Anthology: Free Comic Book Day: Ang Pilipino Komiks sa Kasalukuyan ~ Blg. 003

Edited by: Norby Ela and Jon Zamar

Comic Odyssey

(3.28/5 ★★★☆☆)

(Cover by Gerry Alanguilan)

The Good:

This 3rd Filipino FCBD (Free Comic Book Day) give away from Comic Odyssey contains 18 comic samplers.

The top contributions in this issue for me are News Hardcore: The Phantom of the Office (Die!), Puso Negro, Crime Fighting Call Center Agents, Indie Evolution and Kubori Kikiam.

The local comic scene and the image of FCBD here in the Philippines were interestingly portrayed in some of the contributions. In Spacemando, it shows the long lines to be expected on comic book stores participating in FCBD and the correct attitude of falling in line and patiently waiting for your turn.

The second comic is Kubori Kikiam. It deals with Sandy (of Comic Odyssey) texting local comic creator/s, in this case Michael David, of submitting an entry for an upcoming issue for FCBD. It was hilarious as it was debated on how to turn a rated R comic into something acceptable to be read by kids.

The third comic is Indie Evolution that tackles the history of comics here in the Philippines. Witty names for some of the current rockstars in our local comic scene where introduced along with their famous works. These are Tresei Budjettorum, Elmerus Alanguilanae, Ando Arresis and Zsazsa Tarusch.

The Bad:

In this compilation, the one that I really didn't like was Jacara Zar. It was a weird first contribution for this anthology. It doesn't seem like a teaser for its own comic and instead looks like a fill in illustration for one page.

The Verdict:

This FCBD: Ang Pilipino Komiks sa Kasalukuyan ~ Blg. 003 is a great anthology that features a wide range of comics from our local comic scene. Both the front and back cover of this comic are sure to get anyone's attention since it was made by two of the famous comic creators of our generation, Gerry Alanguilan and Manix Abrera.

The best contribution of this anthology for me is Indie Evolution by Macoy. He reconstructs the history of comics here in the Philippines in a unique way. Incorporating comics with dinosaurs and evolution, Macoy has shared to us the story of Komiks with a really imaginative incorporation of the story of evolution of life here on earth combined with simple and entertaining illustrations.

I would say the comic teasers, samplers, back stories and all the other unique contributions from our local comic creators were good. FCBD: Ang Pilipino Komiks sa Kasalukuyan holds the spirit and dream of our comic industry. It shows how much has changed throughout the years. A lot of improvements are evident and an overflow of creativity still persists. It keeps our local comics alive as it slowly gains strength to stand on its own.

 (Back Cover by Manix Abrera)

* Contributors of Free Comic Book Day: Ang Pilipino Komiks sa Kasalukuyan ~ Blg. 003: Ed Tadeo, Aaron Felizmenio, Jon Zamar, Judd Abinuman, Freely Abrigo, Manix Abrera, Joanah Tinio-Calingo, JP Palabon, Nelz Yumul, Rommel Estanislao, Dr. Carlo Jose San Juan, AJ Bernardo, Noel Pascual, Macoy, Mel Casipit, Eric Luna Salazar, Melvin Calingo, Wan Mañanita, Kai Castillo, Gerry Alanguilan, Michael David

** Breakdown of Rating:

★☆☆☆☆ - Jacara Zar, Codename: Bathala

★★☆☆☆ - Gwapoman 2000: Hari ng Basatrip; Cresci Prophecies: Book of Arcen; Spacemando; Pasig

★★★☆☆ - Kapitan Tog: Wow!; Callous; Mukat; Manila Accounts 1081: Camp John Heist

★★★★☆ - Bruho Barbero; Comics by Eric Luna Salazar; Wasted

★★★★★ - News Hardcore: The Phantom of the Office (Die!); Puso Negro; Crime Fighting Call Center Agents; Indie Evolution; Kubori Kikiam