Anthology: Kommunity 2017

Created by: Budjette Tan, Ian Sta. Maria, Carlorozy, D. Borja, Hulyen, Manix Abrera, Toto Madayag, Ardie Aquino, Asshulz (Mae Andre Arboleda), Richard Mercado, Gaby Taylo, Buhay Kolehiyo (Mod Ryan, Mod Ton, Mod Lirip, and Mod Japh), Lyndon Gregorio, Josel [Nicolas], Cy Vendivil, Reginald Abisado, Ivyree Rosario, Elbert Or, Juris Go, Mich Cervantes, Jess Guanco, and Arnold Arre

Edited by: Paolo Herras and Richard Mercado

Komiket Inc.

(4.05/5 ★★★★☆)

"From award-winning

comic book authors

and prolific art market

and convention regulars

to the names behind the

most shared comic pages

in social media.

Meet the creators in your

neighborhood."

The Good:

The anthology features insights on how Komiket feels in the eyes of a comic creator, an artist or even as a regular comic con goer. 4 out of the 19 stories tells about this Komiket experience.

However, the best story in this anthology did not tackle the comic con experience but rather brought us a slice of life story. Little Things PH by Reginald Abisado and Ivyree Rosario. A story about life, love and death. This short silent comic would give chills as it shows off the same first 10 minutes that the audience felt to Pixar's Up.

The Bad:

One would agree that this anthology does not have a single story subject or art form. However, it does not look good if within an anthology there exists a set of comic strips that has one story line who unfortunately uses different art styles. It is difficult to love the comic Buhay Kolehiyo since the art deviates from one artist to another. It is confusing to know if the characters that exists in the other panels are the same or not.

The Verdict:

This compilation houses some of the best spin off stories from their main character arcs like Kambal: La Calauera Catrina (The Elegant Skull). Anthologies really gives a surprise story which could be an explored material in the future such as the mention of "Luha ni Lucifer" in the Kikomachine Komix. But in the end, sometimes the best gags can be seen in the sketchy illustrations of a sketchy guard in the story Security.

"People are doors. Lives are rooms. And sometimes doors leave." - Josel

* Breakdown of Rating:

★☆☆☆☆ -

★★☆☆☆ -

★★★☆☆ - First Komiket Experience; The Other Gonzaga; Uy Si Crush; Buhay Kolehiyo; Beerkada; Jan Jan Comics; Your Secrets Aren't Safe Here

★★★★☆ - Comics Convention; Security; Josel; The Wave Queller

★★★★★ - Kambal: La Calauera Catrina (The Elegant Skull); Hunghang Flashbacks Goes to Komiket!; Kikomachine Komix; Libreng Komiks; Little Things PH; Little Questions; Other People; Salamin

Anthology: LGBTQ+ Kommunity 2019

Created by: Emiliana Kampilan, Betina Continuado, Ezjae Zemana, Matt Alea, Mich Cervantes, Nowhere Bear, Yanna Sta. Ana, Tristan Yuvienco, Tayla Pangilinan, CJ Reynaldo, Lauren Baldo, Brent Sabas, Electromilk, Nina Martinez, Landlee Mae, Bianca Maranan, G3 San Diego, BluBulan, Rini Geronimo, Cy Vendivil, Protacio De Guzman, Ardie Aquino, Andrew Drilon, Jap Mikel, and Japhers

Edited by: Paolo Herras and Richard Mercado

Komiket Inc.

(4.45/5 ★★★★☆)

"From award-winning

comic book authors

and prolific art market

and convention regulars

to the names behind the most shared

comic pages in social media

meet the LGBTQ+ creators in your

neighborhood."

The Good:

A wide range of stories and topics were neatly touched in this LGBTQIA+ themed comic anthology from Komiket.

An insight regarding the different spectrums were seen on gays, lesbians, transexuals and even asexuals were tackled to name a few. Common entries were related to the Pride March.

The best story would be Pula Ang Unang Kulay Bahaghari by Emilana Kampilan. The struggle of a farmer in obtaining her right to a piece of land that they have been using for generations were seen to be at a disadvantageous side for those who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community. All the misogony, bigotry and hatred were depicted.

Even the simple discrimination among men and women in terms of salary were evident. Kampilan also provides a footnote at the bottom of the comic to cite her references.

The Bad:

This is not a perfect 1st compilation from Komiket.

Minor problems were the layout done for the Agos story. The illustrations were seen to be a bit close to the spine of the book.

There were some stories that wasn't that engaging such as the Pusoy Dos story. The topic is a bit perplexing to understand on which spectrum of the LGBTQIA+ community the story wishes to dwell on.

The Verdict:

This is still a fine first from Komiket that compiles LGBTQIA+ content made by LGBTQIA+ creators. Stories that shows us that there's more to lesbians and gays. It showcases that within the rainbow exists trans and asexuals. The community is as diverse as one would stereotype it to be.

These are great stories that shows strength and pride in loving.

* Breakdown of Rating:

★☆☆☆☆ - Pusoy Dos

★★☆☆☆ -

★★★☆☆ - Agos, Well-wisher, Indak

★★★★☆ - Kublingtubi; Runner; Kwentong Tibo; The Garden

★★★★★ - Pula Ang Unang Kulay; Coming Out; Seen; Tago; Love Is Love; Unbroken; Walling; Love Transformed; We Are Two; The Fragile Mansion of Love; Bayugin; Love Conquers All

Comics: Nang Mainlove Ako Sa Isang Sakristan

Illustration and Story by: Richard Mercado
Silaw Publishing
(5/5 ★★★★★)

"Two seventeen-year-old boys, Francis and Didoy, get caught kissing at the back of the subdivision chapel. Out of shock, the two boys escape and go on a journey they'll never forget"

The Good:

This is an excellent coming of age story. Francis and Didoy's love story were neatly told along with the struggles experienced by members of the LGBT+ community. The realness of one's dilema of living in an environment wherein your loved ones follows the conservative route really gives a huge stress to an individual was depicted.

There were two great emotional moments portrayed in this book. First is Francis going back home and being welcomed by his mother with open arms saying, "Welcome home anak." It gives the impression that despite everything that has a happened, a mother's love to her child is one of the reasons why she has come to accept whatever her child turned out to be.

The second moment is the pinky promise done by Francis and Didoy. The promise of pure and innocent love in the midst of struggling to know who they are and how to deal with expressing their love in a judgmental world just gives the shivers.

"Now that there's someone who has my back, I will try moving forward, starting with the people whom I love." - Francis

The Bad:

The style of illustration might not get the attention of some who are looking for a hotter depiction of the characters. The weird faces of the characters on some angles on some panels might also give some thumbs down to others.

The Verdict:

Mercado delivers an offensive comic book to strict conservatives due to its title and illustration. But to an open minded individual, this is definitely a simple story of innocent love in a coming of age set-up. A love so pure it will really pierce your heart and make you shed a tear as the conversations about life and love progress.

This is a must buy in those collecting great slice of life stories.

"I thought since he seemed so interested with the sakristan I'd let him join so he would have some friends. I didn't know he was that intrested." - Mrs. Suarez

More of the creator's works can be seen at:

Instagram: @richardmercz

More of Nang Mainlove Ako Sa Isang Sakristan can be seen at:

Facebook Page: "Nang Mainlove Ako Sa Isang Sakristan"

Penlab: "Nang Mainlove Ako Sa Isang Sakristan"