Your Komikon shopping list

It’s time for the 7th Annual Komikon and it’s going to be a blast. The comic book convention, which will be held at Bayanihan Center in Pioneer, will showcase the works of local comic book creators. There will also be comics retailers and vendors selling back issues and old graphic novels for as low as P50. A steal, considering tickets to the convention are only P100 each and most of these back issues usually go for P200.

I’m sure you already have a list of comic books you want to buy. Trese Book 4 by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo, the second edition of Elmer by Gerry Alanguilan, The Filipino Heroes League by Paolo Fabregas, the latest Pugad Baboy Pol Medina Jr. You should buy these books. Not only are they awesome, you’d be supporting the local scene. Maybe you’ve also heard of Skyworld by Mervin Ignacio and Ian Sta. Maria? Their work ties itself into Trese and plays with Filipino folklore and history.

We have more recommendations for you.

Urban Animal by John Amor

The story: A college boy discovers he is able to transform into various animals. It’s essentially an urban fantasy comedy about controlling inner demons.

Why you should read it: Last year, Gerry Alanguilan mentioned meeting a “promising creator” in John Amor of the Tres Komikeros podcast. John had a comic called Urban Animal but those of us in Manila were unable to get a copy. Fast forward a few months—John Amor made a PDF copy and shared it on Facebook. It’s a funny take on the regular college life of the main character Joey, with the little twist of turning into animals when he gets angry. It’s funny, there are cliffhangers and John’s art is amazing.

Price: P60 each (P120 for issue #1 and 2)

Team Tag Team

by Benjamin Bartolome

The story: In the final days of Pinoy wrestling, some wrestlers decide they’re going to deviate from the script.

Why you should read it: If you’re a wrestling fan, you’ll find this intriguing. The politics of wrestling is an untapped setting. This is going to be an interesting read.

Price: P110 for issue 1 (80 pages), P70 for issue 2 (50 pages), P160 for the bundle

Kalayaan #12 by Gio Paredes

The story: Kalayaan (John Dela Vega) is a Filipino superhero, augmented genetically to protect the innocent. More commonly known as the superhero who has the Philippine flag as a costume.

Why you should read it: Kalayaan is a very likable character who fights evil and saves the day.

Price: P60 per comic and #0 is P10

Bonus: Gio will be auctioning off a Kalayaan gouache made by Marvel Inker/Painter/Artist Ed Tadeo for the benefit of Kalayaan’s future printings and developments.

Weather-Weather Lang

by Norby Ela

The story: Norby Ela created Weather-Weather Lang for 2010’s 24-Hour Comic Book Challenge, in which he had to draw and make a story within 24 hours. Inspired by Ondoy, it’s a story about a boy who misses his family. Norby didn’t win the challenge, but got a great reception, with a lot of people asking if the story was true. Inspired, Norby revised the whole thing, and the new version is almost double the original page count of 24, and is indicative of his dedication.

Why you should read it: The original version of this comic book was praised by Gerry Alanguilan who called it “quiet, unforced and surprisingly convincing, free from bombast and hysterics.” In addition, Norby’s got some great line work and rather unorthodox figure work. His last outing, Gutom, was strangely affecting and left emotions lingering for a good while after reading it.

Price: P80 at the Kon, P100 in stores

Kubori Kikiam Book 4,

The Melancholy of Edward Cordero by Michael David

The story: The description from iTunes says, “Warning: Mature Content. Includes explicit language, nudity, hentai and mutant food with mixed martial arts skills. Filipino street food has never been this fun. Or strange. Meet Dodon, Benjo and Manny. If talking and walking street food strikes you as bizarre, then you ain’t seen nothing yet.”

Why you should read it: Danry discovered Michael David’s Kubori Kikiam when he was browsing comic books at Comic Odyssey, and immediately bought the first three trades and Kubori Krash 10th Anniversary. He got hooked and even brought the books to the office to share with colleagues, who found them to be very funny and naughty. Now that Book 4 will be out at Komikon, we expect another day of laughter shared with friends. Stress diffused!

Price: P120

Bayan Knights: Book of Origins by Gilbert Monsanto and the Bayan Knights Team

The story: Wanna learn more about your favorite Bayan Knights? These are the books to buy! Vital stats, powers and abilities — a must read for old and new readers alike.

Why you should read it: Bayan Knights is a shared superhero universe (which incorporates Kalayaan as well) and it’s a lot of fun.

Price: P70 each

Kapitan Tog by Freely Abrigo

The story: Kapiton Tog is an action comedy about a “Superherong laging Nauuntog!”

Why you should read it: Freely Abrigo created Kapitan Tog for the relaunched PILIPINO FUNNY KOMIKS, which unfortunately ceased operations after a few issues. He decided to make it an indie komik instead. It chronicles the adventures of Kapitan Tog with just pictures. According to Freely, he intentionally designed Kapitan Tog to be a silent comic. Both kids and adults can enjoy it. It has a universal appeal.

Price: Kapitan Tog 1 and 2, P60

Komikero Komiks Anthology #8 by Jonas Diego and the Komikero Komiks Group

The story: This anthology includes features for newbies who want to create comics, the San Pablo Comics Festival and stories by the Komikero Komiks group including Gerry Alanguilan.

Why you should read it: Not only will you get the bang for your buck with this anthology, it’s also a great way to discover new writers and artists. Remember, a lot of characters and famous comics started in anthologies—like Superman, Darna and Spider-Man.

Price: P70

Bruho Barbero by Rommel

Estanislao

The story: Meet the most wanted barbarian of Planet Terworkan. He is hunted by warriors, assassins, and Terworkan’s ruler, King Triple X. This fearless warrior is savage and shows no mercy. And here’s a warning: never touch his hair!

Why you should read it: I read Rommel “Omeng” Estanislao’s Love Story Colored Edition at Free Comic Book Day 2011 and I instantly became a fan. Omeng can tell a story with a few words, leaving room for your imagination to run wild. His work is kid-friendly too.

Price: P100

Bathala: Apokalypsis # 4 (Alamat Comics) by David Hontiveros and Ace Enriquez

The story: Imagine one lone superhero, fighting to stop the end of the world as predicted in the book of Revelation. Andrew Carreon is Bathala, a Filipino version of Superman, fighting to save the world from the end of times. In Bathala: Apokalypsis #4, Jose Carreon comes clean with his son about Bathala’s origins, while the beleaguered hero continues to protect humanity from the Apocalypse, coming into direct conflict with the First Horror.

Why You Should Read It: I’ve been avidly following Bathala since the beginning and it may be my favorite local komik out right now. There’s so much going on in each issue, and the drama is always amped up to 11. It’s a new, refreshing take on the Superman archetype, and is, at the end of it all, just a really fun read.

Price: Each issue of Bathala is P50. If you buy the first three issues, you’ll get the fourth for free!

Bonus: The writer of Bathala, David Hontiveros, is looking for an artist for his next project! If you think you have what it takes, visit http://bit.ly/rJGcvY for submission details.