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Sanduguan #10 Comics Review

Mark Rosario — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:30:15 +0000

It’s been a while since I last read Sanduguan comics and its always a pleasure to hop back.

Recently, Kalayaan creator Gio Paredes said that author and illustrator Gener Pedriña is “really pouring it on” with Sanduguan #10. I couldn’t help but agree. If you are someone who loves slam-bang action, you’ll find it in this title. You’ll literally see several pages of fight scenes here as the team battles it out with the Guardians of Mount Arayat and the All-Father of the Capampangans.

For the uninitiated, yes, Gener Pedriña is proudly from Pampanga and he makes that clear althroughout the issue. The guy has a good grasp of the province’s history and folklore, using both elements to create an interesting clash between heroes and gods.

I surely enjoyed the action and am eager to check out the next issue. If there’s one thing I’d personally gripe about, it should be the inclusion of local dialect on several panels. I mean, of course, I get it that Gener is doing his thing and promoting the culture and stuff. But it took me away from the story. I looked around for asterisks and captions to no avail. Hopefully, Gener translates some words for us, non-Capampangas, next time so we can figure things out easier – especially since its a challenging dialect to decipher.

Artwise, there’s nothing to doubt about Gener’s capacity to deliver dynamic sequentials. The clean artstyle is pleasing and I’m thinking that can be enhanced further by adding a few tones here and there. And oh! I love it that Sandata is wearing his alternate costume – which I like better than the other one

Sanduguan #10 has a cover price of P65 and is available at Gener’s table during conventions. Otherwise, those who would prefer a Kindle edition could go to Amazon and get it there for $4.99.

This is the link:

http://www.amazon.com/Sanduguan-10-Gener-Pedrinas-ebook/dp/B006IGVO1O/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1323180957&sr=1-1

Panels and Pages #10 – Gio Paredes Interview

Mark Rosario — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:46:57 +0000

This is long overdue. I’ve always wanted to feature Gio Paredes on my interviews ever since I’ve started Panels and Pages here on my blog. As some of you may already know, I’m a big fan of this guy and I’ve reviewed his work several times in the past. Not only do I consider him as one of the most diligent creators in the country but Gio is also an all around nice guy who knows how to deal with his fans.

Go read the interview and get the details about what’s in store for Kalayaan fans within the coming months!

Mark Rosario (MR):Congrats, Gio, for the recent release of Kalayaan #12. How does it feel to see 12 comics on your Komikon table now? Well, basically, 13, along with Kalayaan #0!

Gio Paredes (GP): I am very much happy. It took much longer than I expected. Issue #11 was released Feb. 2011 and #12 was on November. That’s 9 months, and I would be happier if it was less than that. But I have some excuse because aside from that, I also released #0 and am about to release the much over due Kalayaan Volume 1 which contains the compiled issue from #1 to #4. So it’s fun making all this things at once. It’s CRAZY… but fun.

MR: It’s indeed been a wild ride since you started, Gio. You’ve received glowing reviews and fantastic fan arts, you’ve been featured in Sulyap, won the Komikon Grassroots Award, got more than 1400 likes on Facebook, plus Kalayaan has even hit the American shores – thanks to Forex Cargo US. What other things do you hope to achieve with your character?

GP: A TV series and a movie would be nice he he he… But for now, better distribution for my comics is always on my mind. That is why I am almost forced to make the Volume 1. It will be (I hope) distributed in the largest book store in the Philippines soon. I’ve been so busy working with the legal papers of my comics publishing company these past few months. Yeah… You heard it right, my very own formal/legal publishing company. That took too much of my time (and not to mention, money) on processing it.

MR: Like you’ve mentioned above, you will soon be releasing a Kalayaan graphic novel. How will this be different from the individually-released issues?

GP: One of the most noticeable difference is the new cover I made for this graphic novel. And I was so blessed because an international colorist Rain Beredo was so generous enough to color it for me.

MR: Can we expect to see bonus pages there? Like concept artworks or scripts maybe?

GP: Hindi umabot ang concept artworks and sample script… I will definitely put them on Volume 2. The only bonus are the 5 pages of fan art section which contains 9 images each. So thats 45 fan arts in all! I also included the character profiles of the main characters and some other stuff.

MR: Speaking of covers, I think some readers are noticing. You get different colorists for the covers but you are not letting anyone do the art chores. Care to share the reason behind that, Gio?

GP: To tell you frankly I really do not know why hehehe! I think it is a personal thing to me. One major thing that draws me to buy a comic book is the cover (ever since). It’s a big factor to me. I want, as much as possible, the cover to represent what my comics is. And it is MY comics, and so it is only fitting that I do the cover.

MR: That’s cool enough! Lets talk comics then. What have you been reading lately? Any personal favorites among Pinoy indies?

GP: Pinoy Indies? Please forgive me for being biased… but I would say Bayan Knights. And Sanduguan by Gener Pedrina. I just got issue #10 recently. Gener is really pouring it on.

MR: I’ve read that one too. I’m actually planning to review that next time… And since you’ve mentioned Gener, you’ve actually worked with him and with Erwin Ropa in past issues. Are there any other artists you hope to collaborate with for future issues?

GP: Well… Jim Lee would be nice…. hehehe. But seriously, there is already a plan for an international artist who will be doing some of the pages in issue #13. Wish me luck that it would push through.

MP: That’s amazing! Clue naman dyan kung sino!

GP: He is a Filipino and he lives in Ortigas. Kung hindi nyo pa gets, he also recently did a water color painting of Kalayaan.

MR: Nice! I think I get it heheh.. Looking forward to that then.. Now I have to ask you – how did it feel to finally meet your character in person? I mean David Delano D’Angelo’s Kalayaan cosplay (at GTMACCON) was awesome! Hahah!

GP: It was very fun, David is one of the nicest person I’ve ever met. I’m so glad he cosplayed my character.

MR: Okay, lets do some parting shots then. Advice for aspiring creators who want to follow your footsteps – plus message for our blog readers. Go!

GP: Just stay motivated and focus on the things you want to achieve. Never give up on your dreams.

And please buy Kalayaan Vol.1: A New Pinoy Superhero coming very soon at Comics Odyssey and at your nearest book store.

Please support all of our local Pinoy comics publisher. That’s it. Thanks!

MASO #1 Comics Review

Mark Rosario — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 10:04:30 +0000

Maso is definitely one unhappy buddy.

On the first page, we see him lamenting over losing a loved one while being tormented about the tragic thought of having a tarnished public image – poor guy!

Just two pages shortly thereafter, we see him beating the crap out of Kid Lightning and Lolo Thunder – even poorer guys!

Maso #1 follows the adventures of the title character after his massive battle with Unstoppable and Manila Man on Bayan Knights #4. Creator Ramil Ibay wrote and illustrated Maso #1 and what do we get out of this first issue?

Action, of course!

Lots and lots of them!

It’s not just all about action though since Ramil Ibay also tries to strike a balance by injecting elements of drama, mystery and comedy in the middle of it all. Such an effort could only deserve a gentle pat on the back.

Speaking of comedy, I find the above-mentioned Kid Lightning and Lolo Thunder to be one promising tandem. They’ve got an interesting backstory and I think I’d love to read more about these two in future Maso issues (or maybe their own title).

I’m also loving the awesome inking and it’s pretty noticeable that Ibay really put a lot of effort for this issue. If I had to gripe about something, it would be about some technical inconsistencies such as several typos, oddly-placed word balloons and the frequent font switches between Arial and Comic Sans. Plus the art style keeps on changing althroughout the book (fully-inked for the first few pages, pencils alone beginning with the spread and then painted style for the last two pages) which, I think, also gets in the way of readability.

Technical errors aside, I’m sure things can only get better from here. Maso’s adventure is an enjoyable read and I hope Ramil’s already working on the second issue. For fans of Pinoy superheroes, I’d say this title is worth-following.

And oh! You gotta love that cool Maso pin-up by Jun Monares! One could only wish to see it in full colors or something!

Metro Comic Con 2010

Mark Rosario — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 04:57:13 +0000

Thanks to good friends Myke and Robin, I got to attend the recently-concluded Metro Comic Con 2010 at the SM Megamall. I was there for the first day and it was absolutely mind-blowing!

I got to meet some cool people, picked up a few comic books, spotted some celebrities and even took the liberty of manning a creator’s booth for a few minutes without even meeting him first. Seriously! Hahah..

Here goes my report – or what I remember most out of the event:

Macoy’s Booth

Shortly after we arrived, I noticed a small crowd starting to gather around Gio Paredes and Macoy Tang‘s table. Macoy was not there though. I guess he was buying his food or something and Gio has his hands full with lots of fans (as usual). I thought I really wouldn’t want a creator to lose potential buyers so my rabid fanboy instincts prompted me to spring into action and seize the opportunity. I talked with the people and did eventually manage to sell a few copies… Yey!

Macoy looked a little surprised when he arrived and I handed him the money – that was how we met! Hahah! Quite funny, I know. And weird.

It was fun chatting with fellow fans though and recommending Macoy’s awesome works to them.

Macoy's still nowhere to be found. Oh wait, he's busy taking this picture!

Deviant People

People from DeviantArt were also all over the place and I got to meet a few friends there – most of whom were superb supporters of Bayan Knights. Here’s a photo with Sarra’s friend (I forgot his name, sorry), Sarra Jean Navorra, me, Robin Rivero and Jaybee Bonus.

DA reunion of sorts

Not in picture were mild-mannered JC Villaverde and cool BK cosplay photographer Mervin Arciaga who were also present during the event.

Freebies, Freebies

Days before Metro Comic Con, Jon Zamar asked me to write a short foreword for Codename: Bathala and I did. So he gave me my complimentary and I’m just proud and happy to somehow be a part of Bathala’s history. Its a cool comicbook, I tell you!

I also approached Rommel “Omeng” Estanislao and it was a delight to meet him in person at last. He seems to be a very cool guy and he became even cooler in my eyes when he gave me a copy of Lipad. Haha! That book blew me away. I think I’m reviewing that wicked, little title soon.

Fellow BK member and MCC-organizer Heubert Khan Michael gave me free copies of Unstoppable #3 and 4 too, the remaining isues of the first story arc. And oh! Erico Calimlim also handed me copies of Pag-Asa #3 and 4.

You guys are too kind. Thanks much really!

Man, you just gotta love the Metro Comic Con! Haha!

Celebrity Geeks

Several rockstars were also seen roaming around the event for some comicbooks. There’s guitarist Led Tuyay and drummer Bords Burdeos from Kamikazee plus Parokya Ni Edgar guitarist Gabs Chee-Kee. That was cool. I wonder why Chito Miranda (another self-declared comic geek) wasn’t around though.

Manila Man meets Led Tuyay

I guess RJ Ledesma was the biggest celebrity geek of the day, hosting the Marvel Panel and going around to buy local indie comics, to the delight of both the fans and creators. He’s also been Twittering endlessly about these local titles and that’s just awesome!

On A Side Note

The family that reads together

I’m just happy to see lots of kids accompanied by their parents (or was that otherwise? Eheheh…) during the event. I personally think local comics deserve more younger readers so the industry could keep going. Here’s hoping for more kid-friendly releases too!

Dinner Time

The day ended with us, Bayan Knights, having our 2nd year anniversary dinner later on at Mang Inasal. It was absolutely fun being with these guys again. We’re more than a comics group. We’re family! Yey! Congrats to us, guys. More comics and more 2 years to come!

Unlimited rice?.. Bring it on!

Metro Comic Con 2010 was really wild. Hope to make it on the next event/s again!

Panels and Pages #5 | RH Quilantang interview

Mark Rosario — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:47:33 +0000

Each time you visit my blog, you see this guy’s artwork. Seriously. No kidding!… Yes, you got it! He designed my “beyond awesome” Planet Markus blog banner. Lets all meet artist extra-ordinaire RH Quilantang as we discuss about Goodbye Rubbit, Manila Man, Francis M, “banigs” and everything else in between!

Mark Rosario: Congratulations on your first comic book, RH! I heard Goodbye Rubbit was well-received at the MCC. How does it feel?

RH Quilantang: It feels great!

MR: Ooookay. I’m sure it was. That’s just, well, great! Hahah.. Anyway, you gave the Goodbye Rubbit issues for free, right? What’s the idea behind that?

RHQ: It was part of my marketing strategy. Hehehe.

MR: Story-wise and art-wise, I find your book to be very unique compared with everything else out there. Could you tell us a bit about what inspired you to write and draw the story?

RHQ: The idea for the story came up when I was walking from Makati to Boni. My ex just broke up with me then so I just felt like walking. The words “Goodbye” kept ringing in my head and it felt like it was going to drive me insane. So I had to do something good out of that bad experience. Art-wise, I chose that style because in my opinion, I think the inner child within an adult is the easiest part to reach out to.

MR: So this comic book was really that personal for you, huh?

RHQ: Yes, it is. Making Goodbye Rubbit was really a struggle worth taking for me.

MR: You left your email address at the back page. Did some readers give you some feedback about it? Any comments you’d like to share, so far?

RHQ: Honestly, I just got 5 or 6 emails about GR. The feedbacks were really touching and surprising. Surprising in a way that for each of those people, they felt they connected to a certain line or phrase from the story… like “Everybody keeps walking” or “This is all I have…” It feels great knowing that.

MR: What’s up with the cutesy pillow-ish characters? How did you come up with those designs?

RHQ: There was this instance that my nephew and my niece were around when I was designing the characters for Goodbye Rubbit. They just watch me draw and just stare at the characters I make. I stop only when I hear them say “aaaw cute”. It pays to have those buggers around hehehe.

MR: Your “banig” lines have really become your personal trademark now. You’ve told me once that its “therapeutic” for you. What do you exactly mean? Haha!

RHQ: There is this constant pressure to make your artwork really impressive and sometimes it’s just stressful to even think about it. When I begin to make those “banigs” my mind seems to wander off and my brain goes into hibernation. So when you see those “banigs”, that’s me relaxing. Hehehe.

MR: So after Goodbye Rubbit, what’s next?

RHQ: Porkypine Rood and Manila Man#1.

MR: That’s exciting! What can we look forward to for those two titles?

RHQ: Well for Porkypine Rood, you’ll see our little hero Rubbit once again. I’m planning to release Manila Man next year, 2010.

MR: Manila Man seems to be another unique character for a superhero. I mean he’s not even wearing spandex! I love the idea of the barong.. Hahah.. And I love the two-page origin on Bayan Knights #2. I’d say the “walang kwentang kwintas na tansan” totally won me over.

RHQ: Thanks! I’d have to thank Francis Magalona for the inspiration.

MR: Ah, so you mean Manila Man was inspired by the Man from Manila?.. That’s cool.

RHQ: Yes. The design for Manila Man came first. “Man from Manila” was playing when I was thinking of a cool name. “Kaleidoscope World” was the inspiration for Manila Man’s Bandana… You know, it helps him see “every color and every hue” hehehe. And the Barong… Well, I don’t know where I got that, it just popped out of my mind.

MR: Very interesting! Good luck to you and your upcoming projects then, RH… And hey, thank you for your time!

RHQ: Salamatz \m/

MR: Okay, folks so there you have him – the Rubbit guy himself! Hahah.. But as we end this interview, let me post a few more of his works just to let you see how awesome and how flexible this artist can be. Ready?.. Here goes! Ciao for now then

* RH Quilantang photo courtesy of Renie Palo / All artworks courtesy of RH Quilantang

Kalayaan #7 Comics Review

Mark Rosario — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:27:14 +0000

“To boldly go where no one has gone before.”

You may recall that as the opening line for the Star Trek TV series many years ago. For me, that also seems to be the norm for Gio Paredes, creator of Kalayaan comics.

In the past, he startled us with a shocking revelation and a haunting last page, guest-starred ancient Pinoy hero Lapu-Lapu and even gave allusions of a superhero’s darker tendencies.

For Kalayaan #7, his latest release, Gio Paredes follows the formula and cleverly plays with the concept of putting a disturbed villain in real-life, everyday annoyances most of us experiences.

Call it an attempt at social commentary, if you will. In here, we read about Alipin (Kalayaan’s dark side) placed in common circumstances yet possibly unexplored before in Pinoy superhero stories such as endless traffics on the street, abusive cab drivers demanding overly-expensive payments, annoying chain smokers puffing their stuff even in public places and pollution-inducing factory chimneys. Alipin does something about each one and man! Believe me when I say he gives it to them real hard.

With the direction Gio Paredes is taking for Kalayaan, I just can’t help but be at the edge of my seat. The guy just keeps on improving and his story-telling skill is nothing short of amazing. I’m extremely excited not only for issue #8 but for future issues as well. I’m looking forward for Gio to lead us to more previously-uncharted territories.

Of course, this review would be incomplete without mentioning about guest artist Erwin Ropa whose artstyle brilliantly incorporates a darker feel that the story calls for. His promising perspectives and non-conventional paneling, enhanced with confident hatchngs and convincing speed lines make it unbelievable that this is his first time to draw for a comic book. I’m really all praises for this guy’s work. I’m an instant fan and I’m eagerly anticipating to see more from him in the near future.

In a nutshell, following Kalayaan’s adventures is starting to feel like trying to complete a jigsaw puzzle – one piece at a time. It really gets better and better as you add more pieces to it. For me, fans of Pinoy comic books who still haven’t given Kalayaan comics a try are definitely missing out a lot – a whole lot.

Panels and Pages #4 – An Interview With Aaron Felizmenio

Mark Rosario — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:09:42 +0000

Let me begin this blog entry with a little prophecy: this guy will soon make it big in the international comics scene.

That may sound like a huge statement but seriously, that’s what I think about him. At 20 years old, he may be one of the youngest Bayan Knights members yet its no exaggeration or sarcasm on my part when I say he’s one of the best. His artworks seriously show tons of potential it isn’t hard to imagine it on a Marvel or a DC comicbook someday.

Get to know Gwapoman creator Aaron Felizmenio, who writes and draws the title, in our 4th edition of the Panels and Pages interview series.

Mark Rosario: To begin with, why don’t you tell us a bit about some comics you’ve done in the past.

Aaron Felizmenio: I think the first one was last year, year 2008! It’s title was Lolita with August Martinez, if I remember the name right, and Gilbert Monsanto! I inked Sir Gilbert’s lines and it was so fun to do! Every line made me feel awesome! It was my first project and it was so memorable because I’m a big fan of Sir Gilbert!

I don’t remember the second one but as I recall, it was under August Martinez again and it was penciled by Kathryn Lewis and colored by Omi Remalante. I believe it was cancelled, but then again, I get to meet another awesome artist, Omi, now head of our studio!

The rest, I don’t recall, I believe they were also cancelled because of the budget but I have something with Sniper Comics. If I get some time to do them, we might make it to Wizard New York Con and Boston Comic Con!

MR: How would you describe your artstyle and who do you consider as your main influences?

AF: My major influence is Gilbert Monsanto and Ron Garney! It’s my foundation style. My anatomy relies on them! I’m still learning though, I have a lot of flaws! Then I tried to imitate Leinil Yu’s technique after I heard that he’s the same college as mine. Haha! But I sort of failed so I decided to imitate Leinil’s influences instead. Namely: Whilce, Mignola, Adam Hughes, Travis, Jim Lee, and Kevin Nowlan. I am still failing by the way, hahahaha!

But now there is Dustin Nguyen and wow, he really is amazing. He has a strong Mignola influence and I like it. I mean, I love it. Because of their influences, my style became so dark and gritty. Crime-Noir Batman story-telling style is my love!

My only influence in inking is Richard Friend! I always ask him questions about inking and it sure helped a lot! Although, I don’t like inking my own pencils because they change a lot. And I don’t like redrawing my own work!

MR: You’ve recently released Gwapoman 2000 #1 at the Metro Comic Con. How do you feel about the overall positive feedback to it?

AF: I was overjoyed! It was also sold out! I don’t know if the amount of books that I sold was enough to say that I got the interest of the people but I have read some reviews and I only disappointed them on the drawing style. I posted a preview and they didn’t say anything negative about it, I should’ve known earlier! But anyway, my target is to reach the high contrast feel. Mignola-ish with a bit of my style to show enough dramatic storytelling. It lacks some details, I admit but I guess it has enough details to tell the story.

I don’t think I’ll be adjusting my style for more grit on the second issue. Consistency is something for artists. Yes, artists’ styles evolve but they have to maintain the consistency. I’ll just improve on the details for the second issue. So for the people who want to see grittier Gwapoman, see you on book 2! But you still have to pick up book 1, which will have 4 issues. So 4 issues of Funk- Noir.

Other than that, they enjoyed my writing and storytelling! It makes me feel awesome. It was actually unexpected because I don’t know that I can write well. Haha!

MR: Speaking of that issue, you have DC superstar Rafael Albuquerque as your cover artist. That’s so surreal! How did that become possible?

AF: There’s a funny story behind this! I sent e-mails to 18 professional artists abroad asking for a cover! I told them I could not afford the price because I have no money and I’m an indie comicbook artist. So there, most of them declined, some of them didn’t reply, 1 of them told me that he’ll give it a shot if he had the time and one of them said yes.

The artists declined because of their exclusive contract, some were busy and some just sent me with commission rates which I can’t afford. But Rafael, who told me that he was also an indie artist before agreed because he knows how indie comicbook artists work! Imagine that! So after a week I jumped for joy because I received something spectacular! It’s in color actually! So there you have it.

MR: I’ve been itching to ask you this for the longest time: Why Gwapoman? What’s up with the ridiculous name? Haha!

AF: BOOK 2! You have to read it! But I’ve put some clues on the first book. I’m not putting anything without a reason! I love reasons. Reason is my middle name. I’ve plotted the whole thing up, thanks to my secret co-writer-creator Sean Andrew Cura! In the second book, we will tackle Gwapoman’s origin and more! I don’t want to talk about it anymore because I can also spoil the second issue of book 1. I’m a big Geoff Johns fan, by the way. I actually plotted the first 6 books, I just have to write the script and illustrate it. It takes time and I need all the help that I need! I’m sorry for not giving a straight answer but it will spoil the fun!

MR: I think I’ll buy that. Haha! Anyway, I already know the answer for this next question but for the sake of some blog readers (if we have any), I’ll still ask this: What’s your dream project and why?

AF: To work under DC Comics specifically, to be the artist for a Robin or a Green Lantern title! Man, I love those characters. Either penciling or inking, I have no problem with that as long as I get accepted. Haha! But in general, I’d like to draw comicbooks for a living. I’m already done with drawing comicbooks for my smiles! Hahaha! It’s a long shot but, there’s no harm in trying!

MR: Lastly, Bayan Knights will soon be turning one year. You’re one of the founding members. Has that, in any way, helped you become a better artist?

AF: I didn’t know that I was one of the founding members! But, I remember that I sent Sir Gilbert a stupid message regarding Gwapoman’s inclusion for the project without any details. I had to message him privately regarding Gwapoman’s details when I noticed that Gwapoman wasn’t on the plot yet! Hahahaha!

A better artist? Of course! They’re not just creators, they’re also artists! The biggest thing that they did was inspiring me! Making me feel welcome. Making me one of them! Respecting each other! Sharing ideas, technique and materials was also a big help! They’re also critiques who points out the strong points and weak points of my artwork. That’s how they helped, there are still some but I still need to recall them! They are tiny details but they really are a big help to me. Inspiring is part of believing, and believing is part of learning!

MR: This has been fun. Thanks for your time, Aaron. Good luck to your comic works – and to your school, of course! I heard you love school and you’re a good student… Haha!

AF: I just love school because I get my allowance, haha! Thanks to you too, Markus! It’s fun to be interviewed, it’s my first time and I’m really flattered! Thank you too for your time!

MR: Welcome, man!

Ang Astiging Boy Ipis #1

Mark Rosario — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 02:00:52 +0000

SACRED MOUNTAIN PUBLICATIONS AND BAYAN KNIGHTS PRESENTS: ANG ASTIGING BOY IPIS # 1!

From the pages of the revolutionary BAYAN KNIGHTS comics comes the highly-anticipated solo adventures of everybody’s “slightly” favorite Pinoy super-hero, BOY IPIS! When a kidnapping syndicate decided to rear its ugly head, terrorizing malls around the metro, It’s now up to Mike, secretly the “Astiging” Boy Ipis, to bring the criminals to justice, save the day and at the same time, find a new… err girlfriend. ALSO FEATURING! the phenomenal PHANTOM CAT! Written by newcomer PAUL MICHAEL IGNACIO, with art chores by GILBERT MONSANTO (RAMBOL, TROPA, BAYAN KNIGHTS), REDG VICENTE (ANG PAGBANGON MULA SA ABO: PRELUDE TO MANANABAS) and AARON FELIZMENIO (ANG HULING BARAHA: ALAS, GWAPOMAN2000)

40 pages /b & w/ superhero, adventure, comedy/ ALL AGES!

INITIALLY AVAILABLE AT THE MANILACOMIC-CON 2009! (AUGUST 8-9, 2009)

Also available from Sacred Mountain Publications! (GILBERT MONSANTO’S TABLE AT THE INDIE GO! VALLEY)

BAYAN KNIGHTS # 1
BAYAN KNIGHTS # 2
RAMBOL # 1
RAMBOL # 2
RAMBOL # 3
TROPA # 1
TROPA # 2

Kitakits SA MCC!

Credits to http://astigingboyipis.deviantart.com/

Call For Nominations: Komikon Awards 2009

Mark Rosario — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:00:32 +0000

Wow! I just noticed I still haven’t mentioned about this here – and its already a few days away before the nominations end! Hahah!.. Anyway, here goes some info about the upcoming Komikon Awards.

The deadline of the nominations will be on July 15 so what are you waiting for?.. Show your support for your favorite local comics creators!

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NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE KOMIKON AWARDS 2009!!!

Please take note of the following:
* Different titles created by a single artist/group can be nominated in one category.

• Nominated works, whether published, independent, or web comic, should have been released from 2006 until May 2009.

• Artists and works that have been nominated during the first KOMIKON Awards can still be nominated considering that their work/s is/are still being published during the nomination period.

• Nomination period will begin on July 1, 2009 and end on July 15, 2009.

• NOMINATION BALLOTS can be downloaded here

• E-mail your nominations to komikon.awards@gmail.com with the subject: KOMIKON AWARDS NOMINATION. Only e-mail nominations will be accepted.

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The first ever KOMIKON AWARDS was held back in 2006 on the 2nd year of the Philippine Annual Komiks Convention. It is with great delight that we bring it back in a bigger and better venue and in celebrating the event’s 5th year. Once again, let us give recognition to those who continue to pour their heart, soul and income to a said “ailing industry” that still thrives to bring entertainment to future generations.

The categories are as follows:

Best Comic
This is for the ultimate… the chosen one. This is for the best among the rest. This means that the comic has achieved its ultimate potential; it’s all that and then some. This covers the mainstream comics, published and sold in the major local bookstores. This is for those that have reached the pinnacle of comic making; it’s up there, head and shoulders above the rest, looking down on us through a magnifying glass. This is for the comic that embodies all the things that made us love comics in the first place. The Best Comic award is divided in four categories:

Best Graphic Novel / Anthology*
Graphic Novels are defined as novels whose narrative is related through a combination of text and art, often in comic-strip form. On the other hand, an anthology is a collection of stand alone comic book stories collected in one publication by a group or one author. This award aims to honor the best comic book creator or group of creators for their exemplary work.

Best Serialized Comic*
A comic series published regularly in a magazine, newspaper or comic book publication.

Best Comic Magazine
This award is given to the best comic book magazine still seeing print be it a single story or made up of several.

Best Comic Strip Compilation
Here’s a step from the day-to-day print to more lasting impressions. One strip is never enough.

Best Comic Creator/s*
This award recognizes the talents of a solo artist or team of artists in making the best comic there is.

Best Cover*
A cover dictates how people see your comic. Sales also depend on the cover. And here we salute those covers that made us look and look hard. And the effort to it took to conceptualize, pencil, ink, and in some cases, to color the cover. The award shall go to the artist or group of artists that created such masterpiece.

Best Cartoonist*
The award acknowledges the countless comic strip artists whose works are published in newspapers, tabloids and magazines. Some might say that comic strip artists don’t get the props that they deserve. They give us the simple delight of a smile, a chuckle or an all-out laugh. They’re one of those everyday things we tend to pass by, yet they’re sometimes important as their humor is sometimes the only solace in those dreary days.

Grassroot Award*
This award is for those countless photocopied mini-comics that we now fondly call “indies”. That among those countless black and white comics stood out and proved to be the one with the most Oomph! of them all. This is for the indie that made the biggest dent among the populace be it good or bad, it made enough noise for people to look and take notice. It made enough of a statement that people actually stopped and listened. It brought something new and fresh that has never been done or seen before. Be it the concept, the art, or the story, it was a breath of fresh air among the masses of photocopied, folded in half and stapled twice in the spine comics. This is meant for those who dreamt of making a mark on the comic industry, and have succeeded, quite magnificently at that.

Best Webcomic*
A lot of effort goes into the webcomics we see and enjoy on the net. And they do not get the credit they deserve. But that’s why we are here, to give props to those under-appreciated webcomics, to give to where it is due.

Komiks Character of the Year
This award is for the most memorable, the funniest and most unforgettable komiks character. It could be male, female, a robot, an animal…anything. This is for our respective favorites, villain or hero.

Best Comic Scene
Who would forget that first kiss, that most tragic death, that most exhilarating fight, or even that scene that brought you to tears or made you curl up in laughter?

Comics Aid Award
Komiks would have not been possible if creators did not have any help. This is for those who have helped take comics from concept to fruition, from the little things to the humongous tasks. For all those who helped from photocopiers to publishers, family and friends, for artists, fans and fellow believers who continue to spread awareness about the industry, this is for those who have helped make what we see before our eyes.

NOMINATIONS

* Different titles created by a single artist/group can be nominated in one category.

• Nominated works, whether published, independent, or web comic, should have been released from 2006 until May 2009.

• Artists and works that have been nominated during the first KOMIKON Awards can still be nominated considering that their work/s is/are still being published during the nomination period.

• Nomination period will begin on July 1, 2009 and end on July 15, 2009.

• E-mail your nominations to komikon.awards[@]gmail.com with the subject: KOMIKON AWARDS NOMINATION. Only e-mail nominations will be accepted.

VOTING

• Voting period will be from August 10 – September 20, 2009. The voting procedures will be announced.

For inquiries about the Komikon Awards, please feel free to comment or direct your questions to komikon.awards[@]gmail.com

Check Out My New Logo

Mark Rosario — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:09:22 +0000

You noticed my new blog logo, didn’t you?

Yey! At last, I’ve found the perfect replacement for my old logo! Hahah… I’ve really been thinking of changing my blog logo for some time now but never quite got the chance to do it.

Thankfully, my good friend RH Quilantang took the time to make me one. Now that guy is too busy so I just can’t help but be appreciative not only for the time he spent doing this but most especially for coming up with something that I feel represents me and my blog well.

Let me explain.

First, I love the colors. I tried coloring this one on Adobe Photoshop as well but it never turned out right. My attempts looked too dark and edgy and very different with this version which has cooler colors and are more easy to the eyes. I love it! It’s the right feel I was trying to catch.

Second, I guess this artist knows me well and what my blog’s all about. See the headset?.. That represents my love for music. The speech balloons and the cartoon character, on the other hand, symbolizes my fondness for comics (mostly superheroes) and animated films (mostly Pixar).

The inverted E on the fonts is, obviously, a homage for the Pinoy seminal band, Eraserheads. I’ve always enjoyed listening to their music way back since I first discovered them. Actually, here’s a little trivia about me – I almost always got into trouble with my teachers way back high school because, being a fan of the band, I always used an inverted E in my handwriting at the time, whether it is on a quiz, an assignment, a written report, or basically anything else

How about the 3 stars and a sun, some may ask?.. Of course, that’s a tribute not only for the country but also for the late Francis Magalona – a musician I admire and a person I look up to.

Well, what else?.. Hmm.. Some close friends might be surprised that there are some “plus” signs on the background there. Yes, I hate Math. So what’s the deal with those signs?…

Actually that’s a “positive” sign. Ever since I began blogging, I’ve always wanted a “feel good” blog. What I’ve always tried to do is to write about things that I love. Being a web content writer for 2 years now, my job requires me to write about specific sets of topics that my employers provide. This blog lets me write about topics I am really fond of and feel positive about.

Besides, I’m not good at ranting. I’m not even good at dissing people.I’ll leave that to other bloggers out there. There are already too many of them anyway. Heheh..

So there.

Welcome to Planet Markus.

AsRico Blanco says on his blog, “Everyone is welcome. Feel free to look around. Just don’t break anything”

PS. If you also want your own blog logo or you want any artwork done, just browse around RH Quilantang’s DeviantArt gallery and try getting in touch with him to ask about his rates. Cheers!