I can't believe it's been a year already since the last Summer Komikon. It's insane! Time flies by just like that. It's always fun to attend these cons because you get to see work from local creators. You have to give respect to these men and women because here they are doing what they love.
People who say that Pinoy Komiks are gone and dead can go fly a kite! Pinoy Komiks are alive and kickin'! I love them because there's so much love and passion involved. Here you have people shelling out their hard earned money and photocopying their work and turning them into comic books!
The one I had to get was "Umlauts and Atom Bombs" by THE Gerry Alanguilan. I've said it before, if there's someone in the Philippines who epitomizes Komiks, it's him, Mr. Komikero himself. I loved the Mitch and Mischa story because it was very well written and drawn with a lot of heart. It just fit perfectly with the story. The dialogue was fantastic! It was actually I thought about from 2004-2007. You see Mitch and Mischa were talking about the next Star Trek film. Mitch wanted to live and see the next movie. As for me, I was afraid of the end of the world and I wouldn't be able to see Spider-Man 3!!! (But we all know how much of a disappointment Spidey 3 was right?) At least I got to see Iron Man and The Dark Knight!
Other than that, I got "Laban: A love story". I finally met the creator of the book, Jose Gamboa. I think he did a great job with the book. I told them that there were very minor corrections but it's all good. It was still an awesome comic book! Plus I really appreciated him doing it. My grandparents finally have a love story in comic book form! (Picture of me and Mr. Gamboa below)
The biggest surprise for me this Komikon was PUNNX! There are 2 issues and they are frikkin hilarious! JP Cuison and Dennis Nierra are the guys who are doing the funny comics. Now it's for mature readers but I tell you, the Pinoy comedy is there and I loved it! Mighty T is probably the funniest! Guys, pick up Punnx because this stuff is gold! You can see them at http://punnxkomix.blogspot.com
I also got "Riddle of Nowhere" from my friend Apol Sta. Maria. He was the guy who did "Ang alamat ng Panget". It's not a comic book, it's actually a book of riddles. He was the one who did the art and seeing his work in colored form is pretty amazing!
I'm just sad that I wasn't able to see my friends who are usually at the cons. Harvey, Carlo, and Jason weren't there plus what made me more sad was that I missed Yvette Tan's work!!! Grrr!!! But I was happy to have finally met Mr. Jonas Diego. He was the guy who did the NOYNOY webcomic :)
KOMIKON brings a lot of new talent each and every year. It's 100% Pinoy and I'm proud to have been attending these events. I have a deadline actually... Next year, I'll be releasing my comic :)
Now after this, I can only think of setting up like a comic book society here in Metro Manila. Probably like a once a month thing. Just discussing comics! Anyone up for it? Let me know!
Anyway, see ya in the funnybooks! :D