Looking for new reading material? Since it’s Comic Book Day today, we asked around for recommendations on local comic books to honor the art, artists, and stories in the Philippines. You should check them out, too!
12 Filipino Comic Books You Should Read
Photo from Maskarado’s Facebook page
Maskarado is a Filipino superhero created by Reno Maniquis. The man behind the mask is Senior Police Inspector Carlo Miranda, who was shot by criminals and was treated by an alien whilst on the brink of death. He was then given a mask that granted him various superpowers. If you love superhero adventures, this is a great Pinoy superhero to look into.
Photo from The Verge
Practically every Filipino has heard of Trese by now. Created by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo, Trese combines Philippine mythology with dark storytelling. In it, detective Alexandra Trese deals with supernatural crimes in the Philippines. It is also now a series on Netflix!
The Mythology Class
Photo from Pumplepie Books
The Mythology Class is a comic book by Arnold Arre that revolves around a mythology class at the University of the Philippines where a group of students have to catch supernatural creatures causing trouble in the human world. We especially love the diverse group of characters in the story.
Zsazsa Zaturnnah
Zsazsa Zaturnnah by Carlo Vergara has a major cult following – and for good reason. The character is unique and memorable (her alter ego is a gay beautician from a province and she turns into Zsazsa Zaturnnah after swallowing a melon-sized magical stone). She’s pretty much like Darna, but deals with issues of the LGBT community. What’s not to love?
Sixty Six
Photo from Adarna House
Another unconventional comic book is Sixty Six by Russell Molina and Ian Sta. Maria, where 66-year-old Mang Tino receives superpowers to bring evildoers to justice. The writing in this series is superb and there are many scenes in it that you won’t soon forget.
Elmer
In Elmer by Gerry Alanguilan, chickens gain human-level intelligence and the ability to speak. Jake Gallo is one of these chickens and after his father’s death, he finds a diary that chronicles a long struggle for equal rights. It has been compared to George Orwell’s Animal Farm and is a more serious comic book, but definitely well worth the read.
Tabi Po
Love aswangs? Tabi Po by by Mervin Malonzo revolves around these creatures and is set during the time of the Spanish colonization in the Philippines. You won’t be able to put it down!
The Filipino Heroes League
The Filipino Heroes League by Paolo Fabregas shows us what it would be like to have superheroes in the third world, i.e. where they’re undermanned and underfunded but still do what they need to do to fight against injustice.
Mythspace
Mythspace by Paolo Chikiamco brings together science fiction and Philippine folklore for a story you won’t be able to get enough of.
Patay Kung Patay
Photo from Patay Kung Patay’s Facebook page
In Patay Kung Patay by Mike Alcazaren, Noel Pascual, and AJ Bernardo, showbiz reporters are covering a party at a remote hacienda when a zombie revolution suddenly erupts. If zombies are your thing, check this out.
Sanduguan
Sanduguan by Gener Pedriña is a Filipino comic book universe filled with superheroes spanning fan arts from different Filipino artists. The characters are mostly based on myths so you are sure to recognize a lot of them.
Ella Arcangel
Ella Arcangel by Julius Villanueva and Mervin Malonzo is a horror-fantasy comic book set in Barangay Masikap, where monsters and humans both struggle for survival. It’s perfect for fans of Filipino folklore!
Got any other awesome Filipino comic books to add to the list? Email me at angeline.wheninmanila@gmail.com or send me a direct message at When in Manila Angeline on Facebook. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com Community at WIM Squad! Join our WhenInManila.com community on Viber, as well!
