Jul 25, 2012
Last July 14, 2012, Chylle and I, Colocoy, went to Bayanihan Center in Pasig City to check out the first shot of Komikon’s Independent Komiks Market or Indieket.
Indieket is an event where independent comic artists gather and showcase their work to comic lovers and fans and even sell these works. In addition to the stalls, there were also lectures and points from the pros about basic storyboarding and viewers’ perspective, as well as some trivia about comics. I also had the chance to meet some of my favorite comic artists such as Taga-ilog, former author and artist of Culture Crash Comics, and Pol Medina Jr., author and artist of Pugad Baboy.
Taga-Ilog signing on my Pasig 2 copies.
I’m personally happy that the event was about independent comics and manga — nothing more. One probable reason for the event’s minimal crowd was the lack of a cosplay competition, usually seen in mainstream events. Another thing ‘not mainstream’ with this event is the choice of venue. Many are wondering why the Bayanihan Center was chosen by the organizers of this event rather than the usual venues such as Megatrade and SMX. Despite that, I can say that the place was accessible, clean, well-ventilated and has amenities, such as a stage for speakers and a big screen for a projector visible to everyone in the venue. If there were more attendees, though, I think that the place would easily get cramped. The exclusivity of the venue also goes to show who among the local otaku community are passionate enough to support and attend the Indieket.
Let me share to you guys what I got from the event:
Lakan at Makisig by Giosdesk
A slice of life comic strip inspired by Pol Medina, Jr.’s “Pugad Baboy” wherein the main characters are the author’s two sons, Lakan and Makisig. Personally, this comic has the simplest, yet very amusing, form of comedy; no green jokes, just facial reactions, innocence *cough* and curiosity of the two main characters.
Sample of Lakan at Makisig
Zombinoy by Pelikomiks Studios
Just like what the title says: What would happen if a zombie apocalypse were to strike the Philippines? This comic shows the typical reactions of Filipinos, especially our leaders, when crisis strikes — an unexpected crisis at that. I find it interesting but sad because the events in the comic reflects the current state of our country. The creators also had this promo: buy a copy, and appear as a zombie on their next issue! I’ll be looking forward what they did to my face then…
Pasig 2 by Taga-Ilog
The book two of the popular series from Culture Crash Comics before its publishing stopped. The story is set years after Dante left Mina. Mina continued her work as “Manunubos” to find clues where could she find Dante again. If you guys want to read the final chapter of book one, you can find it on Taga-Ilog’s DeviantArt: http://tagailog.deviantart.com/gallery/8980187
Patintero by Kai Castillo
What if the Filipino outdoor game, Patintero, became an international sport? If you guys like sports manga like Slam Dunk, you’ll find this comic interesting. The artist also used a unique style somewhat reminiscent of Gorillaz videos. Together with some cool moves, this is one action packed comic.
I also found this guy who sells Filipino Funny Komiks (if you’re a kid in the 90’s, there’s no way you wouldn’t know this comic) in mint condition for 200Php. Unfortunately I didn’t have enough money… T.T
Anyway, this is a really great event! We at Otakultura would like to congratulate the people behind it for making such an event like this. We will be looking forward and wishing for another one next year! More power to you guys!
External Links
Otakultura’s Indieket FB Gallery
Indieket Facebook Page
