Saipan-based Komix Pinoy expands its reach

GUALO RAI, Saipan – Komix Pinoy, which marks its first year as the first and only Filipino comics in the US territory of Saipan, is now being distributed on Guam and Saudi Arabia. It may soon reach Hong Kong, Singapore and Palau. Komix Pinoy is being read on Tinian and Rota, which are also part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Komix Pinoy publisher/editor Joe Digno and assistant editor Romy I. Cal told GMANews.TV on Tuesday that the pocket size publication has survived the economic hardships in the CNMI. “It is not a successful business venture so far, no break even yet, but we have succeeded in satisfying our curiosity, and in reviving the Filipino culture of reading comics," said Digno, who came to Saipan as a contract worker in 1992. Digno, 57, and Cal, 51, recalled how they enjoyed reading comics while growing up in the Philippines. An anniversary edition of Komix Pinoy will be released on March 8, two months after its actual anniversary. “It feels good knowing that people enjoy reading Komix Pinoy," said Cal, a veteran graphic artist. When Komix Pinoy first hit the newsstands on Jan. 15, 2007, it had only 32 pages and 700 copies. Nowadays, 5,000 copies of Komix Pinoy are distributed every issue with close to 100 pages each. At least 500 of the copies distributed every issue are shipped to Guam. Copies were also shipped to Saudi Arabia late last year. “We get good response on Guam. We’re looking at distributing in Hong Kong but it’s cost prohibitive at this time. We’re also eyeing shipping copies to Singapore and maybe Palau in the future," said Digno, a former president of the Saipan Unity Lions Club. Digno dedicates Komix Pinoy to his late father, Emilio S. Digno, who spent years in comics production in the Philippines when he worked at Capitol Publishing. Komix Pinoy’s pool of contributing writers and illustrators has expanded to 13 from only three a year ago. “They write for free. They volunteer their time and talent to make Komix Pinoy a success and we are thankful for them. It’s enough for them that they see their name, and in knowing that they help promote reading comics," added Cal, who came to Saipan in 1991. Since its maiden issue, Komix Pinoy has been distributed free of charge. Due to the high cost of production and shipping, Komix Pinoy will begin selling for $1 each starting on the anniversary edition. “We hope that we’d be able to sustain the publication. Charging $1 for each copy will help us do that. We encourage individuals and businesses to partner with us by placing ads, by contributing their creative talents, and by promoting it to their friends. We believe that we are not only promoting our business but also reading and the Filipino enthusiasm for comics," said Cal. - Haidee V. Eugenio, GMANews.TV