| 11.22.2018 – There have been A LOT of new material that came out at Komikon, and during those two days there was so little to choose or to ‘sink your teeth’ in.
It has been common to the event that there are new faces and graphic novels that really stood out. There is also merchandise sold there like shirts, stickers, and figurines. But what makes this event unique is the local comics that continues to grow. After the fun-filled storm of local comic book fandom, everyone has been taking a breather while others are still high on the excitement. Now that the storm has passed, take a look at some of the best titles that have been released. Rarely, tradition has been passed down to one generation to another. It’s a unique situation to be part of it at the same time challenges when keeping up with tradition. One thing comes to mind is an old comic book series dusted off and continued for the next generation which is “DI-13” or Department of Investigation – Agent Thirteen. It’s pronounced as ‘Dee Ay – Trese' in Filipino as the original comic book series was written in the Filipino language that has been the longest running series that ended in 1962. |
Published: November 2018
Content: PG-13
Language: Filipino (Tagalog)
The series originally created by Damy Velasquez and Jesse F. Santos about a secret agent in the Philippines code name: Agent 13 solves crimes and threat against the country is one of the beloved series back in the day. Today, it gets revived by Damy “Ian” Velasquez III, the grandson of the writer who is a former Alumni in FEU (Far Eastern University) with his younger brother Tommy that launched the zero issue at the recent Indieket Komiks Market last August 2018.
For Komikon, Ian Velasquez and Rico Rival have launched the first issue along with the 70th Commemorative Edition that compiles some of the original series’ run. The Anniversary Edition also features Rico Rival’s cover art and for the first issue, thirteen variant covers created by twelve other local artists. It was a monumental experience for Ian, a first-time writer who personally say was very nervous about the reception at the same time what other people will think of this new series.
Retrospective Nostalgia
It’s also challenging for Ian to follow and fill up very large shoes that his grandfather has left. But the younger Velasquez is up to the challenge. Since it’s the very first issue that introduces the main character who is also the grandson of the original DI-13. An impressive and timeless art done by Mr. Rico Rival like his work didn’t age but was like unearth from a time capsule. Like any longtime artist who continues work in their craft it’s like fine wine and for someone who only read Pilipino Komiks during the height of this medium you get to appreciate the artistry for its timeless classic.
Writing stories is a challenge, continuing a legacy is a different level of excitement and tremendous effort. Ian’s continuation of the series certainly mirrors his personal life too. The character’s grandson takes over the original with a mystery behind the continuing arch, which is better for you to pick up the book and find out. You don’t need to get the Zero issue if you missed it as the first issue is an immediate jumping point to new readers and longtime fans of the series can easily understand. But for anyone curious enough the backstory you can pick up the 70th Anniversary Commemorative Edition featuring the original series run to get an idea of the characters.
Without even describing plot points or story details this is going to be an arch about the mystery behind the disappearance of the original Agent 13, and the growth of the new characters for ‘The New DI-13.’ It’s going to be a process of how Ian will take these beloved characters his grandfather has created and the fans will be there to support this new endeavor.
A Series for the Modern Times
Though the first issue will leave you with a cliff hanger it gives you enough time to go through the pages trying to find hidden Easter eggs or just admiring how Rico Rival has done a good job at making this series retro at the same time caught up to the modern times. But sometimes you can’t help notice if this series takes place today where the technology should be there too.
But what’s important is the core of the story and in that the incorporation of modern technology was notably less as one of the plot devices that push the narrative. One instance is the use of mobile phones as there are a couple of scenes that you rarely notice it as the way with gadgets being used, since Agent 13 is like that famous British Secret Agent, the idea with these tropes is the tech they use. This will be more prominent in the next few issues as part of the story.
Even though the story is set in the Philippines, technology for a secret agent is synonymous with the character itself. But as mentioned what makes this New DI-13 unique like the original series is the story that is simple, and never was too complicated to the point that it carries a legacy. This is what makes this series true to its core and it can be easily understandable by those who have known the series.
Putting Pulp into Comics
For the foreign readers who will come across the series, this would be something of a good read. Like The Phantom by Lee Falk or Maskarado by Reno Manaquis, my first impression was this is going to be a Pulp Comic Series, since the use of classic noir technic in telling its stories at the same time an original adventure that revived for today’s generation but with modern urban influences.
Plus, Rico Rival being one of the longtime artists who still do this ‘old school’ style it’s something that got me interested as I’ve read some issues of The Phantom published in Australia by Frew Publication that still printing the classic series. It’s more of a compliment than comparison to the original run of DI-13 by Damy and Jesse back in the day that simply a new take of the characters and their adventures.
Overall “The New DI-13” gives you a fresh story from Ian Velasquez with Rico Rival’s timeless art that gives you a retrospective vibe. Let’s hope we see where the new Agent 13 takes us in his next adventures and also hope to see Agent 5 does come up with new tech for our young intrepid hero to uncover what really happened to the original DI-13.
“The New DI-13” (Department of Investigation Agent Thirteen) is a self-published work written by Damy "Ian" Velasquez III and an timeless artwork by Rico Rival with cover price of ₱150.00 pesos ($3.95 AUD) now available at Comic Odyssey.
For more about the series and the 70th Commemorative Edition follow The New DI-13 on social media via Facebook!
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