Planet Komiks

Two brief issues of Hulk brought pride once again to the Filipino people as one of the most talented nation of artists in the planet.

Carlo Pagulayan and the rest of the new generation of artists like Leinil Francis Yu, Harvey Tolibao, Mico Suayan are bannering our flag in the field of comics not locally but in the international field.

With Carlo's stint in Hulk, for sure, hundreds of young Filipino artists were once again inspired to break into the industry, which ironically is considered dead locally. They would aspire to be the next Carlo or Leinil, the future lead slingers of Hulk, X-Men, Superman etc.

Hoping lest these guys lose their passion and be affected by the state of once the nation's most beloved past time, I believe that a resurgence is occuring. Many of us, fans, artists and enthusiasts have mentioned this a gazillion times that Komiks will be resurrected. But with the continuous achievements of these young guns, it has already begun.
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The two covers done by Ladronn which definitely could be better if executed by Carlo as well, some of the reasons why I like the intelligible story of Planet Hulk are the inside pages that made it extraordinary.

Again, a definitely worthy expense...

WIDAD- Filipino Superhero in the Gulf

Like most of us, I feel sort of proud whenever a Filipino is recognized in the global comics industry. And most of this recognition comes from the dozens of Filipino artists who are excelling in their respective fields. Comics creators who are being lauded by thousands of fans all over the world.

Here in the Gulf, hundreds of Filipino illustrators
are acknowledge for their incomparable talents. What
with the addition of one of the most respected
illustrator in the industry, Mr Rico Rival, who now
works in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The organization of
Guhit Pinoy that is continuously establishing the
Filipino artistic talent as an institution in this
part of the world. The numerous artists in major
advertising firms like Mc Cann E, Leo Burnett, J
Walter Thompson, etc.

But hey, whatabout a "comics character," a Filipino
comics character, recognized internationally or at
least known in a major geographical region. Like say
here in the Middle East?

Introducing "Widad-The Loving," one of the major
characters in Teshkeel Comic's "The 99." Widad,
who's real name is Hope Buenaventura is a pure
blooded Filipina who works for a certain "Bounty
International," a relief organization headquartered
in the Philippines. Although, she doesn't play a
significant role in the exploits of the group, she
nonetheless has this power to control minds and has
used it against Dr. Ramzi, a Dr. Xavier kind of
character who is the chief recruiter of the group,
to achieve her humanitarian goals. Her profile
likewise reflects the innate character of a Filipino
which is loving, compassionate and happy
individuals. I wondered who thought of giving Widad
these distinct attributes?

And you know who? The writer of this series is none
other than Fabian Nicieza, best-known for his work
on top-selling Marvel titles such as X-Men, X-Force,
New Warriors, Cable, Deadpool and New Thunderbolts.
I haven't made enough research about Fabian but I
suspect that other than his research he could have
worked with several Filipino artists who had showed
him the same personality as what are hero Widad has.

As her profile summary goes...
• A Filipina concerned with social justice, she
works with a humanitarian organization.
• Ability to make others feel ‘happy’ thus making
them susceptible to her arguments.
• Meets Ramzi and uses her powers on him to obtain
the supplies and attention she wants for her cause.

Very Filipino huh?!

You can see her character details here...

http://www.teshkeelcomics.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=328

Anyways, acknowledgment of our roots has always been
an energizer for me. In an alien world like where I
am right now, being the only Filipino in this
advertising agency, it's always a pleasure to banner
our culture and our people. Mabuhay ang Pinoy!

Happy National flag day to everyone!

Deviant Art's Top 21 2006

I cannot help myself to comment on this news I read from DeviantArt.com posted by my good friend John Becaro. It is worth reading and knowing that a good number of Filipino Artists are really showing great stuffs on this creative community.

What I admire about this article is how the writer rates the artists. Incidentally, Gerry Alanguilan (Elmer, Humanis Rex) who is not that presently active in the international scene and most works are locally published, gets the top spot. While, two of the most in demand young guns in the American market Leinil Yu (The New Avengers) and Carlo Pagulayan (Planet Hulk) are in the 3rd and 5th spots respectively.

Also, Mico Suayan of the Moon Knight fame is somewhat superseded by low profile artists like my friends Randy Valiente (Guardian Empires) and Ner Pedrina (Sanduguan).

It doesn't also mind what genre the artists are into whether Manga or traditional, line art expert or crosshatching demon.

What I absorb here is that the artists were judged by John according to their invaluable contributions in the comics industry and their impact as inspirations to young aspiring Filipino artists and not by their skills.

Further, the author even recognized Jay Anacleto (Aria), Ian Vergara (Zsa-Zsa Zaturnah), Reno Maniquiz (Maskarado) and the others who are not with the DA community as equally worthy of the accolade he bestowed to those who are on the list.

Because of this, I laud this writer for his modesty. However, if I would make my own list I would include him and even put his name in the Top 20. John Becaro doesn't only have the skill which catapulted him to catch a stint with an international indie but his efforts in the revival of the Philippine comics industry is also thankworthy. He was one of those who represented the young generation of Filipino comics artists in the much talked about Komiks Kongress. Together with him were Randy Valiente and the dashing Marboy Macalindog.

So, I'd say that his Top 20 list is worth a read. But as I said, if I would make my version of the list... well, I'd rather make it Top 21 instead.

(Read John's Top 20 list HERE...)

http://news.deviantart.com/article/24974/

Kongreso ng Komiks' Pillars

I got this image from my design folders a few days back. It was my contribution to the Komiks congress that my fellow Komikeros in Manila staged several months ago. I don't know if it had gone printed but whatever happened to this image it was for me a worthwhile effort.

I am still hopeful that the Komiks congress event's objectives were met despite of the negative feedback I heard from my colleagues. However, the fact that it's over meant that it was successful whatever the outcome. At least, voices were heard and Komiks in the Philippines was once again mentioned and talked about by the media. For me it's enough for now and worthy to put a smile on my face.

This poster somewhat was talked about by my friends in Ka Gerry Alanguilan's Komikero message board. Suggestions were poured in by different personalities until this final version went out. The images herein are the works of Alex Nino, Nestor Redondo, Alfredo Alcala and Francisco V. Coching. Pillars of the once great era of Filipino comics.

If only, the Komiks congress for whom this poster was for could mirror the civility and respect the Komikeros in the Philippine Komiks Message Board (PKMB) have for each other...

If only, they reflect the greatness of these four pillars of our comics industry, only then...

Inkless works..., best!

I am currently collecting Leinil's work on The Initiative, The New Avengers #29 being the latest.

As always, Leinil's pencils rock! No wonder no inker would want to ink over it. My opinion dictates me to surmise that with the layers feature of Photoshop and the existence of other digital coloring techniques who would want to spend twice more than this quick procedure. Moreover, creatively I think it adds richness and contrast in the artwork.

Although of different style, but much like Jay Anacleto's Aria rendering, Canadian Doug Wheatley of Darkhorse's Star Wars (Revenge of the Sith Series) has really put a mark in this genre.

I wonder when will Carlo Pagulayan's work be inkless?

Sandata and the Orcs

This is the original Sandata fan art I did for my good friend NerP. A friend whom I saw but never met. I am really overwhelmed with Ner's enthusiasm for the Filipino roots. By using Filipino inspired characters he has created a pantheon of heroes from local folklore, history and culture. Very few individuals survive this fire, excitement and energy. Man, how I wish I'd be caught with the heat someday.

Again, Sandata with my "Igorot" Orcs. (Ahh, trying hard.)

Darna in Exelsis Deo

I was so inspired to see my fellow Filipino Komiks Artists doing old Pinoy heroes. And Darna of course as always is on the top of that list. I did a version here which I titled "Darna in Exelsis Deo," for no reason at all. Also here, I am experimenting with perspective which is my weakness, for I am no draftsman like some other artists with architecture and technical skills. Again just to save my hand from being idle.

BLOG UPDATE! At last!

I was browsing fellow Komikero, Ner Pedrina's DA when I saw the fan art I did for him. I went through it and saw a link for this old Blogger account you are looking right now. I did this a year ago and so as my last post.

I am so embarassed to see my neglect of this worthwhile hobby, so I decided to update it and put some new works. (Ner, napilitan tuloy akong ayusin ito.)

Although for me it seems to be redundant posting the same works all over again, okay na rin to while away my time in front of my workstation.

So here are some of the works I did and am doing. (Hah! Hope I can do this full time... teheeee!)

Zuma: I can categorically say that this work is my catapult in breaking into the international comics arena. I am dealing with a friend right now and design studies are ongoing for an awesome graphic novel of a different character of course. However, I don't want to talk about it so much for fear of "counting the eggs before they're hatched."

So i'm still keeping my fingers crossed and hopefully everything will work out well. So whoever good soul is reading this silent blog I have here... you have a reason now to drop again soon.