What’s up ya’ll. I often get asked why I like Filipino komiks so much and which ones people should start reading.

First off, my name is Angelo. I’m the founder of Hot Tropiks, the leading distributor and publisher of Filipino komiks and graphic novels in North America. For simplicity, I’ll just call them komiks.

So why komiks?

For me, they were a deeper look into our culture. These stories are not the versions of the Philippines you usually see in mainstream media. Most komiks are created by individuals or small teams, not corporations. They exist because someone had a story they needed to tell, not a product they needed to sell.

Komiks are also one of the few visual mediums where the Philippines can compete globally. The only real limitation is the creator’s imagination. You don’t need a massive production budget to build a world.

Growing up, a lot of Filipino or Filipino-American media I encountered focused on struggle. The narrative was always about survival or resilience. I knew there had to be more to Filipino storytelling than that.

Filipino komiks was that discovery.

These stories felt bold, strange, funny, political, romantic, sometimes dark… but above all they were great stories, not only “Filipino stories.”

If you want to go down this rabbit hole with me, here are a few titles I’d recommend.

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Trese

Creators: Budjette Tan (writer), Kajo Baldisimo (artist)
Genre: Urban fantasy / Filipino mythology

Trese was my gateway.

I first heard about the series when Netflix announced they were adapting it into an animated show. The pitch alone sold me: Filipino legends, dark occult mysteries, and a supernatural Manila.

I immediately started hunting down the books before the Avenida reprints came out.

This is the series that hooks people. The Netflix show was decent, but the books go much deeper. They build a version of Manila that feels lived in and real.

Also the ultimate villain in the series, the Madam, is basically a thinly veiled version of Imelda Marcos.

How’s that for getting meta?

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Halina Filipina

Creator: Arnold Arre
Genre: Romance / Manila slice of life

Halina Filipina hits very close to home for me.

The story follows Chris, a Filipino hipster film critic, as he shows a Fil-Am girl named Halina around Manila. But not the tourist version. The underground Manila. The Manila that creatives fall in love with.

I relate to both characters.

I remember the first time I visited Manila and felt like I was discovering my people for the first time. Later, after living there for 20 years, I also became the guy who knew every hidden spot and strange corner of the city.

This book feels like a rom-com version of that experience.

If you like High Fidelity, you’ll probably love this.

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Death Be Damned

Creators: Mike Alcazaren, Noel Pascual, AJ Bernardo
Genre: Horror / political satire

This one is wild.

Death Be Damned is an “eat the rich” zombie story where exploited farm workers literally rise from the dead and revolt against their haciendero landlords.

It’s brutal, funny, and political all at the same time.

The art is stunning and the characters feel real.

I originally read the Filipino version, Patay Kung Patay, and thought it was hilarious. When I later read the English translation, the tone hit differently.

It’s bloody. Really bloody.

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Sixty Six

Writer: Russell Molina
Artist: Ian Sta. Maria
Genre: Superhero / slice of life

Sixty Six has one of the best premises in Filipino comics.

A lolo suddenly gains superpowers at the age of 66.

That alone is worth the price of admission.

But the real magic is how well the creators capture Manila neighborhoods and everyday life. It’s a superhero story, but also a warm story about family and community.

Basically imagine Superman lolo trying to deal with local kids on something like meth and street chaos.

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The Mythology Class

Creator: Arnold Arre
Genre: Fantasy / Filipino mythology

The Mythology Class is the one.

This graphic novel helped bring Filipino myths and folklore into the modern era.

The story follows a group of UP students who accidentally release creatures from Philippine mythology into the real world after joining a mysterious class taught by Mrs. Enkanta.

Now they have to track them all down.

If you like Stranger Things or The Goonies, you’ll probably enjoy this.

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Elmer

Creator: Gerry Alanguilan
Genre: Literary / social commentary

Elmer might be the greatest Filipino komik ever made.

The premise is simple but powerful.

One day chickens gain human-level intelligence. As they try to integrate into human society, they face discrimination and prejudice.

Sound familiar?

This is the rare “struggle story” that actually works for me.

It’s smart, emotional, and incredibly well written.

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Rodski Patotski

Creators: Gerry Alanguilan (writer), Arnold Arre (artist)
Genre: Comedy / action

This book is two masters collaborating.

Rodski is basically a girl genius who gets recruited by the Philippine military at a young age to become a weapon of mass destruction.

But like most kids, she refuses to listen to authority.

Chaos follows.

The book is hilarious, and Arnold Arre’s art style here is completely different from his other work. He really shows off with the full color pages.

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Josefina

Writer: Russell Molina
Artist: Ace Enriquez
Genre: Historical fantasy / horror

Josefina won the National Book Award for Best Graphic Novel in Filipino.

The story takes place during World War II.

A manananggal becomes an unlikely protector fighting against both Japanese occupiers and Filipino collaborators.

In a moment when humans act like monsters, a monster becomes the most human character in the story.

The Tagalog edition is currently out of print, but Hot Tropiks will be releasing an English translation soon.

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Sa Wala

Creator: Renren Galleno
Genre: Literary / supernatural drama

Sa Wala is another masterpiece.

The story follows a struggling family man who finds what he believes is a lucky gamecock.

The rooster brings him success in the underground sabong scene.

But the animal is clearly something else.

It’s like making a deal with the devil… except the devil is a fighting cock.

Renren Galleno later became a Pulitzer Prize finalist for her work at the Washington Post.

Not bad for a komiks creator.

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Twinkle, Twinkle

Creator: Tori Tadiar
Genre: Fantasy / historical fiction

Twinkle, Twinkle is gorgeous.

The story takes place in a magical version of Manila during the city’s architectural golden age. Art deco buildings, glowing streets, and a sense of wonder.

Two siblings search for their missing sister using mysterious star magic and music.

The artwork is stunning.

This was the book that helped Tori Tadiar break through internationally. She now works with major studios, including Disney.

One of my favorite things about this book is seeing historic Manila buildings restored in real life today.

It’s like watching the world of the comic slowly come back to life.

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Filipino komiks are one of the most exciting storytelling traditions in Southeast Asia. From mythology and horror to romance and literary fiction, they offer a unique window into Filipino culture and imagination. If this list sparked your curiosity, welcome to the rabbit hole.

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FAQ

What are Filipino komiks?

Filipino komiks are comic books and graphic novels created in the Philippines. The medium dates back to the early 20th century and often blends mythology, history, social commentary, and everyday Filipino life.

What is the difference between komiks and comics?

“Komiks” is simply the Filipino spelling of comics. In the Philippines, the term usually refers to locally created comic books and graphic novels.

What Filipino komiks should I start with?

Some great starting points include Trese, The Mythology Class, Elmer, and Halina Filipina. These books show the range of Filipino storytelling, from mythology and fantasy to literary and slice-of-life stories.

Where can I buy Filipino komiks in North America?

Many Filipino komiks are available through Hot Tropiks, a distributor and publisher bringing Filipino graphic novels to readers in North America.

Are Filipino komiks available in English?

Yes. Many modern Filipino komiks are published in English or bilingual editions, and more classic titles are gradually being translated for international readers.

Why are Filipino komiks important?

Filipino komiks offer unique perspectives on Filipino culture, folklore, politics, and everyday life. They represent one of Southeast Asia’s strongest traditions of visual storytelling.