Komikeros revitalize Pinoy-style comics for new generation

From the 40's to the early 90's, Filipinos who frequented book shops and convenience stores filled their afternoons with tales of superheroes drawn from the country's rich culture.

 

Though classics such as "Darna," "Tomas en Kulas," and "Panday" may have faded over the years (at least until the next TV reimagining), komikeros old and new have persevered and—as GMA News TV's "Balitanghali" reported on Wednesday—continue the tradition in new but familiar forms.
 

"Pumasok na rin ang komiks sa internet, ang daming gumagawa ng komiks sa Facebook," said Manix Abrera, creator of "Kikomachine" and "News Hardcore."

 

The shift from paper—still a go-to format for some komikeros—was natural, as it gave their stories worldwide exposure and an edge on other art mediums.

 

"Tingin kasi sa komiks, disposable. Basically ang mangyayari, ang kakompitensiya ng komiks hindi yung mga iba't-ibang komiks. Kakompitensiya nila, ibang medium," explained Prof. Emil Flores of the University of the Philippines.

 

"Yung mga pansariling komiks lang na gagawin mo, lalabas mo sa website mo, sa blog mo. Tapos ang bilis, kalat kagad sa buong mundo," Abrera added.

 

But while websites like Storylark.ph give Filipino netizens a variety of komiks online, paper-based works adapted their subjects to remain relevant or refresh history.

 

Modern works such as "Manila Man" and "Crime-Fighting Call Center Agents" retool old art styles to fit modern archetypes and stories, while "Mactan 1521" and "Dead Balagtas" put their own spin to established history

 

"Sa komiks ko, tinatalakay ko kung paano related ang nakaraan ng bansa natin o lipunan natin sa nangyayari sa 'tin ngayon sa kasalukuyan," said Emiliana Kampilan, the author of the "Dead Balagtas" webcomic.

 

In October, National Bookstore's first Philippine Literary Festival featured the country's most popular komik artists and writers in an exhibit showing prints from their famous works. 

 

More sold their books and merchandise at Komikon in November, the tenth incarnation of the country's best-known comic convention. — Rie Takumi/VC, GMA News