Hey there, comic book fans and lovers of Filipino culture! We've got some exciting news to share with you. Get ready for the Philippine International Comics Festival 2024, also known as PICOF 2024. It's going down on July 20-21, 2024, at The Podium Hall in the Philippines. So, mark your calendars and start counting down the days!

What's PICOF All About?

PICOF is the ultimate gathering for comic creators and readers alike. It's where the magic of The Philippine International Comics Festival (PICOF) is an annual celebration of comics and graphic storytelling, with a strong focus on promoting Filipino comic talent while also welcoming international participants. This event offers a platform for both emerging and established creators to showcase their work and connect with a diverse audience. PICOF typically features a comic market where attendees can discover and purchase comics, along with workshops, artist panels, and masterclasses led by industry professionals. It also provides opportunities for comic creators to pitch their projects for potential development and publication. Beyond its business aspects, PICOF fosters a sense of community among comic enthusiasts, making it a must-attend event for those passionate about comics and Filipino culture.

Why You Should Be There

If you're a fan of Filipino comics, known as "pinoy komiks," this festival is a must-visit. You'll have the chance to connect with some of the best local and international comic talents. It's a celebration of all things comics, and you won't want to miss it!

Comic Market

One of the highlights of PICOF 2024 is the Comics Market. Here, you can meet and greet independent Filipino creators, local publishers, and school organizations. Plus, you can get your hands on the freshest comic releases, commission on-the-spot artwork, and support independent creators.

International Section

But wait, there's more! Creators, publishers, and platforms from all around the world are welcome to join as exhibitors or delegates. It's a global comics party!

The Official Selection

For the past four years, PICOF has been selecting ten original comic pitches annually, nurturing them in Creator's Labs, and then launching them during the festival. It's a platform for fresh and exciting comics!

Comics Masterclasses and Artist Panels

If you're looking to hone your comic-making skills, PICOF 2024 has you covered. Festival pass holders can attend Comics Masterclasses and Artist Panels conducted by top creators from the Philippines and abroad. It's the perfect opportunity to sharpen your drawing and writing skills.

Pitch Your Graphic Novel

Here's your chance to shine! If you're a comics creator of any age, you can pitch your graphic novel to PICOF. They're open to all genres and art styles, but remember, the final work must be a full-length graphic novel in English. Check out the submission details below:

- Title of Entry

- Synopsis (3-5 sentences)

- Detailed Storyline (1-3 pages max)

- Main Character Development (1 page max)

- First 8 Komiks Pages

- Portfolio of Previous Komiks or Related Artworks (8 pages)

- Creator's Resume with a Clear Profile Picture (1 page)

Submit all these requirements in one PDF file, with your name and the title of your entry as the filename.

Where to Submit

Send your submissions in PDF format on or before April 30, 2024, to picoflions@gmail.com. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your talent!

About KOMIKET

PICOF is organized by KOMIKET, a non-profit organization dedicated to comics art markets, comics workshops, and publishing original Filipino comics and graphic novels. You can find their creations nationwide through the Secret HQ bookstore. Check them out at komiket.org and @komiketph.

Available at Hot Tropiks  

Now, for all you fans of Filipino comics and pinoy komiks, this is your chance to immerse yourself in the world of comics. And guess what? We've got an incredible selection of Filipino comic books, graphic novels, art books, and children's books waiting for you at www.hottropiks.com. We're the go-to source for the largest collection of Filipino comics in the United States.

 

But that's not all! As promised, here's a special section where you can find links and photos to past PICOF titles that we proudly carry in our store. Check them out below:

GODHARK by Sean Kyle Manaloto

THE YEAR IS 416 AND THE GODS ARE DEAD. Even in an age of industry and sorcery, fear grips a wounded realm as nature cries out for a new pantheon. For new gods to be elected, the Godhark must be assembled.

Readers ages 13 and above will enjoy this 248-page graphic novel that is beautifully illustrated, action-packed, high fantasy adventure!

Written & Illustrated by: Sean Kyle Manaloto

Available at Hot Tropiks: https://hottropiks.com/products/godhark-by-sean-kyle-manaloto

 

TWINKLE, TWINKLE by Tori Tadiar

MANILA: THE GOLDEN AGE. Twins Alta and Signa work at the theaters until dawn day in and day out. It's a grind until the next starfall, when they use their magical ability to see and catch falling stars, hoping to sell them to a mysterious patron. But when their sister Hanan becomes an up-and-coming singer catapulted to stardom, the twins discover that catching falling stars may cost more than what they bargained for.

Written & Illustrated by: Tori Tadiar

Available at Hot Tropiks: https://hottropiks.com/products/twinkle-twinkle-by-tori-tadiar

ALANDAL by Jay Ignacio and Alex Niño

Islas Filipinas, 1774--Sabina, the twelve year old daughter of a Spanish conquistador in exile, gets abducted by Iranun pirates and taken to the island of Jolo. Once there, Sabina discovers her true identity, as the granddaughter of the Sultan of Sulu. There, she meets a mysterious swordsman named Alandal.

Written by Jay Ignacio Illustrated by Alex Niño

Available at Hot Tropiks: https://hottropiks.com/products/alandal-by-jay-ignacio-and-alex-nino

So, what are you waiting for? Join us at PICOF 2024, explore the exciting world of comics, and don't forget to visit www.hottropiks.com for all your Filipino comic book needs. See you there!