Unlocking the Secrets of "Dasig": How a Filipino-American Comic Book Raised $11,017 on Kickstarter to Create a Martial Arts Masterpiece

Kickstarter campaigns have become a powerful tool for creators to turn their artistic visions into reality, connecting with a global audience eager to support unique and innovative projects. One such success story is "Dasig," a Kickstarter campaign that brought a Philippine martial arts graphic novel to life, taking root in the vibrant city of San Francisco, CA. With the support of 140 backers, "Dasig" successfully raised $11,017, exceeding its initial goal of $10,000. In this article, we delve into the world of "Dasig," exploring its captivating story, artistic influences, cultural significance, and the creative minds behind it.

Creative Team Behind "Dasig"

Story Developer & Producer: Kristian Kabuay
Writer: Lauren Lola 
Artist: Ponsi Alfonso 
Martial Arts Choreographer and Weapons Consultant: Jacob Ira
Layout and Art Direction: Joe Aquilizan

At its heart, "Dasig" is a coming-of-age story that follows the journey of a young warrior-in-training named Dasig. Set in a richly detailed world, the narrative revolves around Dasig's quest to find her purpose and inner strength as she grapples with the profound question posed by her chief, Datu: Why does she wish to become a warrior? However, her introspection is interrupted when an unforeseen threat emerges from an unknown land, putting her homeland in peril.

As the Datu prepares for battle, Dasig is confronted with the daunting task of defending her people. Her character growth is intertwined with her people's struggle for survival, making "Dasig" a universal tale of self-discovery and resilience. Drawing inspiration from historical events in Philippine history and cultural practices, the graphic novel bridges the gap between past and present, addressing contemporary issues and aspirations.

Interview with Kristain Kabuay 

Hot Tropiks had a chance to sit down with Kristian Kabuay and chat about the creation of Dasig.

Hot Tropiks: What inspired the creation of Dasig and its connection to Philippine history and culture? Are there specific works or artists that influenced you?

Kristian Kabuay: I've been in the art and education scene for over ten years, and Dasig is like the next chapter of that journey, blending education with entertainment - edutainment. When I was a kid, I was heavily into comics, especially those with a darker edge, like Frank Miller's "Dark Knight." That kind of storytelling and art really spoke to me. "Lone Wolf and Cub" was another big one for me – an epic manga series that had that slow-burn feel with heavy character development. With Dasig, I wanted to capture that cinematic feel because it was initially supposed to be an animated film.

Hot Tropiks: Can you highlight some contemporary themes and challenges explored in "Dasig," and how do they relate to today's issues and aspirations?

Kristian Kabuay: Rituals, martial arts, tattooing, and identity are pivotal in the story and echo modern struggles with acceptance, coming of age, and societal good.

Hot Tropiks: How did you blend various artistic influences, such as works or artists, to create a unique visual style for the comic?

Kristian Kabuay: There was a lot of compromise of ideas. As the project leader, I had to stick to the original intent so that we didn’t get distracted.

Hot Tropiks: Can you tell us about the decision to start with a graphic novel, your long-term goals for "Dasig" as a storytelling platform, and your experience with Kickstarter in achieving your backing goal?

Kristian Kabuay: The graphic novel was a pivot when funding for the animated film didn’t happen. I thought that we could take the path of Trese, which started as a graphic novel. The long-term goal is to have Dasig made into a film, animated or live-action. There are no current plans for a part 2, but perhaps it will connect to other stories I’m developing since the original story was part sci-fi.

Conclusion

As "Dasig" explores the rich tapestry of Philippine culture, it must strike a delicate balance between educating and entertaining, while also addressing issues of cultural appropriation and exploitation. The creators hope that "Dasig" will ignite curiosity and encourage a deeper exploration of Filipino culture and its historical significance, fostering respect and appreciation for the traditions it portrays.

Dasig is available now via https://dasig.ph/