Plastic Print Outs by Playing Mantis

3D printers are an engineering marvel. In a short period of time, you can create a mock up of your design, done using a 3D software like Autocad or Maya, straight from your desktop screen. During ToyCon 2013, I was able to see this amazing machine in action at the Playing Mantis booth.

Playing Mantis is a group of game and toy designers based in the Philippines. They design and produce ideas for original or customized toys. And, they use 3D printers as a means to materialize their designs to something you can actually hold, feel, and manipulate. Yes, manipulate. If your design is composed of moving parts, the printer will print them also as moving parts. This is similar to the inner frame runner of a real grade Gundam model kit.

3D printer in action

The 3D printer Playing Mantis featured at ToyCon is the hobbyist-friendly model. It uses ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic, the same type used in gunpla, to produce its output. The finished product is a bit rough and needs needs a little sanding but the ability to produce custom designs with a push of a button is rewarding enough.

Before you go running off to buy a 3D printer, there is a bit of a catch. It may say hobbyist-friendly but this little contraption costs about 70,000 pesos. High-end models, which are usually used for advance engineering, costs up to more than 3 million pesos.

Playing Mantis designer holding a Zaku head 3D print out

Although the machine comes with a printing software, it doesn't come with a 3D designer software. This means, you will have to have a 3D designer software as well as knowledge about creating 3D designs. But don't fret, Playing Mantis offer design and printing services. They also have access to the high-end 3D printers which can use other types of plastic, such as silicone and clear plastic. A five inch figure usually costs 4,000-10,000 pesos, depending on the complexity of the design.

So what's the relevance to us gunpla modelers and customizers? If you can imagine a one of a kind weapon, backpack, a replacement or custom part, or even your own gundam, a 3D printer can materialize your design. As Playing Mantis puts it, "If it doesn't exist, we can help you produce it."

For more information about Playing Mantis, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/playingmantisphilippines

Taga-ilog was at ToyCon

If you read Culture Crash magazine in the past, you probably remember the comic book artist known as Taga-ilog, Melvin Calingo in real life. He often represents himself as a character with a bucket  for a head in the magazine, alongside Dha Boss (Jescie James Palabay), I.Q. 40/Memer II (Elmer Damaso), J.I.O. (Jerard Beltran), and Taga-Kanal (Michael David). I met Taga-ilog during ToyCon 2013 at SM Megamall and the first question that I asked him was, "Asan na si Kubori Kikiam?"

Taga-ilog, the Buckethead of Doom

Culture Crash was a bi-monthly magazine that started in 1999, when anime was at its high, and sadly ended in 2004 with issue #14. The magazine featured anime-styled comic series, which include the sci-fi Solstice Butterfly, modern day teen-serye One Day, Isang Diwa, fantasy Cat's Trial, uraban action Pasig, and deliciously funny Kubori Kikiam. The artwork may be Japanese-inspired but the characters, theme, and content shouts Filipino. CCCom's claim to fame is that they created their own process to make comic books.

Day two of ToyCon, I was passing by the Komikon booth, and I saw the familiar art of Pasig in black and white. I can only identify the CCCom artists via their avatars and the man behind the booth did not have a bucket covering his face. It was only when I asked for his pen name that I realized who he was. So I got a copy of Pasig, a little chat with the artist and left. I came back to his booth twice. First time to get a photo (as seen below) and second time to get his autograph. It was a little embarrassing because I kept bothering him for things I should have asked for in the first place.

Melvin Calingo (Taga-ilog) with Pinoy Gunpla Modeler

So where is Kubori Kikiam these days? Taga-ilog told me that he only appears during Komikon and Indiket. The next Indieket will be on August 10, 2013 10AM-7PM at the Bayanihan Center, Pasig City. Needless to say, I will be going.

Man of Steel: Defender of Earth Exhibit Launched

To intensify the hype for the upcoming Superman movie, Man of Steel, the first ever Man of Steel: Defender of Earth Exhibit in the Philippines was launched last June 7, 2013, at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium. Man of Steel stars Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, and Russell Crowe, and directed by Zack Snyder.

The exhibit features toys from the collections of Jeffrey Velasquez, Jeffrey Quillope, and Mae/Tochi Pimping, Superman clothing line display by Penshoppe, limited edition Man of Steel watch by Axis, photo booths, and activity areas that kids of all ages can enjoy. The exhibit runs from June 8 until June 16, at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium.

Highlights from the Man of Steel: Defender of Earth media launch:

Azrael Coladilla invites everyone to ToyCon 2013

Fashion show by Penshoppe, featuring their Man of Steel clothing line

Philippine Allstars grace the stage with super dance moves

Raffle prizes given away, including a Devant LED TV

ToyCon 2013 Contests

This year's ToyCon will certainly be a blast. It features the following contests, which include those that fit into our category as model builders and customizers. Click each contest to view more information about its rules and mechanics:

• Cosplay Contest
• Toy Design Year 6
• "The Man of Steel" - Superman Character Art Contest
• 8th Philippine Fan Film Contest
• Cosplay Click Year 6 - Cosplay Photography Contest
• Toy Clicks year 7 - Toy Photography Contest
• Doll Dressed Up Contest
• Toy Diorama Contest
• Die Cast Car Custom and Dressed Up Contest
• Customized Mecha Figure Contest
• Customized Action Figure Contest

ToyCon 2013 will be held on June 14-16, at Megatrade Hall 1, 2, and 3 of SM Megamall.