The glorious days of Hapi, Holiday, Hiwaga, Tagalog Klasiks and Espesyal Komiks were over – much to the sadness of komiks fans, many of them are probably in their 50s now. Filipino Comics might have taken a bit of a rest but it never died, as stated by The Filipino Komiks Convention (KOMIKON) for the fourth time on November 22, 2008.
The annual convention is just the right place for every komiks fanatic and also for someone who, just like me, has only started to fully embrace the genre. I undoubtedly believe that Filipino Komiks should really be considered part of the tradition of Filipino literature. Back in college days I simply looked at it as a thrilling school project, but now I am more than contented to take it as a hobby.
The fun at KOMIKON began at the registration area of UP Bahay ng Alumni where the convention was held. As I entered the enormous room, I instantly received freebies such as Komiks and pens from major sponsors. Next stop was the New Day Publishers that retailed comics for up to seventy percent less than original price. I grabbed some of Larry Alcala’s Mang Ambo collections without ado. I overheard a group of young girls examining the books in the rock-hard stand telling each other, “Wow, where else can we buy comics for just thirty pesos!” They had inadvertently put voice to my exact thoughts. There were also other publishing companies present in the event like Mango Comics and PSICOM where I bought a local comic book for only ten pesos.
KOMIKON 2008 has not only served as a venue for selling bargain comics. Comic character figures, funky headbands and hats (for low key costumes), pin buttons and other toys were also sold at different booths. At one corner, there was a tribute to the legacy of Alfredo P. Alcala who had won various comics-related awards in his lifetime (1925-2000) such as The Inkpot Award. Comic artists in the likes of Nestor Redondo, Mars Ravelo and Francisco V. Conching were also recognized in the exhibit.
More than a convention, the KOMIKON was a place for artistic expression. As I continued to roam around the entire area, I met comic artists and fans wearing striking costumes as Jack T. Chance of DC Comics’ Green Lantern Corps Quarterly and Rorscharch of Alan Moore’s Watchmen. Anyone could have his or her own portrait done by veteran and amateur artists using either traditional or digital techniques in exchange for a kind donation. Eden, a teenage girl had her own image sketched by one of the members of Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas (SKP).
For about thirty minutes, Eden was holding her pose. But she didn’t mind; she was too excited to feel any pain.
In the afternoon, most of the prolific comic artists started teeming in the house. Fans lined up patiently to get their comic books signed by Pol Medina Jr. of Pugad Baboy, Lyndon Gregorio of Beerkada, Budjette Tan of Trese and other popular figures in the comics industry. The highlights of the event were the SKP 30th Anniversary, Culture Crash Reunion, and the stage presence of the guest of honor, Gerry Alanguilan.
From the whole period between 10am and 8pm, trivia games and contests such as speed drawing, caricature showdown and quick draw were hosted on stage. Contest winners went home carrying bags of prizes, and the rest of the crowd—the artists and the fans—with priceless grins on their faces. Filipino Comics is alive again. |
