Comics: Man vs Ipis! ~ Volume 1

Illustration and Story by: AJ Bacar

Sskait Comics

(4/5 ★★★★★)

"The ipis your mom warned you about-

An ipis suddenly appeared

out of nowhere and

attacked the man...

Emotionally

Papatalo ba?? Of couse not."

The Good:

This short comic book neatly tells a comedic story of man against a cockroach (ipis) that lasted for 9 rounds. The art and story are superb.

The best panel would be the scene of the baby cockroach being calmed down by its mother to sleep as they face an inevitable death.

"K lang. Mas cute naman ang bunso." - Bunso Ipis

The Bad:

The first few panels were seen drawn using a thick brush. However, it eventually improved wherein most brush strokes do not use a thicker stroke compared to the earlier one.

The Verdict:

It is a short comic book that is highly entertaining that does well in both its art and storytelling.

Who knew that a dying scene of cockroaches can be an emotional moment.

"Kaka-kompyuter mo yan." - Mommy Ipis

More of Man vs Ipis can be seen at:

Facebook Page: Man vs Ipis

Twitter: @sskaitcomics

Instagram: @sskaitcomics

Events: Komiket Schedule 2022

A comic convention in the middle of a pandemic? This seems to be the way to move forward as Komiket adapts to the changes.

Adherence to the minimum public health standards is reiterated at all times. This includes the proper wearing of face mask at all times in the venues to be conducted. It is hoped that most of the attendees had already gotten their primary dose of COVID-19 vaccines at the very least. Of course it is better if booster shots were already gotten by individuals that are qualified.

Here are Komiket's schedule for 2022:

• We Art Luneta x Komiket
• April 23 - 24, 2022
• 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Noli Me Tangere Garden, Luneta Park, Manila CIty

• Komiket Ortigas
• June 10 - 12, 2022
• 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Ayala Malls The 30th, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

• Komiket Iloilo
• July 15 - 17, 2022
• 10:00 a.m - 8:00 p.m.
• SM Iloilo, Iloilo City

• Davao Pop Culture Mania 2022 x Komiket
• August 19 - 21, 2022
• 1:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m.
• La Herencia, F. Torres St., Davao City

• Komiket
• October 29 - 30, 2022
• 9:00 a.m - 7:00 p.m.
• Centris Elements, Quezon City

• CebuLitFest 2022 x Komiket
• November 25 - 27, 2022
• Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu City

• Paskomiket 2022
• December 3 - 4, 2022
• 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• SM Megamall, Megatrade Hall 2, Mandaluyong City

More information about Komiket 2022 can be seen at:

Facebook Page: "Komiket"

* Note this list will be updated regularly

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: Tarantadong Kalbo ~ Volume 2

Illustration and Story by: Kevin Eric Raymundo

Komiket Inc.

(5/5 ★★★★★)

"Nagkagulo sa bakuna, nag-agawan ng itlog, nagkanaw ng dalgona, nagmahalan ang mga baboy, naghabulan ng jetski, nagtulungan sa mga pantry, at tumindig para sa bayan. Ito ang koleksyon ng mga komiks ni Tarantadong Kalbo sa unang parte ng 2021, ang sequel sa pinakamasagwang taon nating lahat."

The Good:

An update of the current sociopolitical events of the Philippines is presented in this 2nd book of Tarantadong Kalbo. Government response against the COVID-19 pandemic are best illustrated in the strips Distancing, 'La Pa, Variant, and Dance Shield Revolution. Even the public's perception of living with this virus are potrayed in Quick Group Pic and Conyo Mask [with Conyo Wings].

Trese's adaptation as a Netflix series was celebrated in several strips here such as Represent and Santelmo and Outta Nowhere.

The best editorial cartoons in this compilation is Saglit. This four panel strip will really knock at your heart.

The Bad:

This only captures half of the events that occurred in the year 2021. A 2nd book of 2021 compilation is expected to appear in the 3rd volume.

The Verdict:

Tarantadong Kalbo's comic strips show the Filipino life through the usage of 90s pop culture references to depict the drama in our everyday local politics.

An addition of quick news bites through Balitangero was amazing. On the other hand, Inuman Sessions: Historical Distortion provides us an educational material that discusses historical distortion and historical revisionism.

Tarantadong Kalbo Volume 2's best and most tearjerker work so far is the four panel Saglit that reflects the pandemic situation of the Philippines during the COVID-19 Delta Variant surge.

He can be seen at:

Facebook Page: Tarantadong Kalbo

Twitter: @KevinKalbo

 

Comics: Ang Jowa Kong Crosswise ~ Episode 4: Meet The Bestie

Illustration and Story by: Tsambolero (Raphael Unta)

(5/5 ★★★★★)

The Verdict:

Leonardo "Leo" Aurelio's best friend Sampaguita "Sammie" Rhose Catacutan gets to meet his boyfriend Thomas.

Laughter engulfs as the professional monster hunter meets the aswang. An exchange of funny tirades ensures as names such as "lumilipad na daga" (flying rat) and "angry lesbian dora" were shouted.

He can be seen at:

Twitter: @Tsambolero

More of Ang Jowa Kong Crosswise can be seen at:

Penlab: "Ang Jowa Kong Crosswise"

Events: We Art Luneta x Komiket

This is it. After enduring long lockdowns here in the Philippines, as part of the restrictions imposed to combat the still ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Komiket will be seen once again in a booth locally in Manila.

We Art Luneta, the Rizal Park Arts and Crafts Market!, is presented by Puesto and the National Parks Development Committee. It spotlights our Indie comics and books. One of its attendees is Komiket.

This event will take place on April 23 - 24, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. up to 8:00 p.m. at Noli Me Tangere Garden, Luneta.

See you there!

More information about We Art Luneta can be seen at:

Facebook Page: "Puesto Manila"

Comics: The Children of Bathala: Volume One of Five

Illustration and Story by: Arnold Arre

Nautilus Comics

(4/5 ★★★★)

"Twenty years after the events of The Mythology Class...

Bidding a pleasant farewell, Mrs. Enkanta left to continue her journey through time. Nicole and her friends' adventures into the realm of myth and magic were seemingly over.

However, things have not been peaceful over the past two decades: Lane has lost her telepathic powers; Kubin is weakening; Rey and Misha have mysteriously gone missing; and doubts about Enkanta's true purpose are growing.

As their friendships, once strong and binding, slowly fall apart, Nicole senses a dark spell affecting them all.

Convinced that those cherished days they shared in the Mythology Class are fading away, Nicole is unaware that a new band of visitors from the magical world of Ibalon have arrived. These beings hold the key to unlocking an ancient mystery; one that may reveal a frightening terror, but also open an enchanting new world for Nicole, her friends, and her daughter Princess Marilag."

The Good:

The story brings us back to the world of Mythology Class years after they fought off the engkantos. The story and illustrations remain superb.

A lot of references to various books, personalities and tales were made. The most thought provoking concept presented was the Bukidnon Skyworld introduced at a Ted talk.

The Bad:

This first volume among five has a slow pace in story telling.

Many conversations were written using either baybayin or another Filipino language. It would have been a great idea to have the translations of these conversations written somewhere at the end of the book for those who don't understand the language.

The Verdict:

Nicole and her other classmates under Datimbang are back years after their initial quest. The curse of the ancient once creeps in as the blood moon starts to settle in. All hopes that the dark anitos won't find them.

More of Nautilus Comics can be seen at:

Facebook Page: "Nautilus Comics"