Saturday, November 30, 2013

Komikon 2013: Keeping My Childhood Alive (Part 1)


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Growing up reading Funny Komiks, Marvel comics, manga and having a Jack Chick comic phase (ugh!), I'm a big fan of comics.Through the years, I still love the art form that still amazes and spellbinds the kid in me. Thanks to Komikon, the event doesn't just keep Pinoy comics alive, but also my childhood as well.

Now on its 9th year, Komikon 2013 gathers the local and international comic book artist and writers to celebrate this art form. It is a place the fans meet comic creators - which is so awesome. Up and coming comics and their creators showcase what they got to soon-to-be fans. The event has talks or seminars to further salivate comic enthusiasts. And of course, comic books from indie, local, imported, and vintage plus original artworks are for sale as well as other comic related merchandize. Games and prizes abound during the event. Komikon is an annual event and holds its activities at the Bayanihan Center in Pasig City.

This year, is my second time (I have gone to this years Summer Komikon), and this time it a special one. The artist and writers are raising funds for the victims of Super-Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan. So the sales will go to that cause - Awesome! And with that comes my special "mission" to that event.







I met Jamie Bautista the creator of Cast over Facebook and he is selling some of his creations. Get this, 100% of the sales will go to the typhoon victim. He was selling 3 types of comic books but what struck me was the complete set of Cast (issues #0-11). I saw this comic series way back 2004 but I didn't have a job and having financial constrains back then so I wasn't able to buy it.



I really want it! So I asked Jaime to reserve me a set and I'll pick it up at Komikon. He replied positively.

At the event, after getting my Wazzup Pilipinas media pass and the event catalog, I immediately looked for Jamie Bautista, who was busy entertaining fans over his booth. So I introduced myself and he handed over the much coveted Cast comic books. I requested to have them signed (every issue). He is so nice and his partner in the booth both even helped me take off the plastic cover of the books. Before I left, I inquired about Ronin Core (the illustrator of Cast) and he said its a Stephen Segorvia artwork. Stephen is featured at the Komik Kalye so he will be coming to at Komikon too. So I set to meet him and have it signed also. After a photo op, I said goodbye and off to meet Elbert Or.




The Chinese looking guy with a white shirt and clear glasses with me giving a peace sign is Elbert Or, creator of Cast

Looking for Elbert Or is a little bit hard because of the crowd at Komikon (proving that many still loves comics). Passing to different booths (or tables) I saw Pol Medina Jr., Gerry Alanguilan and Andrew Villar of Ambush Comics. I stumble upon a booth of Betamaks, a group of young and great artist selling lovely bookmarks and postcards. I really loved the artwork so I took one postcard by Kris Kang for me and a bookmark by Jason Sto. Domingo for a youngster friend of mine. I also requested for their signatures and had photos taken with them as well.


 The guy with stripes t-shirt is Jason Sto Domingo of Betamaks




The guy with a gray hoodie giving a thumbs up and me giving a peace sign is Kris Kang of Betamaks


Check out part two of my Komikon 2013 adventure:

Komikon 2013: Keeping My Childhood Alive (Part 2)



Contributed by Nitoy Gonzales

Marianito "Nitoy" Gonzales is a 30 something introvert who's passion is to proclaim the good news about God. He wears many hats but he is just an ordinary guy serving an extraordinary God. You can reach him at his Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram.

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