CB Cebulski. Image: INQUIRER.net/Alfred Bayle

In an effort to look for local talents and reach out to its ever-growing Philippine fan base, Marvel staged the second Marvel Creative Day Out at the De La Salle College of St. Benilde, School of Design and Arts last Jan. 10.

Marvel Comic’s new editor-in-chief CB Cebulski and The Walt Disney Company’s vice president for creatives in Greater China Allen Au-Yeung attended the event. The two executives shared insights about their companies and the industry, while extending a hand to budding creative minds in the audience.

Cebulski personally gave away his company email and urged anyone with a portfolio to send it to [email protected].

“I have an open inbox,” said the new EIC.

He also gave a tip: make your email title very specific because he receives around 400 emails every day.

Some of the attendees wore their best Marvel-inspired apparel while a others decided to dress up as their favorite super hero, such as one who asked Cebulski a question in full Spider-Man costume.

A gallery was set up to showcase artworks submitted by students.

Artworks were not limited to existing Marvel heroes. Some of the submissions featured an original character. Image: INQUIRER.net/Alfred Bayle

One portion showed artworks on two very prominent characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, namely Tony Stark and Thor.

Artwork submissions were not limited to illustrations. One of the students submitted an Iron Man sculpture for display.

The sculpture appears to be made from toothpicks. Image: INQUIRER.net/Alfred Bayle

Marvel as a lifestyle brand

While Cebulski calls Marvel Comics the heart of Marvel as a company, he sees movies and other products inspired by Marvel characters as arms and legs which help Marvel get to places.

Allen Au-Yeung handles this creative part of the business. His presentation showcased how stories from Marvel comics and movies influence apparel, gadgets and other products. He believes Marvel may one day become a lifestyle brand. He uses the Korean market as an example, where Marvel-branded clothes and accessories have gained a following. There are even Marvel-branded cosmetics being sold in China.

Here’s Allen demonstrating a comic book-themed mood light which lights up when the covers are opened. Image: INQUIRER.net/Alfred Bayle

His presentation also acts as an invitation to creative minds specializing in fashion and design to join the company. This means that even if one does not have the talent for comic book making, there’s still room for other creative pursuits in the company, as long as the person is passionate about the work.

Also present were long time Marvel artists Harvey Montecillo Tolibao and Leinil Francis Yu. The two artists shared their stories and experiences on working with Marvel. They also evaluated the artworks displayed in the gallery.

(Left to right) Harvey Montecillo Tolibao, CB Cebulski, Leinil Francis Yu and Allen Au-Yeung. Image: INQUIRER.net/Alfred Bayle

Getting a wider audience, creating heartfelt stories

Marvel has a long history in making comics and crafting stories that people relate to. However, the stories also evolve with the times. Numerous reboots and retellings of origin stories have made it challengin for newcomers in the Marvel universe to get started. As the newly appointed EIC of Marvel Comics, Cebulski said he plans to address this issue once he gets back to New York.

There are also plans to create more localized content by local talents. Two new heroes are currently on track to debut in the Chinese market.

Cebulski and Au-Yeung. Image: INQUIRER.net/Alfred Bayle

Bottomline, Marvel is looking for creative and passionate people. If you think you have what it takes, the Marvel bosses are the ones to submit your portfolio to. JB

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