Women in Contemporary Komiks: How Katrina Olan, Bambi Eloriaga-Amago, and Nida Gatus-Ramirez Are Leading the Way

The world of Filipino komiks is evolving, with a new wave of women creators, writers, and publishers reshaping the industry with fresh perspectives, innovative storytelling, and diverse themes. Among them, Katrina Olan, Bambi Eloriaga-Amago, and Nida Gatus-Ramirez stand out for their contributions across genres like sci-fi, horror, personal narratives, and publishing. These women are not only producing groundbreaking works but are also ensuring that Filipino stories reach broader audiences worldwide.

Katrina Olan: Redefining Filipino Sci-Fi

Science fiction has traditionally been dominated by Western and Japanese narratives, but Katrina Olan is proving that the Philippines has a place in the genre. Her novel Tablay brings together Filipino mythology, mecha warfare, and futuristic storytelling, setting the stage for a unique sci-fi experience.

Tablay follows a futuristic Philippines where human-piloted mechs fight against an alien invasion. Initially published as a novel in 2019, it has since expanded into a graphic novel and an audio drama, proving the power of Filipino storytelling across multiple formats.

Beyond Tablay, Olan has collaborated with artists like Ian Sta. Maria and Whilce Portacio on projects such as Makina and Sagittarius, further pushing the boundaries of Filipino sci-fi. Her work challenges the notion that sci-fi must adhere to Western conventions, proving that Filipino creators can develop original, globally relevant narratives.

Olan is carving a space for Filipino sci-fi in contemporary komiks by blending history, technology, and national identity into narratives that appeal to local and international audiences alike. Her works serve as an essential read for fans looking for a fresh take on the genre.

Bambi Eloriaga-Amago: A Master of Genre-Blending

Bambi Eloriaga-Amago has showcased an impressive ability to work across genres, from deeply personal narratives to supernatural horror. As a writer, editor, and former Questor Magazine editor-in-chief, her contributions to Filipino komiks span manga adaptations, original works, and personal storytelling.

One of her most significant works is Doobiedoo Asks, a graphic novel inspired by her family's journey with autism. This book was an official selection at the Philippine International Comics Festival (PICOF) and won Best Pitch at the 2021 Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC). By tackling autism awareness in komiks, Doobiedoo Asks breaks barriers in representation and sheds light on neurodiverse families.

At the other end of the spectrum, Eloriaga-Amago explores horror through Carnal Tales: Cautionary Tales from a Filipino Childhood. This collection of short stories blends childhood superstitions, supernatural creatures, and Filipino folklore, bringing the eerie and mystical elements of local myths to life. Illustrated by her husband Roland Amago, Carnal Tales presents Filipino horror through a manga-inspired aesthetic, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Eloriaga-Amago has also worked on manga adaptations, including Toradora! and It Started With a Kiss, proving her ability to bring international narratives to Filipino readers. Her storytelling showcases the versatility of komiks, proving that the medium can carry both deeply personal and hauntingly dark narratives.

Nida Gatus-Ramirez: The Power Behind Filipino Publishing

While Olan and Eloriaga-Amago are pushing creative boundaries, Nida Gatus-Ramirez has made her mark behind the scenes as a publisher, ensuring that Filipino creators have a platform to tell their stories. As the former publishing manager of Visprint, Inc., she was responsible for bringing Trese, Bob Ong’s works, and many other Filipino bestsellers into the mainstream.

At Visprint, she fought for fair contracts, creator rights, and wider distribution, making sure that local komiks and literature could reach a broader audience. Her efforts helped transform Visprint into one of the most influential publishing houses in the Philippines.

When Visprint closed in 2020, Gatus-Ramirez founded Avenida Books, a publishing house dedicated to continuing her work. Avenida focuses on ensuring that Filipino authors and illustrators have a space to grow, while also embracing digital publishing and new forms of storytelling. Her efforts have ensured that Filipino komiks remain relevant and accessible in an ever-changing media landscape.

Without Gatus-Ramirez, many of today’s most beloved Filipino komiks and novels might not have found their audience. Her impact on contemporary komiks goes beyond publishing; she has actively shaped the industry by providing a platform for creators to thrive.

The Influence of Women in Contemporary Komiks

The contributions of these women highlight the diversity and evolution of the Filipino komiks industry:

• Katrina Olan is redefining Filipino sci-fi, proving that the genre has a place in komiks beyond Western and Japanese influences.
• Bambi Eloriaga-Amago is a master of genre, seamlessly shifting between personal narratives, horror, and manga adaptations.
• Nida Gatus-Ramirez has played a pivotal role in publishing, ensuring that Filipino creators have the support they need to bring their stories to the world.

Together, they represent the changing face of Filipino komiks—one that is more inclusive, innovative, and dynamic than ever before. Whether they are writing, illustrating, or publishing, these women are leading the way for future generations of storytellers.

About Hot Tropiks

This feature is brought to you by Hot Tropiks, the leading distributor of Filipino komiks and children’s literature in the USA. Dedicated to promoting Filipino culture through books and storytelling, Hot Tropiks connects Filipino creators with a global audience. Visit www.hottropiks.com to explore more Filipino stories.