Singapore, 30 June 2011 – The Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention (STGCC) and Marvel Comics – home of X-Men, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America, The Avengers, and Thor – will be joining forces again to thrill fans at the 2011 STGCC. Marvel’s international talent scout, C.B. Cebulski, will be back this year to conduct portfolio reviews and spot talented artists.

He will be joined by writer Kieron Gillen, who has penned stirring storylines behind Marvel titles including Journey Into Mystery, Generation Hope, Uncanny X-Men, S.W.O.R.D and Thor, and regional artist Harvey Tolibao, who has worked on Marvel titles such as Darkhawk, Ultimate XMen and The Mighty Avengers, and has drawn an exclusive Merlion Variant Cover for Captain America #1 that will only be available at the Marvel booth at STGCC.

STGCC will be held on 20 and 21 August 2011 at the Suntec International Convention and Exhibitions Centre.

Marvel is proud to reveal that they have signed on Singaporean artist Mr Benjamin Ang, 27, who made the shortlist in Marvel's Portfolio Review at last year’s STGCC, to work professionally with the comics titan. Mr Ang is the first Singaporean to be signed to Marvel and was handpicked from hundreds of aspirants from around the region.

"It is truly a dream come true to be able to work with Marvel and alongside some of the most renowned writers and artists in the industry. It is great to have platforms like STGCC where local artists can showcase their works. I aim to add a signature touch to my work and hopefully inspire more Singaporean artists to chase their dreams."

C.B. Cebulski, Marvel’s Senior Vice President of Creator and Content Development, who conducted the Portfolio Review at 2010's STGCC, is hoping to discover more new talent at this year’s event. He says, "As I scout talent for Marvel, I only revisit events in countries where I find the level of artistic talent extremely high, and given the amazing comic creators I met in Singapore at STGCC last year, I knew I'd be back before long and hopefully making it a regular recruiting stop!"

Mr Ang’s success story is thrilling news to all aspiring artists in Singapore and in South East Asia, says Ms Yeow Hui Leng, Project Director of STGCC. "We are elated that the convention provides a springboard for budding artists in the region to take their craft to an international level. We hope to see more Asian talent making their mark in the pop culture scene in both the East and the West."

Mr Ang will be working on projects beginning later this year, and aspiring artists eager to pick up a few tips from Mr Ang can meet him at STGCC’s Artist Alley, where he will be exhibiting his works. He will also be joining Mr Cebulski on one of Marvel's forum sessions. For more information on portfolio submission, go to     www.singaporetgcc.com/whatshappening/ PortfolioReviewByMarvel.