Showing posts with label Winter Komikon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Winter Komikon. Show all posts

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Events: Experiencing Komikon 2015


This year's series of comic events are wrapping up as the biggest Philippine Komiks Convention made a new history by having a 2-day Komikon.

Komikon 2015 was held last November 14-15 at the Bayanihan Center, Unilab Compound, Pasig City. Two types of tickets were available. There's the two day pass which costs around Php. 150 each that was available to be purchased during the October Komiket and at the different Comic Odyssey branches. Pre-orders were also available. Then there's the usual Php. 100/ticket/day which is cheaper if your only going to attend 1 day.


The events were fully packed as different activities transpired. Special guests such as Mico Suayan, Omeng Estanislao and Raykosen were present. The comic panels were also star studded as there were talks on different topics such as Veteran Speak by Rico Rival and Danny Acuña; Comics Writing by Budjette Tan and Jamie Bautista; Self Publishing by Ace Vitangcol and Lyndon Gregorio; School of Comics by Emil Flores and Carl Javier; and Crossing Platforms by Carlo Vergara and Paolo Herras.

14 local international illustrators were also present in Komik Kalye wherein you could bring home some of the masterpieces from our local international artists.

A film showing of Puti was also in place. It was directed by Mike Alcazaren, co-creator of the new comic book series "Patay Kung Patay". Alongside with the film showing is the meet and greet of the cast and crew of Tanods. It is a TV5 Originals that was directed by Miko Livelo.

There were tons of new comics available from our local publishers and from the independent ones. Winners of the 34th National Book Awards (Rodski Patotski: Ang Dalagang Baby, Tabi Po Volume 1 and 14 Silent Comics) and the Finalist of the 2015 Filipino Readers' Choice Awards (Zombinoy Issue No. 6 and Ang Sumpa Kabanata 2) can be bought in the event area as they lay scattered in the main hall. A lot of award winning comics were available at the different tables. They are just waiting to be found, be bought and be read by a Komikon goer.


Visprint, Inc. had two new books up on their tables that was located at a nice corner of the main hall. Trese: Sa Kanto ng Balete Drive at 13th Street and News Hardcore! Hukbong Sandatahan ng Kahaggardan were the new titles available. The positioning of Visprint's table was logistically great this time in place for the book signings of the new books. Proper placement is highly needed, most especially since Manix Abrera had released a new book that is expected to generate long lines. The number system was once again implemented for those wanting to get Manix's autograph which was a great relief for Komikon goers who would still want to check out the tables of other comic book creators.




Anino Comics was also present to launch two new books. The first one is the manga adaptation of Si Janus Silang at Ang Tiyanak ng Tabon. The second comic book is Ang Subersibo which is an adaptation of Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

 

If you had dropped by Anino Comics' table last October Komiket and had been lucky to get the preview of these two new books you would see a surprise at the centerfold of the preview with the instructions to bring the said preview to Komikon 2015. Upon doing so, a 10% discount would be given for the purchase of one copy of each of the two new titles.

The most interesting table this year was that of Studio Salimbal. Seven (7) new comics could be seen in their table.



Their new comics present to us a new generation of super heroes. However, there is one comic that they specifically had been giving a lot of praises. That is Muros #1 by Paolo Chikiamco and Borg Sinaban. Studio Salimbal's table sure is packed with a lot of goodies as they even gave out copies of Bookwatch 2015 Vol. 19 No. 3.

Speaking of Studio Salimbal, if you had been following their social media accounts, you would have heard that they had conducted a 24 hour Studio Salimbal Comics Challenge. The comics that was made from that 24-hour challenge could be bought at the different tables of Komikon. Studio Salimbal held two which are The Life and Death of Amorsolo Esperanza, Faith Healer of Talinhaga by Elbert Or and The Garbage Artist by Andrew Drilon. The third comic that I had gotten that is part of the #24hrcomicph was Dive by Ardie Aquino, who was the first guy that was able to finish the challenge.


Upon browsing the rest of the tables, there are three new comic book creators in my eyes that really wowed me. Away from the main hall, I found these three guys at the Indie Komiks Tiangge.

The first was The CoSmic books made by Vee Jocson. Its small size would remind you of the ones made by Ardie Aquino. Even the quality of printing was the same. This small and short comic book will surely entertain anyone.


But I guess the best gem would be the Love In the Dog Pound by Lara Antonio and Che Bantayan. I was about to leave the Indie Komiks Tiangge area when my eyes caught the cover of the comic. Only the words and images associated with love and dog pound made me stop and ponder for some time regarding this comic. After deciding to finally buy this, man it was worth every peso. This is one of those comic books that I shamefully should have not stopped so much to think over on whether I'll include it in my haul. The story is overflowing with love. The kind of love that you know that stays forever between you and your dog. I would really recommend this comic book that was born out from the 1st Comic Book Creator's Workshop conducted by Komiket University.


There was a nice non comic book merchandise that I had seen in this event. Hand-crafted and hand-painted clay-based sculptures were displayed as samples of the works that Planetary Studio could create. It serves as a neat collectible for those into the pop culture scene. It could also serve as a personalized gift, most especially this Christmas. It would be an awesome one since you could replace the face of any character with the face of the person that would be receiving this gift from you. It looks great as a mini me gift. For more details just check out Planetary Studio's Facebook Page.


Komikon 2015 really outdone themselves this year. Every year both the organizers and comic book creators seem to have upgraded themselves which can be seen among the komiks being sold during those two days. We can't just imagine what new exciting changes the Komikon organizers will give us next year. Kudos to the successful very first 2-day Komikon.

Here are more pictures from the event.












Here are the things that I got from Komikon 2015.

Freebies: NBDB's Bookwatch, Poster and sticker from
Frances Luna III, Adobo Magazine, Poster from Anino Comics

  • News Hardcore! Hukbong Sandatahan ng Kahaggardan!
    • Manix Abrera
    • Visprint, Inc.
  • Mars Ravelo's Darna Golden Anniversary Book
    • Yonzon, Medina and Monsanto
    • Mango Comics
  • Mars Ravelo's Lastikman
    • Gerry Alanguilan, Arnold Arre and Edgar Tadeo
    • Mango Comics
  • Si Janus Silang at Ang Tiyanak ng Tabon
    • Edgar Calabia Samar, Carljoe Javier and Natasha Ringor
    • Anino Comics
  • The Garbage Artist
    • Andrew Drilon
    • Studio Salimbal
  • Zombinoy ~ No. 7
    • Geonard Yleana, Carlo Cruz, Sid Santos, John Suguitan
    • Pelikomiks Studios
  • Chopsoy ~ 2015-2016 Arts & Comics Previews
    • ChopSoy, Inc.
  • Komiks Galing Sa Aking Kaluluwa
    • Andoyman
    • Andoyman Komiks
  • The Life and Death of Amorsolo Esperanza, Faith Healer of Talinhaga
    • Elbert Or
    • Studio Salimbal
  • Kare-Kare Komiks Platter
    • Andrew Drilon
    • Studio Salimbal
  • Muros ~ The Cementery Girl Part 1 of 3
    • Paolo Chikiamco and Borg Sinaban
    • Studio Salimbal
  • Love In The Dog Pound ~ Part 1
    • Lara Antonio and Che Bantayan
  • Dive
    • Ardie Aquino
    • Ardie Aquino Comics
  • Bravos: Manila
    • Paolo Chikiamco, Butch Mapa and Wilson Dela Fuente
    • Studio Salimbal
  • Josef Miggy & Yaya Karol ~ Super Secret Adventures: The Guardians of Planet Gorf
    • Budjette Tan, Kajo Baldisimo and Rysa Antonio
    • Alamat Comics
  • Bravos: Cebu
    • Elbert Or, Cy Vendivil and Jem Bernaldez
    • Studio Salimbal
  • Crime-Fighting Call Center Agents #3
    • Noel Pascual and AJ Bernardo
    • Kowtow Komiks
  • Crime-Fighting Call Center Agents #6
    • Noel Pascual and AJ Bernardo
    • Kowtow Komiks
  • Crest Hut Butt Shop #4
    • Komikero
  • Player 1 Player 2 Komik Fun Time Special Edition
    • Jolo Livelo
    • Punch Kick
  • Ang Subersibo
    • Jose Rizal, Adam David and Mervin Malonzo
    • Anino Comics
  • Ang Sumpa ~ Kabanata 3
    • Andoyman and SuperGi
    • Andoyman Komiks
  • Trese: Sa Kanto ng Balete Drive at 13th Street
    • Budjette Tan, Kajo Baldisimo and Bob Ong
    • Alamat Comics
    • Visprint, Inc.
  • People in Panic
    • Marguerite Alcazaren De Leon
  • Pangil
    • Aaron Felizmenio
    • Frances Luna III
  • Patay Kung Patay #2
    • Mike Alcazaren, Noel Pascual and AJ Bernardo
    • Kwanimation Productions, Inc.
  • Antingeros ~ Number 1
    • James Bernardo and Geonard Yleana
    • Pelikomiks Studios
  • Bangon Luna
    • Vee Jocson
    • The Cosmic Book
  • Roadtrip: Para Po!
    • Vee Jocson
    • The Cosmic Book
  • Buti pa ang Cupcake may fillings
    • Vee Jocson
    • The Cosmic Book
  • X1 X2 X3 X4 X5
    • Ardie Aquino
    • Ardie Aquino Comics

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Events: Winter Komikon 2014


The grand event for a Filipino comic lover has come. Komikon is now on its 10th year and it continues to be the prime event for bringing out the comic lover within us Filipinos. However, that does not limit the audience to be purely Filipinos since I've seen a couple of foreigners looking around this event.


I could say that this Komikon was better than before. Well I always say that but it really was better. It can be seen if you've been attending the past Komikons. Let me share some of the things that made Komikon 2014 the best one so far for me.




I know when I said last Summer Komikon 2014 that the major event revolves around Visprint's table. Once again this is true due to 4 new books. Each of these books already had their respective book launch and are launching it once again for Komikon. These 4 new comic books are "14", Tabi Po 2, Maktan 1521 and Mythspace.

As "14" is released, by one of the most popular local comic artist, Manix Aberera, really long lines are expected once again from Visprint's table. Joked by some that any event that he goes to in order to have his book launch automatically becomes a "Manix Con". Well, it is easy to become a fan of his. Because not only are we drawn to his works but also to his attitude. As an artist, one could just easily hold a 1-hour break from time to time in order to rest his hands. Instead he continues to do the signings for his fans. It is only when he is called to go to another table to sign his art under a different publisher and to receive a Komikon Award were the only times I had seen him have that precious break time.




Guy on the left is Jomari Angeles, the one on the middle
is Manix Abrera, the one on the right is a fellow fan of Manix

This is one of the reasons why fans of Manix need to be early for Komikon 2014. The National Book Development Board continued their mission of promoting the value of reading through the release of the fourth issue of Tibok ng Utak. This was done by giving out limited free copies of Tibok ng Utak Blg. 4. It was illustrated by Manix Abrera and written by Jomari Angeles.



The next thing on my list was to pick up my pre-ordered copy of The Mythology Class by Arnold Arre. I received this from the Nautilus Comics' table. Aside from The Mythology Class, I also bought two more books from that group. It was surprising to see that they have comic books that won different awards. I'm really excited to finish reading these.





The fourth thing that really caught my attention was regarding chapter 3 of Sixty Six. It really took me a long time in locating it and waiting for it to be displayed at the Alamat Comics' table only to realize and find out that it sits with Anino Comics. Well I really got lucky since there were only a few copies of the 3rd chapter of Sixty Six being sold. Besides that, what really got my attention was the other comics under Anino Comics. If you had taken a peek at their catalogue book, in here it can be seen that Makoy's School Run was included. Well this is a surprise from Adarna House, Inc. who made this imprint of Anino Comics. Their works will be included in my usual monitoring of local comics.


This is an interesting thing that I had found. The Free Comic Book Day Ang Pilipino Komiks sa Kasalukuyan Blg. 3 & 4 are just being sold at the Comic Odyssey table. It was just saddening, most especially since I had the 4th issue be reserved days before it was to be distributed on Free Comic Book Day 2014. However, no copy arrived at the branch where I was supposed to pick it up. It was just depressing to know that there are still extra copies.

I got the Zoo Ilustbook for free since I got a Time First!
by Kirejan Javier. Thanks again for that ^_^

I know that bloggers who make reviews for comics are usually comic lovers. Well who knew that we, yes I'm including myself since I had really seen it, are capable of motivating writers and artists to continue enhancing their craft. I guess we might not always be hooked with the other works that each artist may have made. But once I see their potential I really mean it and write about it. That's why I'm including in here my special thanks for Jake Vicente for mentioning One Mantra in the 3rd issue of Horror Asylum which is seen with Ink Jinks Comics. I still recommend that other works from Ink Jinks Comics should be checked out. This is the group where I first saw Jake Vicente's works before his Tonio Tikbalang was picked up and released under Black Ink Comics.


Remember the short look that I did on a preview comic which was given away for free during a Komikon around 2 years ago, if I remember it correctly. Well after what I had said in my previous post. Mang Jose is finally released. This comic is also hard to find. I just found out that there is already a Mang Jose #1 out during Komikon. I just saw this comic in the hands of another attendee of Komikon. Even though Mang Jose is under Alamat Comics, it cannot be found at the Alamat Comics' table. Instead I found it at the Marbles Comics' table. These stories that are part of the Alamat Comics are really tricky to find since they are dispersed among the different tables in Komikon 2014.


This might be a small thing but these are the things that I really loved in my haul from Komikon this year. These might just be posters, but these are free movie posters that I got from joining some of the games held.


My first win is the movie poster of Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2, a movie for the Metro Manila Film Fest 2014. I just got this by randomly picking a piece of paper and claiming whatever is written on it at their table in the lobby. Even though they didn't have another comic book adaptation of this movie unlike last time, they said that they might make another comic book adaptation of this 2nd movie as part of their marketing strategy. The other cool thing regarding this first poster is that it was made by Ian Sta. Maria (illustrator of Skyworld & Sixty Six). How cool is that! I just don't know if he will also be the one to do the illustrations for the alleged comic book adaptation of Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2.


The second movie poster is for the documentary titled as "Illustrated By". Illustrated By is a documentary that features the Filipino invasion of U.S. comics. This is one of the films being shown for free in Conference Room E. As one could easily recognize, Manix Abrera was the one who did the illustration of the poster. I got this poster from a "Bring Me" game conducted on stage by the Komikon organizers. All that needs to be done is to bring to the stage a signed copy of Manix Abrera's 14. Luckily, I was just near the stage and the comic book was signed around lunch time. I really got lucky for the chances of winning it was pretty high for me. It was around 6:30 p.m. when this bring me game of Manix Abrera's work was conducted. During that time, a long line insanely still exists in front of his table. The guy must have always prepared himself for book signings.

Well that sums up the things that I enjoyed buying and receiving in Komikon 2014.

Other noteworthy things are the fascinating cosplay that was done. Two distinguishable ones are seen. The first is No Face from the anime Spirited Away.



Another set of cosplayers who did a nice job of the Guardians of the Galaxy appeared afterwards. It can be seen that respectable cosplayers are slowly filling up the event halls of Komikon year after year. I guess we'll be seeing more of them in the future Komikons.



A decade of celebration of the rich variety of Filipino comics is evident in Komikon 2014. The indie comics are slowly being looked at by our local publishers and are being put out there in various and famous bookstores. If this continues on, whoever said that "the Filipino comics are dead!" is dead wrong.


Here are the things that I got from Winter Komikon 2014:

  • Mythspace, Volume 1
    • Chikiamco, Carreon, Chua, Gregorio, Dimagiba, Quiroga, Sinaban
    • Visprint, Inc.
  • The Mythology Class
    • Arnold Arre
    • Nautilus Comics
  • FCBD Comics 3: Ang Pilipino Komiks Sa Kasalukuyan




 





 


 

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