It’s all part of the “exclusive” type definition that I’m very much against. The point of view does not recognize that we are a nation with a diverse culture, language, social status, and heritage.

Such is the beauty of the COMICON sa UP — kahit anong komiks na gawa dito considered Pinoy komiks. It probably reflects the more open thinking and global thinking of the (presumably) younger organizers.

I bet they’ll be hiring the “cheapest” artist they can find as well.

Why do I have a feeling that Komiks Congress is yet again another fan club existing only to indulge its own members?

I’m not saying that dont put the word out on the old masters, they’re brilliant and an effort should be made at compiling their works into a book.

I’m all for for exposure, I just hope that what they plan to do and achieve is more than just backtracking towards the past. More than ever, I believe, we should treat komiks like we would any other art form. With respect of content and medium.

It just puts into focus the limited way in which “komiks” is perceived, specially by some in the older generation. To them, komiks has to come out regularly, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, it should be in tagalog, and it should be cheap, and it should appeal to the masses.

If a comic book does not fall within those qualifications, it is not essential and insignificant.

It limits the idea of what a “comic book” can be, preventing the form from growing and evolving.

Comics can be so much more.

A comics story can be told completely in a few issues, compiled, sold at bookstores, and printed ad infinitum as demand requires, which is what we have done.

Comics can also be one shot books, sold at bookstores ad infinitum as demand requires, which is what we have done.

Comics need not be a periodical that comes out on a regular basis. I’m sure many of us never made it an objective to come out with our work on a monthly basis.

These are things that has never been done with the old komiks. You don’t see compilations of their stories in bookstores being kept in print. But it would be great if that would happen.

Regardless of these characteristics so different from the old komiks, our work is *still* komiks, with considerable impact on Filipino pop culture, ZsaZsa Zaturnnah being only one example.

If there is anything the younger generation can teach the older is to open their minds to the potential of the comic book form, that comics need not be limited to a particular format, that comics has the potential for so much more than what is currently accepted.

I have a few points that I’d like to get across. The frustrations that you’ve felt at being marginalized,intentional or not,is understandable. After all, these past decade or so when ‘komiks’ was at an hiatus, so to speak, you and a bunch of creators have pick up the slack and produce a number of excellent alternatives. Your perseverance has somewhat kept the boat afloat. My take on this perceived snub by some of the ‘older’ generation creators is, maybe, the consistency and output of these younger generation creators. These old Komiks writers/artists churn out an astounding amount of work. They do so every WEEK, akin to those Japanese manga. This is what keeps the readers interested. While not all of them are good, you get a few gems every now and then. Aside from a few graphic novels and short stories, too far and few between, what younger generation comic creator can boast of producing a monthly, never mind weekly, title on a consistent basis? I’m not talking about those ‘manga-inspired’ mini comics, which has a market of its own. i’m an older reader(40),But I still remember those komiks of yesteryear. I still buy new comics a lot, so I’m not just whistling dixie. I support any efforts to ‘revive’ the comic industry, new and old. Just show me a good product and I will buy it, never mind the hole in my wallet. That’s my piece. Thanks for the chance for me to say it.