formats are so similar (purely coincidental!). He referred the organisers to me. Thanks LEon!

Other local toy bloggers who have posted about this event are Katsuden, LittlePlasticMan, Shaun & desmond. See you all there too!

I look forward to attending this exciting toy event next month. Hope to see lots of local and overseas Transformers fans and collectors there too! Happy waiting for TFCC 2012!

Other recommended LEGO Star Wars sets for collectors wanting the main cast

Juliana Heng — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:53:08 +0000

Following my blog post from yesterday about the recommended LEGO Star Wars sets for collectors wanting the main cast, here are some more other suggested LEGO Star Wars sets that are popular with fans and collectors of all ages.

I don’t have the retail prices at local departmental stores for now, but I suggest that local buyers source for cheaper alternatives online, than pay the exorbitant original retail prices for them. Most LEGO Star Wars sets in Singapore are way overpriced. The same ones in the US cost only around 60% of the sets we have here!!

So good luck to you if you have fallen by the wayside of this expensive toy collecting hobby!

LEGO Star Wars 9493 X-Wing Starfighter

Price to be posted soon

LEGO Star Wars 9492 TIE Fighter

Price to be posted soon

LEGO Star Wars 7956 Ewok Attack

Selling from SGD 30+ on Singapore ebay!

Recommended LEGO Star Wars sets for collectors wanting the main cast

Juliana Heng — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 06:15:02 +0000

I was recently asked by a casual friend who intends to get some LEGO Star Wars sets for her son, who is a fan of the movies. The boy’s favourite characters are the iconic ones like Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader and the 2 droids - R2-D2 and C-3PO.

My friend was astounded by the sheer variety of LEGO Star Wars sets currently available in the local departmental stores, and more so by their exorbitant retail prices there. I told her that Stars Wars is a licensed LEGO series, and hence the higher prices for its sets, compared to other non-Star Wars LEGO sets of similar sizes.

I had suggested for her to buy the LEGO Star Wars minifigs loose from local collectible toys shops or LEGO shops if her boy mainly wanted the characters. But she noted that her son also loved the iconic Star Wars vehicles, like the X-Wing Fighter, Millennium Falcon and the TIE Fighter. And her son loves the LEGO Star Wars toys more than the Hasbro ones cos the minifigs are cuter.

With her & her son’s criterias, I recommended her to get the LEGO Star Wars 7965 Millennium Falcon, which contains main 2nd generation Star Wars characters like Luke Sky Walker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbecca, Obi-Wan Kenobi & Darth Vader.

For the 2 droids - R2-D2 and C-3PO, she can pick up the LEGO Star Wars 9490 Droid Escape. I don’t have the retail price for this set but it’s selling on Singapore ebay as well. These 2 sets combined will allow her son to play out the various movie scenes from Star Wars Episode IV.

LEGO Star Wars 7965 Millennium Falcon

Retails for SGD 329.90 at local departmental stores.

Selling from SGD 210.00 & above on Singapore ebay!

LEGO Star Wars 9490 Droid Escape

Selling from SGD 40+ on Singapore ebay!

Actually liking and collecting Star Wars toys is a bottomless $$ pitfall for the many fans and collectors who have already fallen in. If you can, stay clear of this particular toyline. The same goes for parents whose children have already tripped in, or about to fall in. My heart goes to you and your wallets. Good luck!

G4 My Little Pony Rarity Royal Gem Carriage playset on special sale!

Juliana Heng — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:32:25 +0000

G4 My Little Pony - Rarity Royal Gem Carriage Playset (SGD 24.90)

Updated on 25 Jan 2012: On sale for SGD 16.90 at Singapore Toys ‘R’ Us (TRU).

For a limited period only!

2012 LEGO 10223 Kingdoms Joust set

Juliana Heng — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:24:15 +0000

Expected retail release in first half of 2012. Enjoy viewing the pics!

Whole view

Back of building view

Front of left arch view

Back of left arch view

Front of right arch view

King minifig

Queen minifig

Nobleman & Princess minifigs

Jousting knights

Mounted Lion Knight minifig & horse with barding

Mounted Falcon Knight minifig & horse with barding

Lion Knight’s tent and main stage

Falcon Knight’s tent

Squire minifig

DOTM Ultimate Optimus Prime - Year of the Dragon edition

Juliana Heng — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:01:21 +0000

Tomorrow will mark the start of the Chinese New Year of the Dragon, and what better way for Hasbro to cash in on the fans’ excitement by releasing a Transformers Dark of the Moon (DOTM) Ultimate Optimus Prime toy that is adorned with images of the Chinese Dragon on it!

It’s selling now at a discounted price at Singapore Toys ‘R’ Us (TRU) at SGD 139.90 (usual price at SGD 169.90). Take a look at the multiple detailed photos of this toy in the video review above and see if this toy is to your liking.

For me I’m not keen on getting this limited edition of Optimus Prime, but for the completist DOTM toy collectors, this may be for you. And with this, I wish everyone who celebrate Chinese New Year, a Happy and Prosperous Dragon New Year!! Huat Ah!!!