Why Filipino Komiks Are the Next Big Thing in Graphic Novels: Titles You Need to Read

What’s up, book mates!

The past month has been tough—both for the business and personally, as my wife navigates some immigration challenges. Starting a company in the USA that focuses on Filipino komiks has been an uphill battle, and during these challenging times, I’ve needed to remind myself why I began this journey in the first place. Today, I want to share how Filipino komiks helped me connect with a side of Filipino culture and media that’s often overshadowed by the mainstream.

Discovery of Filipino Komiks

My journey into Filipino komiks began in 2018 when I first heard about Trese, a popular series rooted in Filipino mythology and urban legends. However, it wasn’t until May 2021, when Netflix released the trailer for its animated adaptation, that my curiosity really took hold. At the time, I was living in the Philippines during the height of the pandemic, looking for new ways to stay entertained and connected to the culture around me.

Seeing the Trese trailer, I wondered why Netflix would choose these books for an animated series. What was it about them that stood out? This curiosity led me to track down the first three volumes of Trese, and as soon as I started reading, I was hooked. The blend of world-building, Manila’s gritty urban landscape, and the deep dive into Filipino myths introduced me to a side of Filipino culture I hadn’t encountered before.

A Gateway to Non-Mainstream Filipino Culture

As I delved deeper into Filipino komiks, I realized that what I was uncovering was vastly different from the typical content seen on mainstream Filipino TV or in popular media. The stories in these komiks were raw, wild, and imaginative—completely distinct from the usual narratives. They explored themes and ideas that are often overlooked in mainstream media, pushing boundaries and showcasing a side of the Philippines that’s rich, diverse, and full of untold stories.

This discovery was more than just entertainment; it was a gateway to a broader, more nuanced understanding of Filipino culture. The stories in these komiks weren’t afraid to challenge conventions, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to be Filipino, especially within the context of urban life and folklore.

Overcoming the Language Barrier

Despite being fluent in speaking Filipino, I had always struggled with reading it. Growing up, I never felt particularly motivated to read in Filipino, largely because the content I was exposed to didn’t resonate with me. But the more I explored these komiks, the more I wanted to unlock the stories written in the language. I began to push myself to read more in Filipino, driven by a desire to fully immerse myself in these narratives.

This effort wasn’t just about improving my language skills; it was about deepening my connection to a culture that felt authentic and unfiltered. Through these stories, I gained a deeper appreciation for the underground and non-mainstream aspects of Filipino culture—an appreciation that I might not have developed otherwise.

The Power of Filipino Komiks

Filipino komiks offer a unique platform where Filipino creators can express their ideas without the constraints often found in mainstream media. While the Philippines might not yet be a global contender in big-budget cinema, graphic novels are a different story. In this arena, the playing field is even, and Filipino komiks stand out for their bold storytelling and innovative art.

These komiks are more than just a form of entertainment; they’re cultural artifacts that capture the essence of a country’s soul. They reflect the realities, struggles, and dreams of the Filipino people, offering readers like me a way to connect with a side of the Philippines that’s both familiar and new.

Filipino komiks have opened my eyes to the richness of non-mainstream Filipino culture and media, offering a fresh perspective that’s often missing from the more commercial side of entertainment. I hope that by sharing my journey, you’ll be inspired to explore these works as well.

To help you get started, here’s a list of Filipino komiks that I highly recommend:

Trese by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo 
Set in Manila, Trese follows Alexandra Trese, a detective who deals with supernatural crimes involving Filipino myths and urban legends, blending horror and noir.

Elmer by Gerry Alanguilan

Elmer imagines a world where chickens gain human intelligence and emotions, exploring themes of prejudice, identity, and survival through the story of one chicken’s family.

Sixty Six by Russell Molina and Ian Sta. Maria
In Sixty Six, a retired senior citizen gains superpowers, leading to a thrilling and touching exploration of aging, heroism, and what it means to fight for justice in the Philippines.

Twinkle Twinkle by Tori Tadiar 
Twins Alta and Signa secretly catch falling stars in a glittering Manila, selling stardust to survive. But when rising star Hanan enters their lives, they’re drawn into the city’s dazzling nightlife, uncovering unexpected dangers.

Mythology Class by Arnold Arre
Mythology Class follows a group of college students who are recruited to capture mythical creatures that have escaped into the modern world, blending action, humor, and Filipino folklore.

These titles offer a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse world of Filipino komiks—a world that has helped me connect with a deeper, more authentic side of Filipino culture. Have you read any Filipino komiks? What are your favorites? Let’s start a conversation in the comments!

- Angelo + Nadine 
(Team Hot Tropiks)

 

Upcoming Events Schedule

Here’s what’s on the calendar for the next few months:

• Sept 14 – National City, San Diego at FilAm CreatorCon
• Sept 28 – Seattle!!! More details to follow
• October 12-13 – FilBookFest 7, San Francisco Public Library
• October 16-20 – Frankfurt, Germany at Frankfurter Buchmesse 2024

Hope to see you at one of these events soon!

🔗 Hot Tropiks on YouTube

 

Filipino First Words for Kids: Book Recommendations

Introduce your little ones to the Filipino language with these engaging and educational books:

1. Mga Salitang Magkatugma
   
   A fun way to learn rhyming words in Filipino, perfect for building your child's vocabulary.

2. Mga Salitang Kilos
   
   This book teaches action words in Filipino, helping kids understand verbs and movement.

3. Wika 7: Mga Lagay ng Panahon
   
   Introduce your child to weather-related terms in Filipino, making language learning both fun and practical.

4. Alpabetong Filipino
   
   An essential book for teaching the Filipino alphabet, complete with vibrant illustrations to engage young learners.

5. Sorry, Po
   
   A charming book that teaches the importance of saying "sorry" in Filipino, promoting both language skills and good manners.