Support Pinoy Komiks

Having had the chance to read The Mythology Class, Skyworld Vol. 1 & 2, Mythspace, The Filipino Heroes League and even Kiko Machine Komiks # 1 this summer has led me to reevaluate my ideas about the situation of comics in the country today.

Before I held the belief that comics in the Philippines- the drawing, writing and publishing part – is hopeless. And if you ever wanted to be a comic book artist, you would only achieved that dream abroad by working at Marvel or DC Comics.

This summer has changed all that. It made me realize that indeed there is hope for comic book artists in this country. But in order to achieve that dream there are some expectations that need to change.

First of all, Komiks in the country is not like the American industry where comics are published regularly with multiple comic properties being released. In the Philippines that is not the case. Komiks here is more likely a graphic novel as the case for example with The Mythology Class and Skyworld. It gets published once a year or maybe even less.

Second, Komiks here is not really a lucrative business. It is more like you have a regular day job and you do the comic on a sideline thing. This also means that the cost of making Pinoy Komiks has a bigger chance of coming from your own wallet. And even if it gets published, the financial returns may even be dismal.

That is why Pinoy comic book artists like Arnold Arre,Mannix Abrera, Mervin Ignacio and Ian Sta. Maria has to be recognize for their determination and passion in making their own comics.

Third one, if you expected your comics to be an all out colored comic book then you better think again. Pinoy Komiks is black and white. Of course, there are exemptions like Maktan 1521 and Tabi Po. But most of the time it is black and white.

So if ever one among us in Cebu or the Visayas plans to create comics in the country today, one has to accept these limitations. By doing so, you can plot out your plans properly and not be disappointed with having higher expectations.

The most important thing here is that you have that talent, a great and original story, a regular job and the knowledge that you are doing something on the losing end. And if you ever become successful, it only means you have mixed your passion, strategy and creativity well.

And for us readers out there, knowing what our artists go through just to create their masterpieces should make us reevaluate our ideas about it and start directing our actions to support Pinoy Komik books.

About the author: N.M. CABANGBANG graduated Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Painting at University of the Philippines Cebu. He is now currently teaching grade 6 – 10 Art at B.R.I.G.H.T. Academy.