The rAge Expo is finally back after years of absence as the latest 2022 edition descends on the Gallagher Convention Centre between 9th and 11th December.
While there’s a lot to do and see at rAge this year there is, of course, a lot of stuff on sale. Between discounts, hard-to-find items and custom jobs, there’s a bit of everything for everyone.
If you have a holiday bonus to use or you want to do some last-minute shopping for gifts, this is the place to be.
We’ve already walked a few laps around Gallagher this morning and we’ve compiled some of the best items we’ve seen for your viewing pleasure.
Keep in mind that these are just what caught our attention, and there’s a lot more on the floor to see.
Custom mechanical keyboard keycaps
Price: R70+
Place: blerrie.co in Hall 2
Mechanical keyboard users who want to personalise their setup with some customs should stop here to see what’s on offer between keys from recognisable franchises to wholly unique options.
Our favourite here is the cat paws which you can see in the arrow cluster above. They have a soft, almost jelly-like texture that is fun to type on.
The attendants at the stand also told us that, after rAge, you can get in contact for a custom order should you want something specific.
RX-78-2 Gundam Gunpla Model kit
Always wanted to try out Gundam model kit making – AKA Gunpla – but have found yourself intimidated by the price, complexity or variety?
This kit is the absolutely perfect jumping-in point requiring no tools, paint or experience to enjoy as an entry-level product.
It also helps that this is the Gundam poster child, the RX-78-2, which even non-Gundam fans will recognise.
Those who can’t make it to rAge can also purchase from Gunpla SA online and use code “KeepBuildingJoy” at checkout for 10 percent off. That being said the RX-78-2 is sold out online at the time of writing but is available at rAge.
Price: R279
Place: Nexus Hub + Gunpla SA combined booth in Hall 2
Custom Junji Ito Uzumaki mat
Over the past few months, you may have seen custom-made mats do the rounds on social media as complex pieces of art that go on the floor.
You can get your own at rAge this year with a variety on sale (see the image above) and our favourite being the famous Uzumaki art by Junji Ito.
This item is from the Artist Alley where you can similar handmade items and pieces of art from local artists.
Price: R1 300
Place: Coco’s Crafts stall A19 Hall 3 (Artist Alley)
Foam replicas of Kratos’ Blades of Chaos
With God of War Ragnarok out recently (see our review here by the way), we have renewed desire to own the famous Blades of Chaos, and you can pick up a handmade pair crafted from foam this year.
Both are remarkably light given the material used here while still looking very accurate to the game models.
We’re not saying that the lightness would also make these great to attach to a chain to fling about, but we’re not not saying it either.
Price: R1 500 each | R2 700 for the pair
Place: TAOart stall A04 Hall 3 (Artist Alley)
Arceus model kit – Plamo Collection Select Series 51
For those who want a model kit but have no interest in Gundam or Gunpla, this is another option with the god of Pokémon itself, Arceus.
This is another beginner-focused model kit that requires no extra materials aside from what’s in the box and no prior experience.
Arceus is also in stock online if you’re not at rAge this year.
If Arceus isn’t a favourite there are several others on sale on the rAge Expo floor: Pikachu, Mew, Scorbunny, Piplup, Mimikyu, Jigglypuff, Rowlet and Charmander are all available.
Eevee in two different poses can be bought too.
Price: R539
Place: Nexus Hub + Gunpla SA combined booth in Hall 2
