We just wrapped up our first San Diego Comic-Con, and let me tell you, it was both exhilarating and exhausting. We’re still recovering!

Setup and Preparation

Setup started on Tuesday and continued into Wednesday for preview night. Wednesday was especially intense, beginning at 6 am and not ending until 10 pm. Sleep? What’s that? We brought a vast array of titles, determined to represent the wide selection of komiks from the Philippines—it was quite the marathon.

Filipino Representation

Filipino representation at SDCC was off the charts. One highlight was a fantastic panel featuring Ely Buendia, Whilce Portacio, and the Kid Heroes crew announcing new DJ komiks and Eraserheads content. Who knew comic book announcements could make you feel like you’re at a rock concert?

Next Comic Art brought an incredible lineup from the Philippines, including Jiggy, Manix Abrera, Jim Jimenez, Andrew Drillon, Harvey Tolibao, Mico Suayan, Von Randal, Saowee, and Ellery Santos. It was like the Avengers of Filipino comic artists.

The launch of the Halo-Halo App, a new Filipino comics platform founded by Sharleen Sy, Apl.de.ap, and Whilce Portacio, was also a big hit. It features original works from komikeros around the world. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend because the line was around the block—twice.

The Buzz of SDCC

The Deadpool and Wolverine premiere had everyone buzzing. Apparently, superheroes can still steal the show. Oh, and speaking of stealing the show, Robert Downey Jr. announced his return to the MCU! Yes, Iron Man is making a comeback. Just when we thought things couldn’t get more exciting, there was even a fire in downtown San Diego—talk about a dramatic backdrop for the con.

Special Thanks

A huge thank you to Manix Abrera, Bong Redila, Nathan Cayanan, and Ebony Soy for stopping by our booth and signing autographs.

The turnout for Filipino komiks was incredible—people actually hunted down our booth like it was the Holy Grail!

• Meeting Genevieve from Le Petit Elephant

• Seeing Randy Ribay Author of Avatar Roku Novel

• Spotting Mitch Narito who plays Donkey Doug on The Good Place!

As SDCC newbies, we didn’t have a team of relievers, so Nadine and I manned the booth the entire time. We’re pretty sure we set a new record for most hours standing in one spot. Despite this, our booth mates, The Realest Bayani and Savi, made the experience worthwhile.

Till next year! Pinoy Komiks and Children’s Lit 🚀

- Angelo & Nadine 

 

Congratulations to our Tuttle x Hot Tropiks Raffle Winner Christine!

We hope you enjoy Arnold Arre's work. He's an amazing inspiration for Filipino komikeros all around the world. 

If you guys are interested in discovering more about Arnold Arre, please check out his collection here.

 

New Product Releases & Product Highlights

• Manix Abrera Signed a few extra copies of Kikomachine 15 & 16 they are up on the store now for grabs!

New Filipino Children's Lit Alert!

• "Alpabetong Filipino" is a delightful children's book that introduces the Filipino alphabet with captivating illustrations and sample words, fostering cultural pride and early literacy for children aged 4 and up.