In a world populated by American superheroes and Japanese Kaijus, it’s easy to forget those indie gems we hold close to our hearts in favor of a red-hot Kikomachine by Manix Abrera or an issue of Trese by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo.
But even though these indie comics might not take the spotlight too often, their brave creators are relentless, still continuing to produce great works even if the pages are usually photocopied and stapled.
On April 12, Summer Komikon will take the comic book community by storm again at the Bayanihan Center in Pasig City, presenting you an opportunity to look for and support alternative comics that might be under your radar.
With over 85 groups exhibiting, this year’s con is like picking up a new issue of a revamped comic book series, but staying true to the character’s core. “For those who have been with us since 2005, it’s going to be like a stroll down the memory lane sans the heat of the old venue,” says organizer Jon Zamar.
Summer Komikon used to be held at UP Bahay ng Alumni in Quezon City.
“For people who missed the first Komikon, it’s also their chance to experience a comic book convention headlined by iconic graphic novelist Arnold Arre and Marvel superstar artist Leinil Yu,” he added. “So if you like komiks, Summer Komikon is definitely for you.”
Here are our top six picks:
ANG SUMPA
Ang Sumpa revolves around the mysterious death of the country’s President who happened to be friends with a very-skilled investigator. It is rare that we encounter good local detective comics and it looks like Andoyman will be the first one to do it.
Why it’s hot: Malacañan Palace turning into a crime scene.
Writer/Artist: Andoyman
Find him at: Komikult booth
Buy it: PHP30
BABY DAYS
From the writer of My Wife is Pregnant, new daddy Mark Rosario retells his and his wife’s hits and misses as parents of their first baby Maxwell.
Why it’s hot: For those thinking of making and taking care of babies, here’s a manual.
Writer/Artist: Mark Rosario
Find him at: Table F13, Indie Tiangge, Conference Room C
Buy it: PHP30
CODENAME: BATHALA
Wheelchairs and superheroes don’t usually go together unless you’re a telepath or a computer whiz. Enter Bathala, an armored superhero who also happens to be a differently abled man, Michael Divinahustisya.
Why it’s hot: A god in a wheelchair
Writer: Jon Zamar
Artist: Judd Abinuman
Find him at: Point Zero Booth, Main Hall
Buy it: PHP85 (single issue) / PHP450 (Vol. 1 compilation)
KID KOMET
From the pages of Funny Komiks, Kid Komet is back to defend Earthea from the ruthless Machine Empire. Originally created by Oliver Page, Lowe Christian Beltran continues the adventures of the medallion-powered hero, Kid Komet. Not only does Kid Komet bring nostalgia to 90s babies, it also stands out among the grim comics mostly produced nowadays.
Why it’s hot: One of the beloved characters from Funny Komiks returns!
Writer/Artist: Lowe Christian Beltran
Find him at: Hollowpoint Comics Booth, Main Hall
Buy it: PHP30 (Issue 1)/ PHP50 (Issue 2)
MINKOWSKI SPACE OPERA
Spinning out from NeverHeard WebComics, Gwapoman 2000 creator Aaron Felizmenio dives into the vastness of space and time for an all-new sci-fi fantasy epic loosely based on an old Bagobo tale. As a lost traveller, Randall, with the help of Nick Artus, a voyager monk, goes on a journey to find home in Arcadia, the last planet in the universe. The adventure begins in a dazzling 40-page full-color issue.
Why it’s hot: A timeless cosmic epic.
Writer/Artist: Aaron Felizmenio
Find him at: Frances Luna III Illustration Firm booth, Main Hall
Buy it: PHP150
XENOGLYPHS
Isabela-based artist Peejay Catacutan provided the pencils, inks and colors for this book revealing how natural disasters happen. The story centers on Steven James’s search to stop the evil Egyptian god Anubis from gathering all the mysterious XenoGlyphs.
Why it’s hot: The Pinoy-drawn comic book exhibited at New York Comic Con.
Writer: Omar Spahi
Artist: Peejay Catacutan
Find him at: OSSM Comics, Table B61, Main Hall
Buy it: PHP200
Summer Komikon is on Apr 12, 10am-7pm, at Bayanihan Center (Unilab Compound, Pioneer St, Pasig City). PHP100 tickets are available at Comic Odyssey branches or at the gate; www.komikon.org.
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