First ever Komiket hits Manila

So yes, I was there. The first Komiket was held in Elements Centris with a smorgasbord of Filipino comic book writers/artists that are currently thriving in the Filipino underground comics scene. Ever since the demise of the more mainstream monthly comic books back in the 90's, it has been said that comic books in the Philippines is dead. Which is actually ironic because U.S. based comic book giants like Marvel and DC comics employs Filipinos in their roster of top talents. Names like Whilce Portacio, Leinil Yu, Gerry Alanguilan, Francis Manapul, Carlo Pagulayan, to name a few has been delighting comic book fans all over the world with their electric art. While they enjoyed a great deal of success in the foreign shores, the local Filipino comic book scene has remained dormant mainstream wise. Not until the huge success of Arnold Arre's work starting with Mythology Class, and the recent explosion of Budjette Tan and Kadjo Baldisimo's Trese series, the Filipino comic book scene is starting to make a comeback. And Komiket is the perfect avenue for aspiring Filipino comic book artists to showcase their wares. Truth be told, I was surprised too that we actually have a thriving local comic book scene beyond the Arnold Arres, Gerry Alanguilans, and Budjette Tans. Sadly though, I ran out of money to spare some for the Filipino artists selling their wares here (because I burned my budget through pre-ordered Superman comic from Maam Jona Frialde). But I did purchased Arnold Arre's Halina Filipina for my brother. As I was in luck that he was launching the book there. I vow next time though to be prepared when visiting events like these. Now that I am introduced to Filipino Comics once more, this should be a fun ride beyond the disappointing Marvel and DC reboots. Check out some photos below from the Komiket event. 

Hub Pacheco and Teddy Pavon's Work in Progress

Luna by Spanton

Cast by Jamie Bautists

Halina Filipina by Arnold Arre

The Mythology Class and Trip to Tagaytay by Arnold Arre

Zombinoy by Geonard Yleana

Bruho Barbero by Rommel Estanislao

Batman PH Sketches

Batman by Jovenal Mendoza

Batman by JC Fabul

From the Legendary Francisco Coching, Filipino National Artist awardee

With Mrs. Coching I guess?

Patay kung Patay by Mike Alcazaren, Noel Pascual, and AJ Bernardo

Fires and Embers by Gwendy De Los Santos

Lakan at Makisig by Giosdesk

Lunatic Comics series

Noodle Boy from Meganon Comics

Meganon Comics

Alphario 

Alphario Stuff Toys

DLSU's Animotion

Arnold Arre's Halina Filipina specially signed for my bro

Arnold Arre and a fan

Overall, it was a fun packed event with songs from the Eraserheads blaring on the speakers to further emphasize the spirit of the Indie Filipino artists' creative streak. Here's to the success of the first Komiket and hoping for more events like this to come!

P.S.
My brother and I are huge Arnold Arre fans and have been religiously purchasing his works for the past few years. So much so that I even wrote a song 9 years ago inspired by Arnold Arre's After Eden Graphic Novel which I shared with him and his wife Cynthia as shared by her in her blog years ago. Check it out here.