| 11.15.2018 – Komikon is happening this weekend and it’s the biggest, which is the most anticipated ‘komiks related’ convention in the Philippines. Despite the majority of the Metro Manila populace is unaware that it has become an annual tradition for the local comic book fans of the country. This is actually the 14th year for this “comics only” event dubbed the “Komikon Grande XIV!”
But before it has become the biggest event of the year that most comic book readers go to these are their humble beginnings. They started the event originally held at the UP Bahay ng Alumini in 2005, and going back ten years ago exactly this month this was the last time they have Komikon hosted in this venue so here’s a look back on what happened at the 4th Komikon from 22 November 2008! |
In 2008, Komikon is slowly growing having more exhibitors in this year. There were more program segments and on-stage panels with the creators namely writers and artists. There were new art community groups staging their first Komikon at the same time some interesting tidbits that includes celebrating the 30th anniversary of SKP (Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas).
This was also the last time Komikon was held at the UP Bahay ng Alumni before moving to venues in Star Mall in EDSA Shaw Boulevard and
Going back to the Komikon in 2008 there were interesting stuff that happened in that day. Before Komikon used to be a one-day event and for most who have been actively going to this event since 2005 it wasn’t enough to contain the ever growing community, and if you happen to missed this event back in 2008 here are some of the highlights that happened:
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The Giants of Filipino Comics
Alfredo Alcala, Francisco V. Coching, and Mars Ravelo are well known artists considered to be titans of Filipino comics, which have been recognized by the country through their works. They have been household names and known also as the pioneers that inspired young Filipino artists following in their footsteps. All three artists have their works being displayed in this event.
The exhibit featured their works that can be found in one side of the UP Bahay ng Alumni. This area has the published works of Alcala during his stint with DC and Marvel on display. This includes early local prints of Francisco Coching’s and Mars Ravelo’s that graced the silver screens of the past.
SKP Celebrating at Thirty
Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas (SKP) celebrated their thirtieth anniversary at Komkon 2008. They are one of the major highlights that were featured for the on-stage panel discussion, which was hosted by Sherry Baet-Zamar and Ariel Atienza. SKP was represented by Boboy Yonzon and Andrew Villar during the on-stage panel discussion.
This was one of the many activities that certainly focused on the local comics’ scene in the Philippines and during the early days of Komikon this was a fun discussion among the association. Wait until you see SKP celebrate their anniversary for 2018 which would be even bigger.
Elmer was here and so is Gerry
Ten years ago Elmer was not yet compiled let alone even has won international awards all over the world. The year before in 2007 Neil Gaiman only received the second issue and Gerry Alanguilan has ran out of copies for having his latest project sold out. By the time Komikon 2008 was happening he has already released the last installment of the series before being compiled into a graphic novel.
Elmer has come a long way making it to comic book shops all over the world. There was even a time it was available in one of Australia’s state territories, and of course garnering numerous awards in the US and Europe that made it internationally known. But if you go back to these photos from 2008, Elmer was already a certified series to look forward in picking up at Komikon.
Leinil Yu was an Arnold Arre Fan
Before becoming one of Marvel’s exclusive artist, Leinil Yu was a fan of Arnold Arre. Rarely, Arnold and his wife Cynthia Bauzon-Arre would attend Komikon. This was one of those moments and at that time Martial Law Babies was recently released, which would be Arre’s last work before venturing to other interesting directing short films and having a hand in making his own animated films.
Nautilus Comics which published most of his work had a booth, but has not yet been recognized at that time. Arnold and Cynthia were rock star royalty at Komikon 2008 having seen the couple together at this event people has been one of the notable things that happened and these images shows how Lenil was a big Arnold Arre fan having his copy of Martial Law Babies signed by the writer/artist.
Other Highlights in Perspective
Gorgoro Henson, the son of Animal made his only appearance at Komikon 2008 with his friend JP Cusion while Manix Abrera still signing copies of Kiko Machine. You can also find Lyndon Gregorio and Lei Muncal getting interviewed by GMA 7 in promoting Komikon. This was also an unusual to see Art Toys being sold as these were not yet popular in the mainstream like blank Munny figurines by Kid Robot with a custom Pugad Baboy blank figure on display.
You can also see Mini Vinyl To-Fu by Devil Robots and other things that were sold at Komikon 2008, which was way ahead of its time during the early days of this convention. There were so many highlights that can be seen in these photos and there are also the ones not seen that are memorable behind the scenes as Komikon continues to be more relevant ten years ago seemed like yesterday.
But Komikon Grande is happening this weekend from 17 to 18 of November 2018. For ticket inquiries drop by Comic Odyssey, where they are sold. Get updates from Komikon via their social media on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
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