For the second year in a row, fans looking for a sneak peek at the fun in store at The Middle East Film and Comic Con can enjoy a Star Wars- themed preview at The Dubai Mall.
Following on from last year's Art Wars exhibition in the mall, in which local artists decorated Star Wars stormtrooper helmets that were auctioned for charity at the convention, MEFCC will exhibit part of Omar Al Bahiti's collection of Star Wars memorabilia this year, which is believed to be the largest Star Wars collection in the region.
Al Bahiti says he is supplying 10 helmets and six lightsabers to the exhibition, to raise awareness of MEFCC and the 501st legion – a global Star Wars cosplaying group that is well known for raising money for charity while dressing up as characters from the movies.
Al Bahiti, commander-in-chief of the UAE outpost of the 501st Legion, says of the items on display: "The helmets showcase the evolution of the stormtroopers from Episode III – the prequels/Clone Wars era – to Episode IV, the classic trilogy, and some of these are very rare outside of collectors' circles.
“The ’sabers are the iconic ones from Anakin, Luke, Yoda and, of course, Vader. They’re the first ones made by the defunct Master Replicas and are no longer in production, but toy copies are being made by Hasbro from time to time.”
The MEFCC preview will also feature an exhibition of rare comic books, supplied by the comics and collectables dealer High Grade Comics. Among the gems on display is the first issue of Ghost Rider, from 1973. The character appeared in a 2007 film starring Nicolas Cage, and the first issue commands a price of US$649 (Dh2,390) at MyComicShop.com. Also on show is a landmark Superman comic – 1955's issue #100, valued at up to $600 (Dh2,200) by Heritage Auctions.
• Check out the Star Wars collection and the comic-book exhibition at The Dubai Mall’s Waterfall Atrium until Wednesday
cnewbould @thenational.ae