Komikon Indieket 2024 marks the return of Komikon events to Bayanihan Center in Pasig City on Aug. 31, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.. The grand independent komiks (comics) market’s theme "Balikbayanihan" is a play on the words "balikbayan" as a returning event and “Bayanihan Center” as the venue. The theme was also inspired by the "#BalikAshcan" virtual discussion during one of the Indie Komiks Podcasts earlier this year. "Balik Ashcan" refers to the goal of going back to the roots of DIY comics to combat the high costs of comic production and to lower the selling price of comics to allow casual or curious readers an affordable way to sample local komik creations.
Komikon Indieket 2024 features comic creator M.A. (Mark) Del Rosario of Paper Drawing Studio, a published author of short stories and graphic novels such as Gods of Manila, Aswang, Kingdom of Tundo, and Tikbalang: A Collection of Stories, both locally and in the U.S. He advocates reading and often tells people to go to libraries, bookstores, and comic shops.
Rising independent comics publisher Kawangis Publishing and founders Arya and Faye Chelabian are also in the spotlight. Kawangis Publishing Co. is a homegrown start-up entity that focuses on creating Filipino and values-centric image books and card games. Arya Chelabian is the author of the comic series MA-I on top of being a published translator and editor, a practicing Industrial Engineer, and a creative writing instructor. Faye Chelabian is the creator of Incognito Serye and illustrator of MA-I and Maharlikan Chronicles. Before dabbling into comics, she worked in the Filipino publishing industry under different roles since 2003. The couple will hold a game demo on stage of Anyare, a Philippine history card game.
Since 2011, Komikon has been showcasing creators who have shown exemplary skills and devotion to creating comics and who have actively participated in Komikon activities, such as contests, events, and other initiatives by publishing the Sulyap Komiks Anthology. This year marks the 10th year since the second Sulyap Komiks Anthology was released last 2014. To commemorate this milestone, Komikon invited the featured creators back for a reunion and to recognize their achievements since then. Catch up with us and learn from the experiences of AJ Bernardo and Noel Pascual (Crime Fighting Call Center Agents), Jonas Lechuga (Bulas), Carlorozy Clemente (Darwin's Association of Delicious Evilness), Francis Martelino (The Hotdog Prince), JP De Torres (Luna), Niño Balita (Espiritista), and Ronzkie Pacho-Vidal (Sulsi). The cast would have been complete except for Lariz Santos (Please be Careful with my Bones) who has a previous engagement.
Komikon also invited the team behind Rocketsheep Studio, who is working hard on the animated film Zsazsa Zaturnnah, based on the award-winning graphic novel of Carlo Vergara. Check them out on stage as they give a sneak peek behind the scenes.
This one-day event will feature a lot of new comic releases from seasoned comic creators and upcoming ones. Notable titles that will be released include Last Train to Tokyo from Pelikomiks Studios, Gunaw by Jhem Manalang, Beneath the Balete and Lagimbal: Aswang Hunter #0 from Bumble Burst Komiks Associates, Kalasag Alpha 1 by Julius Villanueva, Gomen Chopstar by Mikey Esteves and Mickey Marchan, Ghost Neo: All Too Human by Chad Cabrera, Mike Banting, and Sam Gungon, Windmills 8 by Josel Nicolas, High Tide from Iron Ink Works, Inkjet by 001ComixStreet, Dungeon Master Dad! by Level Vigor, and many more. Drop by and support the new comic creators at the Indie Komiks Tiangge: shesbastiibabie, Krist Menina, Vernon Acla, Reinbowzlow, Francis Ardan, INDIO, LJ Almonte and Mekarilao. The winners of the Make-The-Page Contest will also be announced. Brush up on your comics knowledge and skills as prizes will be given out throughout the day through games and trivia questions.
Komikon Indieket 2024 is brought to you by Komikon Inc., sponsored by Comic Odyssey, National Book Store, The Manila Bulletin, and Quantum Amusement, with the support of the UP GRAIL - Graphic Arts in Literature. Tickets will be available on-site.
For more information and updates, please visit facebook.com/komikon.org, facebook.com/Indieket, and the official event page at facebook.com/events/1602466350507155. For any inquiries, please email [email protected].