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

Related posts:

1. Kalayaan #6
2. Kalayaan #7 Comics Review
3. Panels and Pages #1 – An Interview with Gener Pedrina

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!

Related posts:

1. Panels and Pages #1 – An Interview with Gener Pedrina
2. Panels and Pages #8 | Paolo Fabregas Interview
3. Panels and Pages #6 | Justin Leach interview

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!

Related posts:

1. Metro Comic Con 2009
2. New Comics Releases For Metro Comic Con 2009
3. Manila Comic Con 2009

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.

Related posts:

1. Kalayaan #6
2. Kalayaan #1-4 Comics Review
3. Araw ng Kalayaan

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!

————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

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.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

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

Related posts:

1. KOMIKON 2009
2. Latest Komikon 2008 Entry
3. Heed The Call Of Heroes

I’m just so grateful for cool artists I’ve met online who have taken the time to do their own renditions of my character, even without asking for anything in return. Thanks guys, you all rock!

This video contains just some of the Overdrive fan arts I’ve received so far. I wanted to put more but I’d have to do that next time since Animoto.com just allows 15 images or less. Hope you enjoy it and please stay tuned for part 2 of the video!

Related posts:

1. Overdriven
2. Gift
3. Call For Nominations: Komikon Awards 2009

You can now buy your copies of Bayan Knights #1 and #2 at the following National Book Store provincial outlets.

Luzon
Baguio City
SM City Baguio
SM Clark
SM City Pampanga
SM City Lucena
Nepo Mall Angeles City
Olongapo City
Subic
Tuguegarao
Batangas
Batangas Baymall
SM Batangas
SM Lipa
Robinsons Lipa
Cabanatuan
Gapan
Legaspi
Dagupan

Visayas
Bacolod
Gaisano Bacolod
SM Bacolod
Robinsons Bacolod
Iloilo
SM Iloilo
Robinsons Iloilo
Dumaguete – Siliman University

Mindanao
Cagayan De Oro – Limketkai
Cagayan De Oro – Borja
SM Cagayan
Davao
Gaisano Davao
SM Davao
Gen. Santos City

Hurry! Limited stocks only!!!

Click here for more locations:

Related posts:

1. Bayan Knights #2
2. Bayan Knights – Featured on Inquirer
3. Bayan Knights Sidestory

Yes, you read that right. Gio has managed to come up with 7 issues in just 2 years . That’s really a pretty impressive achievement for an independent comics creator, if you ask me.

For this issue, I’ve also contributed as one of the editors. Of course, it was absolutely fun to do for a fanboy like me. I mean I get to see all the artworks and read the story before other readers do, hahah!

I assure you, its a good issue – and upcoming artist Erwin Ropa rocks! His fresh take on Kalayaan for this issue just brings the title to another level.

Anyway, hang on for a “Panels and Pages” interview feature within the month in mys site – Planet Markus. I’ll be featuring Gio Paredes preety soon as well. In the mean time, those who want to grab their copies of Kalayaan #7 can go to the 8th Philippine ToyCon this June 13 and 14 at the Megatradehall in Megamall and buy their copies there.

Related posts:

1. Kalayaan #7 Comics Review
2. Kalayaan #6
3. Kalayaan #1-4 Comics Review

This is a landmark issue. As can be seen on the cover, Gio Paredes‘ Kalayaan comics #6 is a crossover with Gener Pedrina‘s iconic Pinoy superhero team, Sanduguan. Now dont make the mistake of thinking that this is just another superhero crossover story just for the sake of doing a crossover. The plot really shows Kalayaan’s need of help from other heroes because he alone cant take his villain down this time around. I really like the story and, like Kalayaan #4 did, it made me think for several days.

For example, I thought a lot about Kalayaan’s motives. When Kalayaan went berserk and attacked Malikmata, I thougt a alot about the real reasons why he did that. Was it really becasue of what the villain did to him or was it more becasue of what the villain almost did to Diwata? Taking that as my first clue and taking their “mental link” (page 11) as my secod, I went “hhhmmm…” Could this possibly be a ‘loveteam’ in the future? Has our hero finally found the girl who would accept him despite his “condition”(Kalayaan 4)? I wonder

With regards to the art department, Gio, as always, is showing a lot of improvement. Personally, I find it an exhilarating experience to be a witness of his growth both as a writer and as an artist at the same time. Checking out earlier issues of his comics would show that he’s somehow having some challenge when it comes to drawing girls. This issue, however, simply proves that the guy has been doing a lot of practice lately. I really love the way he draws Diwata (like on page 8-panel 3), especially how he draws her hair.

On the other hand, Gener Pedrina does the artworks for the other half of the story (pages 11-20). Of course, the transition from Gio to Gener’s arstyle was pretty obvious, even without looking at the credits but mind you! As different as their styles may be, it wasn’t distracting in any way. Its a welcome treat for readers actually. Page 13, for example, was a very dynamic page that it became one of those moments when I wished the comic book was available in full colors (who knows in the future, right?) Overall, I’m sure followers of Kalayaan comics will enjoy reading this particular issue.

Now you got to pat Gio on the back for his consistency and perseverance. Way back issue #1, he shared with readers his desire of releasing a new issue every four months. The guy’s now on his 6th issue and it looks like Gio’s constantly achieving that goal, one issue at a time, sometimes even finishing an issue earlier than the intended schedule. As a reader, it gives you a good feeling knowing that you can count on him to release a new issue on a regular basis. So when he promises more action for the next issue, you can just be sure he’ll be back after 4 months. Really.

I won’t be surprised at all if, in due time, Kalayaan might indeed become the country’s longest running indie comics. For that reason – and for many, many others – Gio Paredes deserves being praised.

Related posts:

1. Kalayaan #7 Comics Review
2. Kalayaan #1-4 Comics Review
3. Araw ng Kalayaan

First of all, one of the coolest experiences for me was to finally meet Gilbert Monsanto.I’ve admired his work all my life – from way back my elementary days up to his most recent works. He’s a true comics pioneer in his own right and he will always have my respect for that.

Meeting Gio Paredes, creator of Kalayaan comics, is also one of the highlights for me. Here’s a guy who is really passionate about what he’s doing and creates his comics out of his sheer love for the medium. I love what he does and its always amazing to see him improve in each issue he releases. For me, Kalayaan comics is one of the best independent comics in the country and considering Gio’s talent and determination, I’m sure his comics will be around for a long time.

Hanging out with the rest of my fellow Bayan Knights was also pretty cool. The first issue of our little comic book project really sold well. I think we sold more than 120 copies of it and according to Gilbert, that’s really “a good record for a Komikon.” We were all very happy that a lot of people dropped by our booth and checked out the title. Some buyers even asked us to sign their copies and how could we decline that? It made me feel like a celebrity for at least a few hours! Hahaha!…

Speaking of signing, I got this special poster from Jayboy Acosta – A fellow Bayan Knight who travelled all the way from Tacloban City just to attend the event (and I thought I travelled far enough! Heheh..). I had my copy of it signed by each member who was present and I really consider this as one of the best mementos I got. Maybe I’ll even have it framed in the future or something.

Although this was already the 4th Komikon, this was only the first time I got to attend. After all the things that happened that day, I’m sure this won’t be my last

Related posts:

1. Call For Nominations: Komikon Awards 2009
2. Araw ng Kalayaan
3. My First Komikon