Diwata Komiks Showcase Filipino Representation at 2025 San Diego Comic-Con

As the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con draws to a close, Diwata Komiks and SurrealArts Productions are proud to reflect on a milestone convention packed with community, creativity, and first-look reveals that set the stage for what’s next.

Photo: Diwata Komiks

This year, the team exhibited alongside creative partner Little Brainstorm, with eight featured creators, one guest artist, and three future New Icons present throughout the weekend. The booth buzzed with energy as fans connected directly with the artists and storytellers behind the growing SurrealArts Universe.

A standout moment came from partners at Herbalaria, who launched the Diwata Adornments line — a custom jewelry collection inspired by characters from the Diwata Komiks library. These adornments turned heads on the show floor and brought a new physical expression to the stories being told.

Across the 4-day convention, creators participated in panels and signings, culminating in a packed audience for “New Icons: Building the First Filipino-American Comics Anthology.” The panel was led by Chief Creative Mark A.J. Nazal and featured Diwata Komiks Co-Founders Joe Arciaga and Erica Juliet, alongside featured creators Jesse Jam Miranda, Lyn Pacificar, and Liam Coballes. They were later joined from the audience by Reinard J. Palisoc, Nilo Juaneza, and Lorran Garrison in a powerful moment of unity that brought the room to life. The energy never let up, with the crowd energized and roaring for more as each creator unveiled their upcoming titles.

Joining Carmina: The Wrathborn Goddess by Mark A.J. Nazal and Erica Juliet, and Barkskin by Reinard J. Palisoc, the following original series were officially announced as part of the expanding SurrealArts Universe:

The Hidden World of Anton Jimenez by Mark A.J. Nazal
Chaplain Demon Hunter by Joe Arciaga
Starborn Celestial by Lyn Pacificar
Monk: Undying Legacy by Jesse Jam Miranda
Shifter’s Protocol by Liam Coballes
Archangel’s Knight by Nilo Juaneza

In a surprise reveal, Erica Juliet announced the first-ever Carmina series spinoff debuting in New Icons: Volume 1.

Mina Martin: Goddess-in-Training introduces a bold new chapter for the character, set after the events of Carmina: The Wrathborn Goddess, and is brought to life by new featured artist Ivan Janer.

While creators Marielle Atanacio (Alma) and Walter Talens (Kawal-Dog) were unable to attend this year’s SDCC, Diwata Komiks confirms their upcoming titles will be officially revealed soon.

The panel concluded with an exclusive time-lapse unveiling of the New Icons: Volume 1 cover art, created by acclaimed illustrator Don Aguillo (McFarlane/Spawn, DC, Marvel Snap). The event was followed by a packed signing session at the SDCC Autograph Pavilion that remained at capacity for the full hour.

“It’s important for diversity and representation in the Filipino American community and beyond,” said Mark A.J. Nazal, Chief Creative of SurrealArts and Diwata Komiks. “When we first began building this anthology two years ago, we understood it wasn’t just about spotlighting our own voices — it was about creating space for all underrepresented communities to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Stories shape identity. And if we don’t see ourselves in them, we start to believe we don’t belong. We want to be the last generation to feel like we can’t be the heroes of our own stories.”

Diwata Komiks and SurrealArts extend deep gratitude to Comic-Con International for providing a platform to showcase these stories on one of the world’s biggest pop culture stages — and to the fans, collaborators, and supporters who continue to show up for independent storytelling.

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