Singapore Comic Con 2023: Nostalgia takes centre stage with Power Rangers, Transformers and more

If you were born in the 90s, you might remember watching Power Rangers on the TV.

Over two decades later, we finally get to see them in the flesh at the Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) this year.

The event took place at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre from Dec 9 to 10, spanning two floors in the convention halls.

But there was more than met the eye at this year's Comic Con - even if you've 'outgrown' your childhood.

At this year's SGCC, there wasn't just one Ranger, but three - Jason Faunt (Red Ranger in Power Rangers Time Force), Adam Tuominen (Crimson Thunder Ranger in Power Rangers Ninja Storm) and Jason Chan (Green Samurai Ranger in Power Rangers Ninja Storm).

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If you weren't imitating the transformation sequence of your favourite Power Rangers as a kid, then perhaps you might have been interested in a transformation of a different kind.

SGCC also had a Transformers: Cybertron Fest where there were multiple displays featuring both Autobots and Decepticons.

There was also a station for a Mobile Legends: Bang Bang one-on-one in the booth as part of a collaboration between the two game titles. 

But the highlight had to be the large statue of Optimus Prime that stood towering over us - and the photo session with an Optimus Prime cosplayer that roamed around the booth.

Those who wanted some action also bust out dance moves at the arcade area right outside the Cybertron Fest, or played other retro arcade games with friends and family.

Speaking of interactivity, tabletop games also had a huge showing at this year's SGCC.

Tabletop games like Warhammer and other board games took up a large majority of space in the basement floor, with many families taking the opportunity for quick family game sessions in the convention.

Although Magic: The Gathering didn't have quite the same presence as it did last year, there was still a modest booth for newbies to try out the game, along with some amazing cosplayers of Elsh Norn and Elspeth.

Cosplay was also an undeniably significant part of the convention with innumerable Spider-Man cosplayers attending the event - no doubt embracing the Spider-Verse.

Uncle Ben - the old-school one from the Tobey Maguire days - also made an appearance at SGCC.

Here are some other cosplay highlights from around the convention hall.

Many convention-goers were more than satisfied with the showing this year, although some felt that there was room for improvement.

A duo cosplaying as Hufflepuff students from Hogwarts, Rui Hao, 24 and Zhi Qi, 19, told AsiaOne that they miss the photo booth that was in the convention hall last year.

However, they both enjoyed the ambience of this year's SGCC - and the freebies that they could find around the hall.

Speaking with AsiaOne, Hisham, 26, who was cosplaying as Roronoa Zoro from One Piece, said: "Bring more of those artists (Power Ranger actors) to Singapore.

"I think a lot of people will come because they're fans and they enjoy seiyuus (voice actors) and artists."

When asked if he'd be up for attending Comic Con again next year, he responded with an immediate "Yes".

"No questions asked, I'll just come," he added.

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khooyihang@asiaone.com