Some 150 lucky fans in Singapore got to meet Hong Kong rapper-singer Jackson Wang in the flesh at a book-signing session on Oct 13 for a comic book, which he had a hand in creating and has big plans for.
The fans got to shake hands, take selfies and interact with the star, who is also a member of K-pop group Got7, during the session at S.E.A. Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS).
They were selected through the Instagram, X and Weibo pages of Team Wang Design (TWD), the luxury streetwear label Wang founded in 2020, and those of RWS and Singapore Tourism Board.
The comic book, Under The Castle: The Birth Of Pumpkie, is credited to TWD.
It is meant to be the first in a series, titled Under The Castle, of eerie tales within a castle. The first title focuses on Pumpkie, a little pumpkin character. The 31-page work also introduces a playful ghost called Spookie and the friendship between the two could be explored in future titles.
For the next two years, TWD will focus on creating the official launch for a full comic series and animation series related to Under The Castle. It is also looking at creating kids’ clubs related to the brand.
Wang said: “Why do we know Mickey Mouse? The Simpsons? It is because that was what was introduced to us when we were kids. For the next generation, I hope they can watch this.”
A huge fan of anime and cartoons, he told Singapore's The Straits Times that he has always wanted to create a comic book. He said: “I hope it will entertain you and your kids.”
The Under The Castle concept is being used in a haunted house at the ongoing Halloween Horror Nights 12 event at Universal Studios Singapore, where visitors can experience the spooky world of the comic.
Wang visited the house, a partnership between RWS and TWD, on Oct 12 and said: “I am proud of it.”
However, he added: “When I create stuff and review it, I always feel several aspects could have been better. If we get another opportunity to do it next year, we will probably do it a little differently.”
The 30-year-old said he likes haunted houses, and would visit the ones at the Ocean Park Hong Kong theme park with childhood friend Henry Cheung and their dates every Halloween. Cheung is TWD’s chief executive and co-founder.
Wang said: “I have always wanted to create my own (haunted house) experience based on that.” — The Straits Times/Asia News Network
