The goal of Komikon events is to spread awareness about the current state and past heritage of Komiks in the country. This November is truly #Legendary as Komikon Grande 2019, highlights some of the legendary artists that have truly made a mark in our history. Our guests feature award-winning comic illustrator Hal Santiago (Sun God, Unica, the Hands), who in 2016 illustrated once again for Jim Fernandez’ Zuma, The Origin. With him is artist Rico Rival (Maruja, Marvel’s Punisher, Hawkmoon), who never ceased to draw as he is currently illustrating DI-13, a revival of Damy Velasquez’ title under Pilipino Komiks during the 50’s. They are joined by two great cartoonists, Roni Santiago from the Manila Bulletin (Kuyug, Baltic & Co., Funny Komiks’ Planet Op Di Eyps, Mr. & Mrs.) and Jess Abrera from the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Pinoy Nga!, A. Lipin).
The event has scheduled talks in the Conference Room E of the Bayanihan Center. On Saturday, Ian Velasquez, son of Damy Velasquez (DI-13) and grand-nephew of the Father of Filipino Komiks, Tony Velasquez, will discuss the 90th Anniversary of komiks icon, Kenkoy. Gerry Alanguilan, award-winning comic book creator (Wasted, Elmer), international comic book inker, and curator of The Komiks Museum in San Pablo, Laguna will discuss the many artworks that are featured in the Museum. Talks on Sunday include ‘Understanding Filipino Komiks’ by comics illustrator and award-winning writer Randy Valiente (Wala Nang Tao sa Maynila); and ‘Legendary Legacies’ with Ilyn Florese-Alanguilan, daughter of legendary artist, Rudy Florese, and Zach Yonzon, who will talk about his father, Boboy Yonzon (SKP, PICCA, Mango Comics) and his grandfather, post-war painter and illustrator, Hugo Yonzon Jr. (6DND H).
Aside from the talks in conference room E, film screenings will also be held on both days. In the morning, the animated short Ella Arcangel, Oyayi sa Dilim by Mervin Malonzo based on the graphic novel by Julius Villanueva. In the afternoon, we will be showing previews of two documentaries, “Hand Drawn & Quartered“, and “A.Nino“, which features the legendary artist, Alex Nino, who illustrated “The Merchant of Oltrarno“, written by Jay Ignacio. Both films also have scheduled screening time in conference rooms BCD.
There are many other legendary things to watch out for at the event. The celebration of the 20th year anniversary of the graphic novel Mythology Class by Arnold Arre, who will also launch its sequel, The Children of Bathala. Ian Sta Maria will also grace our event for a book signing of Salamangka from Summit Books. New comics releases to look after, such as Studio Studios Angel’s Crush, Sagisag’s Times Three, the comic book version of Janus Silang, Janus Silang At Ang Labanang Manananggal-Mambabarang from Anino Comics, An event exclusive, Album ng Mga Kabalbalan ni Kenkoy Klasiks from Ian Velasquez, Manix Abrera’s Bulwagan ng Misteryo, and so much more from our independent comic creators.
Bring home artworks drawn by internationally renowned local artists in our Komiks Kalye (Artist’s Alley). Ed Tadeo (X-Men / Various), Raymund Bermudez (Action Comics / Various), Miguel Mercado (Go Go Power Rangers / Various), Jomar Bulda (Jaded), Luigi Teruel (Rags) and Jann Galino (Ranger) will be at the Conference room F from 12:30pm – 5:30pm on both days. They will be joined by Kim Jacinto (Avengers / Various) and Michael Sta Maria (Vampirella) on Saturday, and with Elmer Damaso (Macross) and Geebo Vigonte (Grim Tales of Terror) on Sunday.
Komikon Grande 2019 will be held on November 23 (Sat) and 24 (Sun), 2019 at the Bayanihan Center, Unilab Compound, Pasig City. The event will start at 10am and end at 8pm on both days. 2-Day tickets (P250) are now available in Comic Odyssey branches in Robinson’s Galleria and High Street, BGC. One-day tickets (P150) will be available on the day of the event. This is brought to you by Komikon, Inc. and is co-presented by Comic Odyssey, with the following sponsors: our official Media sponsors, The Manila Bulletin, MBLife, ABS CBN, ABS CBN Books, Yey! Channel and Chalk.PH, with National Book Store, and iAcademy and Sagisag. Special thanks to Poop shop, Your Comic Shop, Studio Studio, Art Initiative, Summit Books, Quantum Amusement, Anino Comics, Lindol X Kenkoy, Wheninmanila.com; and our partner school organizations, UP GRAIL and UP Graphic Literature Guild. Join us in this event and let’s make it Legendary!
