I haven’t been on Facebook as much as I used to, but when I am, I’m scrolling for memes. There’s this one FB page whose sole purpose is to remind you that komiks are dead (which is funny because they’re doing the exact opposite).
Of course, komiks ain’t dead. They’re very much alive and a popular title was even adapted as an anime. Komiks are still thriving especially in digital form, like on Penlab.
Penlab was created by Kalabaw Kolektib, a group of writer-artists with a collective passion for komiks. They launched the website in September as a digital space for creators to share their works as well as their love for komiks.
And it’s all for free. You can read anything on the platform and even apply to be part of the pool of creators and get your work published on the site. From black-and-white panels to vertical webtoon-style comics, there are a lot of stories to read and genres to choose from.
Just this weekend, more new komiks were added to the website. Some award-winning artists and our own fave creators have uploaded their works for your reading pleasure.
- “The Mythology Class” by Arnold Arre – An award-winning graphic novel for everyone who loves Philippine mythology
- “hAiSzXt” by Hulyen – A one-shot manifesting our (lack of a) will to live and our empty replies, penned and drawn by our second Scout Vibe Check featured creative
- “Nang Ma Inlove Ako Sa Isang Sakristan” by Richard Mercado – A BL miniseries about two boys and a kiss behind the chapel.
- “After All This Time” by BAPOGICHI – A girl meets her high school ex after a couple of years, and the ex now isn’t exactly how she remembers them.
- “Dylan and Joan” by Adam David and Josel Nicolas – A “static inaction-packed unthrilling non-adventure” about indie cinema? Count us in.
- “Sagala” by haitori – You know that story about Katipuneras stashing weapons under their skirts back then? Yeah, but add “overprotective older brothers, mythical ambassadors, and conniving courtesans.”
- “Sta. Monica Falls” by Ren Galeno – A suspense story about the mysterious deaths in a place called Sta. Monica Falls.
- “Sir Rejection” by Erangot – Originally published as a webtoon, this title about a five-member band will be available in Filipino soon.
Read more:
Mervin Malonzo’s komiks aren’t like your grandpa’s old strips
Garapata’s cheeky comics series is a peek into people’s quarantine experiences
Catch ‘Ella Arcangel’ come to life in this free animated episode
Photos from “The Mythology Class,” “hAiSzXt” and “Sagala”