ANAHEIM, CA — March 2026 — Hot Tropiks, a small press and distributor specializing in books from the Philippines, will present new graphic novels, creator signings, and children’s books at WonderCon 2026, taking place March 27–29 at the Anaheim Convention Center. The lineup includes the English-language release of the award-winning graphic novel Josefina, the newest installment of the science fiction series Maharlika Volume 3, several comics making their U.S. and WonderCon debut, and children’s books from Adarna House, one of the most influential publishers in the Philippines.

The appearance comes at a moment of growing international recognition for the Philippine publishing industry. The Philippines has been named Guest of Honor at the 2025 Frankfurter Buchmesse, the world’s largest book fair, highlighting the rising global visibility of Filipino authors, illustrators, and publishers.

WonderCon, one of the largest pop culture conventions on the U.S. West Coast, brings together tens of thousands of fans of comics, graphic novels, film, animation, and gaming each year. Attendees can visit Hot Tropiks at Booth SP-43 to discover Filipino komiks, meet creators, and explore contemporary storytelling from the Philippines and the Filipino diaspora.

“Filipino komiks are reaching new audiences around the world,” said Angelo Mendez, founder of Hot Tropiks. “WonderCon is an opportunity to introduce readers to the creativity and range of storytelling coming out of the Philippines today.”

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New Releases

Josefina — An English Translation

Written by Russell L. Molina and illustrated by Ace C. Enriquez, Josefina is an award-winning graphic novel set during World War II in the Philippines. Originally published by Anino Comics / Adarna House, the book won Best Graphic Novel in Filipino at the 41st National Book Awards. The English edition is published by Hot Tropiks and printed in the United States.

Maharlika Volume 3

Written by Rexy Dorado with art by John Ray Bumanglag, the science fiction series Maharlika continues its six-volume saga exploring alternate histories and political intrigue in a futuristic Philippines. The book is published by Raygun Press and co-published in North America by Hot Tropiks.

Philippine Spirits Creature Map

Hot Tropiks will also debut the Philippine Spirits Creature Map, a visual guide to mythical creatures from across the Philippine archipelago. Inspired by Filipino mythology found in Mythica Obscura, the map highlights legendary beings connected to different regions of the Philippines.

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WonderCon Debuts

Suspicious Activity by Nathan Cayanan (Hot Tropiks) — a crime graphic novel set in Southern California’s San Gabriel Valley and nominated for the Eric Hoffer Book Award.

Maloles: The Reckoning Vol. 1 — Keeper of the Underworld by Ebony Soy (Hot Tropiks) — a dark fantasy graphic novel rooted in mythology and folklore.

Night Gate by Lucia Asul (Raygun Press) — an urban horror-fantasy story set in a city torn apart by war.

Thank You and More Power by Rexy Dorado and Sampay (Raygun Press) — a superpowered action story about corporate drugs that unlock extraordinary abilities.

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Adarna House Brings Filipino Children’s Books to WonderCon

Hot Tropiks will also spotlight Filipino children’s books, including titles from Adarna House, one of the most influential children’s publishers in the Philippines. The booth will feature picture books and early readers from several Philippine publishers, offering families and educators in the United States rare access to Filipino children’s literature.

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Creator Appearances

Rexy Dorado — Saturday (traveling from the Philippines)
Filipino komiks writer and founder of Raygun Press, creator of the science fiction graphic novel series Maharlika.

Ebony Soy — Sunday
Filipina American artist and writer, Justice + Equity Chair at 11:11 A Creative Collective, and creator of the dark fantasy graphic novel Maloles: The Reckoning.

Nathan Cayanan — Friday through Sunday
Filipino American writer and illustrator, a DC Comics Milestone Initiative alum and creator of the Eric Hoffer Book Award–nominated crime graphic novel Suspicious Activity.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the creators and have books signed during the convention.

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About Hot Tropiks

Hot Tropiks is a Filipino-focused small press and distributor based in Southern California dedicated to promoting Filipino storytelling and creative culture through books, graphic novels, and media.

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Visit Hot Tropiks at WonderCon 2026 — Booth SP-43

Media inquiries:
Hot Tropiks
info@hottropiks.com
www.hottropiks.com