Filipino Komiks Take the Spotlight at WonderCon 2025 with Hot Tropiks’ Exclusive Releases and Major Giveaways

March 19, 2025

Hot Tropiks at Small Press #SP-25 | WonderCon 2025 | March 28-30, 2025 | Anaheim Convention Center, California

[March 2025, Anaheim, CA] – Filipino storytelling is making a major international breakthrough at WonderCon 2025, as Hot Tropiks, the leading distributor of Filipino komiks and children’s books in the United States, presents an exclusive showcase of the latest and best works from the Philippines.

While San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) is widely recognized as the world's biggest pop culture event, WonderCon is its sister convention, attracting tens of thousands of comic book fans, publishers, and industry professionals each year. Held annually at the Anaheim Convention Center in California, WonderCon is one of the premier platforms for showcasing cutting-edge comics, graphic novels, and entertainment from around the world.

This year, Hot Tropiks is making history as the first major Filipino komiks distributor to exhibit at WonderCon, solidifying the global rise of Philippine publishing.

Hot Tropiks carries an extensive selection of Filipino komiks and children’s books from the Philippines’ most respected publishers, including Komiket, Adarna House, Anino Komiks, Summit Books, Avenida, Anvil Publishing, and more. Through these partnerships, Hot Tropiks ensures that Filipino stories reach a wider audience in North America.

The event will feature highly anticipated releases, creator signings, and daily giveaways, as well as the world debut of Maharlika Vol. 2, the first Filipino sci-fi graphic novel to launch internationally before its Philippine release.

In partnership with Tuttle Publishing, Hot Tropiks will also host daily giveaways featuring some of the most acclaimed Filipino graphic novels. Tuttle Publishing has been a long-time advocate for Asian and Filipino literature, and this collaboration further elevates Philippine storytelling on the international stage.

“Filipino komiks have long been a powerhouse of creativity, yet they remain underrepresented in mainstream international markets. By bringing these stories to WonderCon, we are proving that Filipino creators belong on the global stage.” – Angelo Mendez, Founder of Hot Tropiks

This initiative is a significant milestone for the Philippine publishing industry, providing Filipino creators and publishers with unprecedented exposure to an international audience. As the demand for diverse and unique storytelling grows, this marks a key opportunity for Filipino komiks to expand beyond domestic markets and reach new readers worldwide.

Exclusive Daily Graphic Novel Giveaways with Tuttle Publishing

Hot Tropiks and Tuttle Publishing will host daily giveaways featuring some of the most acclaimed Filipino graphic novels:

Set 1: Arnold Arre Mythology Class Set

Mythology Class
Children of Bathala
Journey to Lupan-On

Set 2: Modern Filipino Fantasy and Adventure Set

Halina Filipina
Amazing Beasts
After Lambana

Set 3: The Janus Silang Set

Janus Silang Vol. 1
Janus Silang Vol. 2

Additional surprise books from leading Filipino publishers will also be available.

This collaboration underscores the increasing global demand for Philippine storytelling, as more publishers and readers recognize the rich folklore, history, and creativity found in Filipino komiks.

Meet the Creators: Signing Schedule

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the creators behind some of these groundbreaking komiks:

Nathan Cayanan
Nathan Cayanan is a Filipino-American writer, illustrator, and professor. With degrees in creative writing and screenwriting from USC, he transitioned from a 17-year education career to comics. Selected for DC Comics' Milestone Initiative, he debuted with a story on the superhero Icon and now teaches at Cal State Fullerton.
NP Alfaro
NP Alfaro is an independent comic writer best known for KONTRA: AGAINST EVIL, a horror comic that blends Filipino folklore and supernatural action. His work delivers intense storytelling with eerie yet captivating visuals, positioning him as a rising voice in Philippine horror komiks.
Ebony Soy
EbonySoy is a Filipino artist and storyteller specializing in horror-fantasy komiks. Creator of Maloles and Shrimp Paste Gals, their work merges eerie narratives with striking visuals. Focused on crafting immersive stories, EbonySoy brings Filipino horror and folklore to life through compelling illustrations.

Exclusive Releases at WonderCon

Maharlika Vol. 2 – Global First Release

For the first time in the world, Maharlika Vol. 2 will make its debut exclusively at WonderCon before its official Philippine launch.

Maharlika is a sci-fi epic that reimagines a futuristic Philippines as a dominant global empire, blending action, political intrigue, and cinematic storytelling.

In addition to this highly anticipated release, Maharlika Vol. 1 has been acquired for publication in Italy, making it one of the first Filipino indie komiks to receive an international translation. This marks a major milestone for the Philippine publishing industry, proving that Filipino komiks are now gaining recognition on the global stage.

The Hot Dog Prince Vol. 1 (Filipino Language, Softbound)

By Francis Martelino

A comedic adventure about a powerful hotdog that forces two strangers into a journey by stealing a nose. Combining shounen manga influences with distinctly Filipino humor, this gag komik has gained international recognition for its clever storytelling and engaging illustrations.

In His Universe (English, Softbound)

By Chocnut-San

A visually compelling, slow-burn romance komik that follows Joanne as she navigates parallel universes, each offering a different version of the love she desires.

Why WonderCon 2025 Matters for the Philippine Publishing Industry

WonderCon is not just another convention—it is one of the largest and most prestigious comic book and pop culture events in the United States, providing an international platform for publishers, creators, and storytellers.

The participation of Filipino komiks at WonderCon 2025 signals a major turning point, highlighting that Philippine publishing is ready to compete with global giants in the industry. This event serves as a gateway for more Filipino creators and publishers to gain visibility in North America and beyond.