Tags: Graphic Arts, Visual arts
By Alexander Villafania
PASIG CITY, METRO MANILA – Gone are the days when comic books used to be sold weekly at news stands and cost just a peso – or 25 centavos if you’re just “renting” them. Nowadays, you can read them on the Internet or download them on your tablet PC.
But while the comic book panels of the past have gone to obscurity, natural selection in the comic book industry has brought about a new breed of comic book artists who have changed the visual art form into a world-spanning enterprise.
Some of these new generation of Filipino artists were present at the recently held Komikon 2011. Already in its fifth year, the annual convention of Filipino comic book artists and enthusiasts has brought new artists into the mix
Lyndon Gregorio of “Beerkada” fame says that Filipino comic book artistry has improved through the years, thanks to the availability of better technology that allows artists to break the limits of two-dimensional or 2D drawings.
He believes young artists are honing their craft through various means to draw the attention of readers. “Readership is still strong especially since artists are their own marketers and they have a faithful fan base who are always excited for the next installment of their favorite comics,” he says.
Lyndon points out that visual styles are being employed based on multiple sources, be it foreign or local. The idea is to cater to new types of comic book consumers who want also want to see experiments in visual artistry.
And speaking of digital, Paolo Fabregas, who created the “League of Filipino Heroes”, says artists are finding it easier to look for other “spaces” or platforms to sell their creations beyond print.
For instance, his group has developed a Facebook application that gives out free digital comic books. “There are now different ways to get access to comics and digital is just one of them. Eventually, more comics would be read through smartphones and tablet PCs.”
Pol Medina, Jr., the creator of the popular “Pugad Baboy” series, says that topics for comic book artists have grown extensively especially with more people getting access to various news sources. This gives an opportunity to tap into the mindset of certain types of readers who may have opinions on a given topic.
“It won’t get boring especially when you have always have something to say about certain stories you’ve read or heard,” he says.
In terms of genre, what seem to be the Filipino artists’ favorite ones are superheroes from local mythology, mixed with nationalism – a fact agreed by Lyndon himself.
“It’s a topic that’s strong among our artists and shows how much pride we have for local stories. This is something that we hope will further be developed,” he says.
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