Categories: ComicsEventsNewsToys

Comics, Toys Take Center Stage for Super Fans: Super Manila Comic Con 2024 – Day 1 Recap

Comics and toys enthusiasts gather at Super Manila Comic Con 2024, celebrating the “super” legacy and evolution of the Filipino collectible, art, and pop culture scene.

Taking place at The Space in One Ayala, the 6th Year of Super Manila Comic Con boasts a bigger and better venue, a star-studded roster of guest artists and creatives, and exclusive deals made precisely for collectors who want to improve their collection or newcomers looking for their first piece.

It’s All About Exclusives

Unlike other conventions and yearly events in the local con scene, Super Manila Comic Con sets itself apart with its emphasis on exclusives – a tradition still carried over today as exhibitors showcase unique pieces on display specifically for #SMCC2024. However, con-goers might be particularly interested on exclusive offerings and discounts.

Almost all exhibitors in #SuperManilaComicCon2024 have exclusive offerings and discounts – all lasting until the end of #SMCC2024. These offers often come in line with new product teases or releases, and can become a decent entry point for fans looking into a way to start the hobby. Some deals we manage to see are:

  • Tomica is offering #SMCC2024-exclusive models. Particularly of interest would be the iteration of the DeLorean in Back to the Future 3, and the Sonic and Magnum Sabers of Tamiya (Bakusou Kyoudai Let’s & Go!) fame.
  • Lego is offering discounts on new and current releases. Gamers have to check out their Fortnite and Animal Crossing releases!
  • Games Workshop is offering 10% discounts on Warhammer sets. When used by a prospective newcomer, they can get their hands on various iterations of starter sets that can help them explore the hit wargaming franchise.
  • Bandai goes full force with its slate of Gunpla offerings and discounts, with the Ver. 2 of the RG RX-78-2 Gundam on display. Its improved inner skeleton frame is poised to provide better articulation.

Pro Tip: Con-goers should check their free pack, as their package should come with coupons they can use to avail discounts when purchasing from select exhibitors! They should also ask the exhibitors if they have more specific discounts!

Toys, Collectibles Just a Sight to Behold

First-time attendees going to Super Manila Comic Con 2024 might experience quite a bit of a culture shock with the state of displays. Gone are the times when galleries of spectacular dioramas and detail-rich action figures seem shoe-horned in packed venues, where they simply seemed more obstacle than sights to appreciate. In SMCC 2024, they get the much-needed spotlight they deserve.

Toy fans and enthusiasts (and even prospective collectors) will appreciate the variety of toys showcased in Super Manila Comic Con 2024. While not as diverse and plentiful compared to those in locations such as Greenhills, the pockets of The Space dedicated to these displays do bring a slice of beloved San Juan to the venue.

Not to mention, convenience in overall spacing helped with foot traffic when inside the venue. Figures easily catch one’s attention, especially exclusive offerings that appear for the first time (and hopefully not the only time, finger’s crossed) in SMCC 2024.

Pro Tip: The extra space between exhibitors – especially for toys – give ample room for con-goers to walk and for toy photographers to work on their angles. Watch your step so you don’t accidentally bump into anyone or the displays!

Star-Studded Hall Becomes Comics Heaven

International guests remain a welcome sight to conventions, as these avenues help fans celebrate their body of work. However, Super Manila Comic Con 2024 continues to astonish con-goers with its star-studded line-up of guest artists and creators.

Photographed above are some of the guests that Super Manila Comic Con 2024 brought to Manila for the event:

  • C.B. Cebulski
  • Bob Layton
  • Mike Zeck
  • Stanley “Artgerm” Lau
  • Kendrick “Kunkka” Lim

Other artists and guests include:

  • Derrick Chew
  • Quiccs Maiquez
  • Peach Momoko
  • Jay Anacleto
  • Carlo Pagulayan
  • Stephen Segovia
  • Leinil Yu
  • Katrina Olan
  • Manix Abrera
  • Pol Medina Jr.

Their presence makes Super Manila Comic Con 2024 quite a treat to art, toys, and comics fans – particularly the latter, as these powerhouse artists boast unique art styles that bring life to the works they’re involved in.

Pro Tip: Check out the Super Manila Comic Con 2024 schedule to see if your favorite guest artist or creator will have a talk on the main stage!

Upgraded Venue is Easier to Navigate

Attendees of previous Super Manila Comic Cons, even those fresh from last year’s #SMCC 2023 at Circuit Makati, can consider the switch to The Space a much-needed venue upgrade – especially for the con’s expanding focus into the collectibles scene.

Seasoned con-goers used to switching venues every few months are likely aware of “protocols” before entering and while inside crowded locations: find the entrance and exit, look for the restrooms, find the food hall, locate spacious areas. Major locations aside from exhibitors are easy to locate, making it much easier to focus on actually enjoying the festivities inside.

The spacious outer hallway of the venue proper can house attendees in line without overcrowding the ticketing booths. There is also enough space for standees of action figures such as Gunpla and Funko Pops lining the hallway, with an aesthetic Star Wars booth just feet from the entrance proper.

With overcrowding being a persistent issue almost anywhere in the Philippines, Super Manila Comic Con’s handling of crowds is a breath of fresh air.

Super Manila Comic Con 2024 Day 2 Gears Up to Be Bigger Than Ever

Fans and newcomers to the comics and collectibles scene can still attend Day 2 of #SuperManilaComicCon2024 tomorrow, Sunday, September 8.

Tickets are still sold on-site, inclusive of a goodie bag containing the event map, event-exclusive coupons, and snacks. Inside the venue, exhibitors offer exclusive discounts (and offerings!) fans can only avail during the event.

For those interested in securing autographs and photo-ops with the guests, they may want to listen attentively to rules and protocols established by the staff.

Here are some quick prep tips, so you’re all geared up before you head to the event:

Super Manila Comic Con 2024 takes place on September 7 to September 8, 2024, at The Space, One Ayala.

Rhenn Taguiam

Rhenn Taguiam is a frustrated journalist with a knack for comic books and video games. He likes pizza and pasta, and has an uncontrollable urge to gush over anything Super Sentai, Star Trek or X-Men. He is currently on his way to get his Master's Degree - unless he creates his own video game or graphic novel first.

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