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Nov

26

Sterling Komiks Turns a Corner

Filed Under Filipino Artists, Philippine Comics | 8 Comments

Martin Cadlum, a very strong driving force behind the revival of Komiks has left as Sterling Publishing’s Business Manager, leaving a lot of speculation as to his reasons, and the fate of Sterling Komiks.

I’ve met Martin and I know how progressive his mind can be when it comes to comics. He is open to new ideas, and new ways of doing things. We talked about the kinds of comics that will be produced and how such comics will be handled. I was thrilled at the possibilities.

I was rather surprised then, when I saw the comics that were published and saw komiks that could have been published back in the 1980′s. Indeed, when the industry declined in the early 90′s, it’s as if the people involved now in 2007, simply picked up where they had left off, ignoring the fact that comics in the Philippines has evolved in the last 20 years. Except for a few rare instances, hardly any young creator was hired to write or draw stories.

It is clear that Martin’s vision was overshadowed by a personality much more influential than him. And in this kind of situation, one has to give out.

I sincerely hope that Sterling Komiks continues, but I hope they would be more open to new ideas and new ways of doing comics. Indeed, a whole different mindset is required. Comics has to be regarded as something more than “cheap entertainment”. If that is how these komiks are perceived by it’s creators, then cheap is the kind of work that you will create. Respect is due komiks, and respect is due to it’s creators.

Although I am privy to a lot of what’s happening behind the scenes, I feel I don’t know enough to give a full and accurate picture. I do have to say that much of what I had written before on this blog turned out to be right, and I am simply overwhelmed and appalled at those things I have discovered since.

I can however say this:

-Young independent creators need not worry. If you are good enough and talented enough, your time will come sooner than you think.

-Now that komiks has returned, the time has now come for it to evolve. And it will.

-I am extremely excited at what 2008 will bring with regards to the Philippine komiks industry.

-This is not an ending. This is simply the beginning.

Mabuhay tayong lahat!

More here:

Breaking News: Sterling Komiks VP Resigns
http://komiks.ph/2007/11/25/breaking-news

KASISIMULA PA LANG, TINAPOS NA
http://usapang-komiks.blogspot.com/2007/11/kasisimula-pa-lang-tinapos-na.html

Comments

8 Responses to “Sterling Komiks Turns a Corner”

  1. Ed on November 27th, 2007 7:21 am

    Hmmm. I read the comments on Randy’s entry, reminded me of your old forums, Gerry. May anonymous na naman. Hehehehe. :D

    -ed

  2. martin cadlum on November 28th, 2007 12:30 am

    Hi Gerry,

    Im really sad that i needed to move on. I guess there are a lot of issues that has to be resolved if we really want Komiks to get back to its old form.

    I guess i maybe of more help to all now that im no longer connected to any entity. These past few weeks were the hardest in my 18 year career. I business i started and loved no longer is what it should be. The fall from dissillusionment is hard, in fact i have to be honest, i have been depressed prior to my resignation this weekend. I thank my Faith for keeping me strong.

    Somehow it must not end here, i know it can be done in a way that EVERYONE can be marketed to a mass base. Im in the process of having a veteran indie project launch. If it works maybe we can give the CJC line a run for its money. Im offering my help to other indie guys if they need me to market heir products. I will introduce them to key market players for distribution so they can negotiate on their own and if they would need me, i can help in whatever manner i can.

    Im not Sterling nor CJC with loads of resources, my biggest resource right now would be my contacts. I’ll give you a digital file of the first run when i get to it.

    I know this wont be the end, it actually opened new doors for me to help an Industry I love.

    Thanks for your candidness and hopefully, see you soon!

    Martin
    Free Man

  3. Gerry Alanguilan on November 28th, 2007 1:13 am

    Hello Martin!

    Thanks for passing by and letting me know of your situation. It’s hard to speculate sometimes, and it’s great hearing things from you directly. I’m aware of the projects you’re currently involved with as it also involves one of my best pals. And I think you and the komiks will be in good hands. I’m very glad that the experience hasn’t pushed you away from comics, and that it has apparently revitalized your enthusiasm for it.

    I’m very grateful that you have chosen to stick with comics. We all love comics and a lot of us want to do comics, but I still believe it had to take someone with the proper connections and resources, and genuine enthusiasm for comics to make the difference. You’re a huge part of why komiks is making such a tremendous renaissance today and I believe that it will continue to do so.

    Yes, please send me anything to my email. You can definitely count on my helping to promote these new comics profusely on this blog.

  4. jerwin sir on November 28th, 2007 10:30 am

    mga sir, kayo lang talaga inaasahan namin para maibalik ang industiyang ito. pero alam naman natin na napakapicky ang mga bagong artists and writers. mabuti na rin para hindi sila magamit. pero kaming mga baguhan ready kaming tumulong sa inyo kung ano man ang kailngan ninyo.

    pero ang pinakamalaking hadlang talaga sa nakikita ko ngayon is yung kawalan ng body to represent us. ang nakikita ko lang talagang solusyon ay magtatag ng bagong solid na grupo o asosasyon. si sir gerry lang naman ang nakikita natin na pwedeng tumayo dyan na maging tagapagsalita at boses ng makabagong komiks. kaya sir gerry gusto ko talaga kitang itulak dyan. sige na sir. lahat kami susuporta sa yo.

  5. Nerp on November 28th, 2007 12:07 pm

    mabuhay kayo mr martin, bibihira na ang mga taong may paninindigan dito sa pilipinas.

    tuloy ang adhikain ng mga komikeros!

  6. gilbert monsanto on November 28th, 2007 2:19 pm

    tuloy pa rin ang awit ng puso ko! hehehe.

  7. johnbecaro on November 28th, 2007 4:50 pm

    Labis akong humahanga sa desisyon nyu ngayun Sir Martin…At aasahan nyu ang suporta namin!

  8. auggie on November 28th, 2007 10:57 pm

    Cheer Up Mr.Cadlum ! it’s not the end of the world. New doors will open for you.