Hot Tropiks Brings IsTorya Studio’s Artist-Driven Books to North America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hot Tropiks Brings IsTorya Studio’s Artist-Driven Books to North America

MENIFEE, CA — May 2025 — Hot Tropiks, the leading distributor of Filipino komiks and cultural books in the U.S., is proud to announce it is now carrying a curated selection of titles from IsTorya Studio, the independent publishing initiative led by acclaimed Filipino artists Rodel Tapaya and Marina Cruz.

Based in Guiguinto, Bulacan, IsTorya Studio was founded to create space for artist-led publishing in the Philippines. Tapaya and Cruz—known for their internationally recognized visual art—launched the project to explore storytelling beyond the canvas and expand access to printed matter across communities.

Their debut series, Tagpo, includes five limited-run books from artists Cruz, Tapaya, Rox Lee, Archie Oclos, and Doktor Karayom. Each title offers a bold and personal take on Filipino life, told through unique combinations of visual narrative, fine art, and social commentary.

What makes IsTorya different is its commitment to accessibility: using single-color printing to reduce costs, participating in zine and comics fairs instead of formal art circuits, and offering a publishing platform to artists, writers, and musicians often overlooked by traditional media. Their goal is simple—make printed stories available to everyday people, not just collectors or gallery goers.

“This partnership reflects our mission to support fresh, original stories from the Philippine tropics and beyond,” said Angelo Mendez, founder of Hot Tropiks. “We believe in what IsTorya is doing—amplifying new voices and giving artists room to speak outside their main practice.”

IsTorya books are now available online at www.hottropiks.com and will be featured at upcoming pop-ups and cultural events across California.

For wholesale inquiries, event collaborations, or press opportunities, contact info@hottropiks.com.

About Hot Tropiks
Hot Tropiks is the leading U.S. distributor of Filipino komiks, children’s books, and cultural media. Founded in 2023, the company champions bold storytelling and creative expression from the tropics—connecting global audiences to fresh, original voices from the Philippines and beyond.