Toycon 2023 Highlights: Toycon MindStyle FanX

Toycon 2023 Highlights: Toycon MindStyle FanX

20th ToyCon 2023
July 7-9, 2023 at the SMX Convention Center Manila

ToyCon is generally a convention dedicated to toys, collectibles, comics, and pop culture. Here are some common attractions and activities you might expect to find at ToyCon.As it resumes its role as the collectors’ mecca and the pinnacle of pop-culture fan involvement, this year’s edition promises to raise the bar once more for pop-culture events. This year’s TOYCON will include around 100 toy exclusives from partner exhibitors, including renowned toy companies like Funko, Lego, Bandai, Hot Toys, Pop Mart, JoyToy, and many others. The best toy designers in the nation, the region, and the US will be highlighted. With their limited edition TOYCON releases, well-known toy designers such as Quiccs, Wetworks, Creon Chknhead, Arman Kendrick, and others heighten the excitement.

What’s new this 2023?
TOYCON PH: The Philippine Toys, Hobbies and Collectibles Convention

Toycon Mindstyle FanX. The FanXperience, where con-goers may experience the newest trends in up-and-coming art toys and buy Pop Asia exclusives, is another collaboration between TOYCON and the multinational brand and licensing behemoth MINDstyle. Top designers and creators like Punk Drunkers and Reen Barrera can also be interacted with by fans. You can also look at the Secret Fresh products and exhibits. The very first Philippine Convention exclusive, TOYCON’s brand mascot TC-02 as an official Funko Pop collectible, is one of the most eagerly awaited toys of the convention brought in by MINDstyle!

The highlight for the event, they also get to welcome some special guests from the Japanese Tokusatsu (“live-action special effects”) universe. First up, we have Tetsuo Kurata, aka Robert Akizuki, as he was locally known when he played Masked Rider Black and Black RX. With him of course is Ryosuke Kaizu, who played Red Mask in Hikari Sentai Maskman. All those who grew up with these 90’s heroes will have a blast to see them up close and personal along with their props and vehicles in the Toku Spirits booth.

Cosplay. ToyCon often attracts cosplayers who dress up as their favorite characters from movies, TV shows, anime, and video games. You can expect to see a variety of creative costumes and participate in cosplay competitions or photo opportunities.

With possibly the most exciting and well-publicized cosplay competition in the nation, cosplay also makes a strong comeback to TOYCON. The Anime S Cosplay World Stars local qualifiers in the Duo Category and the Cosplay Pop Duo Contest liven up the TOYCON stage on Sunday. The Cosplay KO heightens the excitement for individual cosplayers on Saturday with a P20,000 cash award for the finest anime. Jay Tablante, a famous cosplayer photographer, also teaches a session on cosplay photography that is supported by Canon.

Movie fans will celebrate in the immersive cinematic displays as Warner Brothers sets up for Barbie the Movie and the highly anticipated DC superhero movie, Blue Beetle. Paramount Pictures also joins the fray with a booth for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.

Artist Alley. Many conventions have an Artist Alley where independent artists and creators display and sell their artwork, including prints, paintings, sculptures, and handmade crafts. It’s an excellent opportunity to support and connect with local artists.

TOYCON also brings to the fore the top local and international creators with not just one but three Creative Zones: the Comics Zone powered by Komiket, with top comic book artists and illustrators, and two Toy Designer Alleys with the best local and international toy designers including Hot Actor, Pucky, Chino Lam, Unbox Industries and more! Enjoy more than 80 toy exclusives to be released by more than 40 toy designers around the world!

This year, we finally met the green guy from Tokyo, as Green Dei, I have been meaning to meet Kenichi Hariken Hariu – san in person since his first stint at Toycon 2019. One of the kindest and happiest art toy creators in Asia, the creator behind Mad Panda, SoftRolls, Sare, Yeahti! Catch him in his trademark all-things green stuff. Hopefully, we’re aiming to collect one of Kenichi’s limited softvi piece! Until then, keep up the good work Hariken, we’ll see you at Toycon 2024.

Exhibitor booths. Various exhibitors showcase and sell toys, action figures, collectibles, and merchandise related to popular franchises like movies, TV shows, comics, and video games. You can explore booths to discover and purchase items of interest.

Collectors Gallery. TOYCON Collectors Gallery, the event’s centerpiece, will feature exciting panel discussions, competitions for Custom Toys, Toy Photography, Best Display, and Awards for the Best Toy Collectors Group sponsored by the Philippine Toy Groups Association. Around 80 toy collector groups will displayed their collections. With more toys, comics, and collectibles to be discovered in more than 250 vendor booths, TOYCON is undoubtedly the best place to shop and treasures search!

Panel discussions and workshops. ToyCon may host panel discussions and workshops featuring special guests, industry professionals, and artists. These sessions could cover a range of topics, such as toy collecting, comic book creation, cosplay tips, and industry trends.

Exclusive merchandise and limited editions. Conventions often offer exclusive merchandise or limited-edition items that are only available at the event. These can include special variants of toys, comics, and collectibles that are highly sought after by enthusiasts.

Gaming area. Depending on the event, there may be a dedicated gaming area where attendees can play video games, participate in tournaments, or try out new board games and card games.

Globe is this year’s event co-presenter and they are bringing in the Globe Playboxx Booth where one can unleash their inner child. They also bring the Globe Premium and VIP Passes loaded  with awesome toy exclusives, merch and vouchers. Avail of these VIP passes to be the first to  own these much sough-after toy exclusives like Creon Chknheads CCW Buck Philippine  Colorway, and Punk Drunkers convention exclusive Pops.  

https://www.tiktok.com/@dsp.mnl/video/7253684710071700741

For annual updates on TOYCON or similar events, it’s always a good idea to check the official website or social media pages for information on exhibitors, special guests, and programming. That way, you can plan your visit and make the most of the convention experience.

TOYCON PH
Email: toyconph@gmail.com / toyconphmarketing@gmail.com
Website: toyconph.com
Facebook: FB/ToyconPH
IG: @PhToycon
YouTube: Youtube.com/@TOYCONPH

 

Thank you Mr. Azrael Colladilla and TOYCON PH. 

Sa ngalan ng buwan,” Do geek out safely!

 

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