Komikon for Dummies

Last Saturday, August 2, was 2014’s Indieket Day or the Independent Komiks Market event of the local Komikon, the Philippines’ own comics convention. Indieket is the second of three bigger Komikon events held annually, the other two being the Summer Komikon (keyword: summer) and the regular one usually held November or December (my friend Sherwin The Kraken tries to call it the Winter Komikon, nevermind that we have no winter). Other often smaller but equally special conventions happen in provinces once in a while, too, like in Cebu, Baguio and, recently, Iloilo.

I’ve been attending these three Komikons a few years now and *BIG SIGH* last Saturday, I was absent. For the first time since I began patronizing the once-again blooming comics industry, I missed an event. *MORE SIGHS* For more personal reasons that can actually be elaborated some other time, I stayed home instead and got busy.

Well, comics-related events have been around for quite a while before I discovered one, but I do believe I can say that I am now credible enough to share what I know. So since I have not been sharing my experiences in the more recent events, I thought I’d come up with this post. If you’re a Komikon dummy like I was, read on. This can help you on your first–or your next–Komikon experience.

The Dos-and-Don’ts Guide for Komikon Dummies

To the uninitiated, lemme explain. The occasion is for comics artists to showcase their works and for enthusiasts to take advantage of this. Rarely do you encounter dozens of artists and creators crammed in one place, so good for you. Here, you will find both newbie creators and more seasoned ones — take your pick. Okay, let’s start…

The Bayanihan Center facade. Credits belong to Ateneo.edu

1. KNOW the venue. Sounds duh, but it’s great advice coming from experience. Around two years ago, my officemates and I were to attend a Gaming, Toys, Manga/Anime and Cosplay Convention or GTMACCON (this is not Komikon, but just to drive a point…). We were a big enough bunch who came from Makati and went somewhere in UP Diliman to attend. We waited on university grounds until it was way beyond schedule and it seemed the place wasn’t even going to open. Finally, I texted comics guy Andoyman, asking where the exact venue was as someone got stuck with the wrong info that got disseminated to us.

Lo and behold! We were not even close! To add insult to injury, the venue was just in Makati, WHERE WE CAME FROM…Wow, mali (wrong). GTMACCON: Go To MAling Comics CONvention. The usual venue for the Komikon, by the way, is the Bayanihan Center located at the Unilab Compound in Pasig. 

2. Come early. It’s not like you’re going to be thrown out of the event or anything if you come in the afternoon. But it has been observed that the Summer Komikon and the “Winter” one tend to draw a big crowd. You’ll want to be one of the first to see the various merchandise, talk to the artists and ask for autographs and/or photographs. If you’re lucky, some artists give away their own simple freebies like little snacks, stickers, etcetera, as a form of appreciation. Better be there before supplies end.

It’s one, big geeky event, can’t you tell? This is the main hall where Komikon is always held, but you can imagine how it must have looked like at the entrance.

The organizers do give away freebies also right at the event entrance (not the building entrance, but where you are allowed entry after paying P100 for your ticket). Don’t expect too much, though. This is not Oprah or Ellen. Sometimes, sponsors put up booths/tables like 711 that once gave away free Slurpee and commemorative Lord of the Rings tumblers.

There’s Tico Limosinero’s boy robot Neox together with Elbert Or‘s Chuck the Bakemono High werecub (extreme right), Ikos Komiks’ Ronzkie Pacho-Vidal‘s Asul from her work Sulsi at 6 o’clock and Michael David’s own ‘kikiam’ renditions of Chuck and Asul

Oh, and at times, they give away catalogs with lots of free space on them where you can ask artists to draw something for you for free (do buy something first, please!). You can do that throughout the day, but being early means you’ll have more time to approach more artists for it, plus they won’t be too tired already to draw anything. 

3. Don’t be a snob. If you look down on local comics based on them being, well, local, this is not the event for you. Either you beat it, pal, or give local comics a chance. There are ways, though, to get your fix of foreign ones by visiting booths of edition sellers like Comic Odyssey that has somehow become a sort of fixture, so to speak, in Komikon events because I see them there every time.

Meanwhile, we know you most probably know the creators of Kiko Machine, Pugad Baboy, Kubori Kikiam and the likes. These guys get the longest lines of people wanting to buy their products for some great photo-ops and autograph-signing with their idols. BUT the Komikon is mainly one giant showcase of newer talents. It won’t hurt to get to know them and their works. It’s actually fun to be “there” when a comic book is just starting and to gradually see it grow, so to speak.

By the way, while the Indieket gives much more chance for new creators by giving them the spotlight, on other Komikons, they are provided a separate area called the Indie Tiangge. It’s a sort of rite of passage before they are finally allowed to make it big…Er, well, before they are allowed to take space in the main activity area, that is. Some not-so-new ones are there as well simply because they are new participants of the event.  There are various factors considered but I’m not an authority on that, ergo, I leave it to you to interview anyone there. Make sure, though, to pay the Tiangge a visit. Not because they’re there, they are not worth a look. That’s not how it works. You’ll never know what treasure lies undiscovered in that room.

I encountered the Espiritista, its first-ever of the series by Niño Balita, at the Summer Komikon 2013 Indie Tiangge and I have been happily following his creation…Congrats to him and the Mrs. Espiritista–I mean–Mrs. Irene Balita, by the way!!!  They just exchanged I-Dos a few months ago 🙂

I also first found Drop Dead Dangerous at the Indie Tiangge and I have been hooked ever since. Story by Chad Cabrera, art by Mike Banting

4. Have ka-ching, will buy. Sure, no one will send you away for “window shopping”. But the point of being there is to purchase, at the least, one or two comics. You don’t have to have a lot of moolah, believe me, I know. It’s one big decision-making exercise. A limited budget can still buy you more or less a dozen titles. A lot of them are priced from as low as P30, even P20. That’s already a steal, considering it’s art and the labor of one’s love. Of course, for such a price, do not expect a thick, glossy, full-colored edition. Generally, you’ll get photocopied versions, or limitedly colored ones, at least. But if you’re any good at choosing your comics, you can get clear, respectable-looking ones. Inexpensive doesn’t necessarily have to mean cheap.

Andoyman’s Ang Sumpa is one of those inexpensive comics that do not disappoint visually. And, no, I am not just saying that because I know him nor does it have to do with me being somehow a part of it. Shameless plug, though: DO GET YOUR COPIES!!!

Finally got to buy from the artist who likes to be simply called Macoy my own copies of School Run! He’s got various titles for you to choose from and the prices do vary based on thickness. The illustrations are fun and I like his storytelling

The Ikos Komiks table is one stop I never forget to do. They are a group of three artists with different styles in drawing and storytelling. In this pic are the aforementioned Ronzkie Pacho-Vidal (left) and Anino Karimlan (right). In-between is (the missing) Ray Vidal‘s Lola Lourdes whose stories and poems I get to read every time as they give away copies of her own brand of art — Thanks po for the autograph!!!

This one from Freely Abrigo, his Kulas, could be bought at just P30 with a fully-colored, little glossy cover

Also, I have stumbled upon inexpensive comics that have much better stories and illustrations than some pricier, glossier ones. It’s not just about getting your money’s worth when obviously, you can get much more satisfaction with still the least possible expense. If you do have more money to spare, then by all means, go for more gold! Maybe you’d like to purchase other comics-inspired merchandise, too, such as posters, stickers, plushies, beanie hats, keychains…You can even have works commissioned.

5.  Choose wisely. It’s another decision-making exercise. If you don’t know the artist/creator in front of you and can’t tell by just looking that you’d like to purchase, browse through a copy. If the premise does not interest you whatsoever, or the storytelling is bad, or the supposed humor is lacking, or the drawings either leave much to be desired or are totally horrendous (that totally happens), put the copy down and walk away.

Sherwin The Kraken (the guy in middle) has really gotten to be a FUM fan so he never misses to visit their table. These are your FUM peeps, folks! He’s got all their comic mag editions, I think, not much encouraging needed

Try not to engage or be pulled to engage in a conversation with the artist unless you sincerely would really like to learn more about the comic book. Just saying, because that would be the more humane thing to do than to put his hopes up and have him waste time and energy trying to convince you when you’re not even buying.

On a more positive note, it’s a win-win situation, whether you buy or not. If you don’t, you don’t end up with something you don’t want. If you do, at least you’ve helped someone and maybe given him the inspiration to do better next time. 

6. Pay more attention. Enthusiasts are expected to walk around the area sizing up comics and getting to know the people behind the comics. By all means, do that. But you might also want to pay attention to the stage and what they announce over the microphone once in a while. Why? The organizers have prepared more stuff and surprises for you: Contests. Interviews with well-known international Pinoy artists like Whilce Portacio of X-Men fame. Featured guests, like those from the Macoy comics-based indie film ANG MASKOT. Even surprise wedding proposals!!! Also, talks and film showings are sometimes held in other rooms.

International Guests!!!

Self-explanatory.

I also say pay attention because being a much-attended event, it has gotten the attention of bad elements as well and there have been unfortunate cases of loss of valuables. Take care of your things and, as signs always say, “Please do not leave your valuables unattended.” 

7. Don’t expect a food fair. Don’t go around complaining where the food stalls are–it’s not a food fair. There is a designated area for a limited bunch of food to buy, so find out where it is. There may be a hotdog-eating game happening onstage so if you’re also up to it, why not??? (hint: it normally happens pre-lunch period). Some participants actually give away little snacks so it pays to be early before they run out. Some do get to sell munchies at stalls outside the main Komikon area. However, if you really want fuller meals, just have your wrist stamped for re-entry later and get out of the venue. There are fast-food and regular restos around.

Once in a while, there are little snacks you can get your hands on. For a price, though. But, boy, do they look yummy….(DISCLAIMER: I’m not endorsing anything)

8. Expect cosplayers. Encounters with comic characters in the flesh are quite possible so get your cameras ready. The Komikon is often attended by cosplayers who are either there for fun or are representing artists’ creations, like the famous Amber from Ambush and Dennis and his pal from Alphario: The World Connection. Do not expect many of them, though. It’s not a cosplay event after all.    

Creator SPLGum as Dennis Blake (sitting) and friend Wilhansen Li as the character Senjo Tamura. Photo credits to SPLGum and whoever took this pic

9. Join contests. It can be as simple as the aforementioned eating contest, or raffles the organizers or artists themselves are holding, or a meet-and-greet with well-known international artists, or an actual video game at someone’s booth. Whatever the organizers and its participants’ clever minds can think of! My Komikon buddy Sherwin actually joined a create-your-character thing sponsored by Filbar’s. His and the other competitors’ works were simply amazing!

10. ENJOY!!! Totally self-explanatory, right? I just saved the best for last 🙂

Well, I hope I’ve given you ideas, you Komikon newbies. There could be lots more I have not covered, but I’ll let you discover those for yourselves. That’s part of enjoying the whole Komikon experience. Meanwhile, here are some more random but nice pics I haven’t shared before. Forgive the layout, I am editing it (there are still stuff that I don’t understand in WordPress…), and will add links soon.

Very cool Planeswalker cards that were actually just giveaways. I got Ajani, Chandra, Jace, Liliana, and Tezzeret. You can’t really play them (like I’d even know how), but they’re nice souvenirs and the art is whoah!!! Digital art by Allen Geneta

Cute Manosaur cartoon by Elbert Or on my catalog

Just had to post ’cause I really like this shot. Photo credits to SPLGum and whoever took this pic

Sherwin’s winning pose for Alphario’s Pose with Spot contest (well, I forgot the name of the contest, too, hee…)

I won for the most number of Facebook Likes category mainly because I begged and forced people–I mean, I looked so convincing…uhm, yeah…

I wasn’t EVER going to buy posters as my main goal was to buy comics, but when I saw this at Allen Geneta’s table, I knew I just HAD to have a copy. Recognize these ninjutsu-trained amphibians? Click HERE for a closer look

First time to wear one of those beanie hats at an event. My Komikon buddy was right, it was liberating, he he…That was the nearest to cosplaying in public that I could get, if that’s even cosplaying. But hey, notice my colors? 😉

So…plushies…!!!!

So cuuuuteee!!!!

The new Gerry Alanguilan book…I honestly have not bought a copy yet and have not read any part of it. I hope it’s just as good as his Elmer and Wasted

The Sulsi main characters. Got my complete set already, woohoo!!!

“Yes, I’m shameless. So sue me.”

              See you next Komikon…I PROMISE!!!!!

***********************************************************************

Thanks so much just for dropping by and I hope you got even the tiniest bit of new info. For more Komikon-related posts, please go to COMICS TRIPS.

Two Comics Events This Month!!!

One of the things I have come to really love and appreciate these recent years is the local comics industry. So since it’s the month of love, I am showing my love by posting/announcing two comics-related events.

I am crushed, though, that I can’t go to this first one. It’s this Saturday, February 15, and I have not been able to prepare for it. But anyway, this is a chance for Los Baños people and those from nearby towns and cities to get copies of  local comics and meet with their creators. Entrance is just at P20!!! For more details: ELBIKON 2014

ElBiKon (UPLB Komikon) 2014 on February 15

This next one starts on the same day but ends on February 28. I may be able to go, I’ll see if the universe will let me. It’s a tribute for great comics creator Tony Velasquez, the “Father of Philippine Comics,” whose creations included Kenkoy. For details: TONY VELASQUEZ: A RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBIT

Exhibit featuring the Father of Philippine Comics, Tony Velasquez

Indie-what? (The 2nd Komikon Grand Independent Komiks Market)

I know, I know, it’s been more than a month. I’ve been busy making a living so kindly cut me some slack, alright? *wink!* But it doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy this year’s Indieket. On the contrary! After my official first Komikon experience, I was so raring to go and get my first-ever Indieket-fix. Get it, I did. Okay, for comparison’s sake and for those who haven’t had the chance to attend both or any of the two, there are a few things I can tell you about the Indieket and the regular Komikon.

Here are some of the independent artists-publishers present at the Indieket

For one, the Indieket, or Indie Komiks Market, is really meant mostly for emerging and independent comic publishers whose main goal is to make their own mark in the world of comics. So don’t go around expecting to see more popular titles and merchandise.

I did say “meant mostly,” so be prepared to encounter more-established works while you’re there, like we found Pugad Baboy (Pol Medina, Jr. was there and, of course, I missed the opportunity to buy his work for the second time and have him sign it) and Kubori Kikiam (my friend Sherwin was so pleased to see creator Michael David and bought almost the whole set of the series. Mr. David signed every one while I wondered if Sherwin really had an idea of what he was about to read. Some YouTube vids before already told me what to expect.)

Pol Medina Jr. (right) doing what he’s been doing since Pugad Baboy became famous—sign autographs 🙂

Publisher Point Zero’s Kubori Kikiam creator Michael David with his merchandise that feature three very horny kikiams. Kikiam is a popular streetfood in the Philippines

Two, if you get an adrenaline-rush mixing with a whole big crowd of comic geeks, the regular Komikon is your thing, not the Indieket where there are only much fewer tables, ergo, less room needed.

The not-so-crowded crowd…Perfect for me! (Although, of course, for obvious reasons, more would’ve been very ideal)

When we got to the Indieket, in fact, the absence of long lines at the entrance—the absence of any line, for that matter—was very noticeable. It doesn’t mean that people didn’t attend, though. Turn-out was still quite good, IMO, although quite less than the convention’s. Organizers definitely expected this, having held these events before.

Three, the Indieket is actually perfect for peeps who want to be able to go around more freely and examine every table to decide what to buy. They have more chance to interview the artists behind specific works (illustrators and writers alike), get to know the new ones more, or update their collections. It’s even easier to ask for autographs and/or photo-ops.

One big plus the day we were there, the organizers gave away copies of the 2013 Indieket Event Catalog that have the front and back covers “empty” to give fans a chance to ask artists to draw something on those. I’m saving mine for the Komikon, though, as I wanted to spend more time going around.

Again, Tico Limosinero, half of the guys responsible for Neox, was very accommodating, he actually spent not just quite a few minutes drawing a perfect Neox on this catalog

There’s Tico’s boy robot together with Elbert Or‘s Chuck the Bakemono High werecub (extreme right), Ikos Komiks’ Ronzkie Pacho-Vidal‘s Asul from Sulsi at 6 o’clock and Michael David’s own kikiam renditions of Chuck and Asul

We did have fun at the Indieket. Less adrenaline-rush, alright, but more meaningful communication with our great Pinoy comic artists!

I am presently cooking up something for a next comics-related post. Meanwhile, check out and enjoy the pics below 🙂

Highly approved! Tico (sitting) is all-smiles here. Again, we missed the other-half of the Neox team, Jomar Bulda

Sherwin showing off the works he commissioned from Freely Abrigo (right). They’re not so visible due to the light, though, so below are a closer look at the stuff, including my colored Kapitan Tog (that one Freely’s holding)

My very own Kapitan Tog in color 🙂

Dobbernaut and Combatron

Megaman and Rush

The complete set of HappyLockjaw‘s DropDeadDangerous (DDD) so far…I am a fan of the comic book series and can’t wait to see what’s next! More about the issues HERE

DDD’s story is by Chad Cabrera whom we met at the last Summer Komikon. And news, hot from the oven! This month’s RED Magazine includes an interview with him. Check out THESE snippets. And how about a full Blob Shack interview?

Finally met DDD illustrator Mike Banting, whom I forgot to ask to sign my copy of DDD…HERE‘s an interview with him by DeviantArt’s Indie Graphic Novels group

A true-blue FUNNY Komiks fan, my friend was so thrilled to finally put a face to a name he’s long-ago liked. Dexter Roxas, I heard, published his A.X Zero Genesis in FUNNY Komiks before. It’s not clear to me if FK is still out there, but what’s clear is Dexter’s story will continue

So this is A.X Zero Genesis!

Bookmarks showing the various A.X Zero characters

Of course, as usual, comics galore!

Also sold were souvenir buttons and other stuff, mostly from past Komikons. Sulyap is a must-have. It’s an anthology of previously published works that made an impact to comics enthusiasts

Here’s a nice souvenir that I got–a paper art doll of Sulsi’s Asul! In my previous Komikon post, I mentioned wanting this and now, it’s mine! BWAHAAHAAAAA!!!! Ronzkie said they’re coming up with the next one, most probably of the character Pula. I am seriously gonna reserve one immediately! BTW, thanks for this, Sherwin! =>

The Ikos Komiks triumvirate (from left): Ronzkie, Ray Vidal and, the guy we missed before, Anino Karimlan (whose real name I have yet to research on).

Along with beaded bracelets that we got for free, the Ikos gang gave us these cute li’l thingies–stationery, stickers and bookmarks

Meanwhile, we got these, too, from the Espiritista (Pagsapuge publication) table when we bought our copies of the comic book. The pink one’s the second love story shortie from Niño Balita (he must be one hopeless romantic!), and then there are the stickers 🙂

Speaking of the de–uh–debuhista…He he he…Here he is at his table

Now here he is asking a fellow artist for autograph. This is Melvin Calingo, much-better known as Taga-Ilog, creator of Pasig that is published under Point Zero

Now whose hand is that drawing a character from one of his kiddie comic books?

It’s Elbert Or, known for his take on a school of little monsters, the Bakemono High comics that K-Zone Magazine published

Andoyman, busy-busy! Chapter Two of Ang Sumpa is in the works and hopefully will be ready in time for the next Komikon

New artist I met here. Well, new to me, actually. This is Ricardo ‘giosdesk’ Guiao Jr. who is behind the Lakan at Makisig comic strip and, I have to say, I love those names 🙂

Gio’s Lakan at Makisig strips. Sorry for the blurred shot

Daniel Collado says Hola Filipinas! I bought this not because he is foreign but because I wanted to see how this true story of “A Spaniard in Manila” goes. He is a new comics artist working on a series with a Filipino who, if I got it right from the other guy, is/was his classmate. I am hazarding a guess Hola was part of a school project because the way the other guy explained his own work that tackled Philippine history was that it was a school project. Or maybe workshop project?

Here’s a better look at Hola. I THINK I found Daniel’s FB, but since he’s new and I can’t assume it’s okay to share, I leave it up to you to look for him

At the event, we found this display of entries for Filbar’s THE POP! ART PROJECT. It is a contest that requires competitors to customize their own suits of armor with three Funko Pop characters to choose from and use as base figures

The said Funko Pop characters happen to be three Iron Man suit of armor figures. Deadline: Oct. 30, 2013. Jugment Day: Next Komikon, November 16th. For more details, CLICK HERE!

Do you comic geeks find this suit kind of familiar? 😉

With due respect to all contestants, particularly artists, this is my clear favorite. Well, was, so far. I have not seen if there are new entries. I like how totally different this looks from the Iron Man base and I love the little details. Thumbs up!

DREAM COME TRUE! Last time, Sherwin the Kraken missed the hotdog-eating contest. This time, he wasted no time and ate leisurely away. Did he win? Clue: I said “leisurely”

Manila Bulletin joined the event by having a free photo booth for anyone interested to pose. ‘Course, we did. The pics were supposed to be posted online by MB but I forgot where…

Okay, to be fair, here’s my mug shot. The MB rep took a better shot, for sure, and hopefully, my shameless plug of my blog was more readable. There’s Asul posing with me 😉

*************************************

NOTE: Were you there? Anything you can contribute? A blog post by you about it, maybe? Just let me know and I will link to it 🙂

NOTE 2: More INDIEKET 2013 write-ups worth-sharing: A great recount of the event is at Sights & Highlights of the Indieket 2013. The best from Komikon Indieket 2013 reviews some of what PsychoCow deemed best from this year’s Indieket. The simply titled Komikon Indieket 2013 post shares some very nice shots from the event. All these links will be added as relevant links in the subpages of my COMICS TRIPS that are under construction. By the way, these links are from the Indieket Facebook event page. THANKS!!! 

NOTE 3: All photos by Sherwin and myself.