It’s much noisier here than I remember. There is a road outside that’s rather well used by public transportation, as well as private vehicles as it’s an important road that links into inner subdivisions. I’m kind of not used to the racket. The apartment we had was at the end of a dead end road where hardly any vehicles pass. It was quiet. All you could hear were chickens and birds. Here, it’s chickens, birds, cars, tricycles, jeeps, trucks, ambulant vendors, dogs, and the occasional crazed screaming guy. It almost got on my nerves once or twice, but thank goodness I had (and still have) a deadline that keeps me focused on my table.

About work… yes, although it will never be mentioned in ads and solicitations, I am currently inking Mark Millar and Leinil Francis Yu’s “Supercrooks” as well as Avenging Spiderman #5. I think I will talk a bit more about my inking job from now on because I was starting to realize that there’s no other way for people to know I actually worked on an upcoming book unless I talk about it. I realized (I guess I’ve known this for a long time), that inkers are never really mentioned in ads and other promotional material for comics. It never used to be this way. Time was I would look at ads and I would see who inked the book. And believe it or not, sometimes it was the deciding factor in me buying a particular comic. If I saw Terry Austin was inking for instance, even if I didn’t care for the writer or penciller or even the characters, I would probably have bought it. Not that I’m saying there would actually be people out there who will buy the book simply because I had inked it, but it would be nice if I got a mention.

From Comic Book Resources, here’s a page from the upcoming Supercrooks #1, coming out in March 2012!

I’m also inking another Leinil Yu project, an issue of Avenging Spider-Man for Marvel Comics. I don’t know yet what number it is, or other creative people involved, but I’m nevertheless excited that I’m getting to ink SPIDER-MAN. Oh man.

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I received an email asking me to audition for an ad for a drink product where I’ll be asked to play the typical energetic dad. Yes! It’s my chance for people to get sick of my face as the ad is played over and over in between people’s favorite TV shows. It’s a thrill to be asked, but really, it’s not my thing. As I’ve often mentioned before the videos on You Tube are simply stuff I do on my free time, and when I need to release some stress. It’s not something I want to do professionally.

More later.

This entry for January 2006 is probably the earliest post I had about Elmer. If you asked me back then what Elmer would accomplish in 2011 I would not have believed it. I’m very glad I’ve proven most importantly to myself that this is something I can really do. That this is something I can be doing for the rest of my life. That I’m not just wasting my time. For the longest time I truly felt insecure whether I can really do something worthwhile in comics.

Thank you to everyone who bought, borrowed, downloaded, read and supported Elmer in whatever way you did. You guys have my gratitude. I promise I will continue to write and draw my stories, no matter what happens.

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Of interest to long time readers of Wasted… you all probably know the background of that book, and why I made it. If not, you can read my account here.

After 21 long years, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with the girl who had caused me to do Wasted. I hadn’t seen her at all in all this time although we do correspond, albeit almost annually, via e-mail. It might sound dramatic, but the truth of it is, 21 years is a long time to carry hard feelings. I had gotten over her many many years ago, long before I even met my wife. Whatever fury and anger and drama that could have transpired had we meet soon after the break up seems to be almost laughable 21 years later.

We met, and we talked as friends, and it was great.

But I cannot deny that I would probably be a different person today without her. There would have been no Wasted, and I probably wouldn’t have pursued comics as hard as I did. So I’m grateful to her for that.

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I hardly drink anymore, but I have half a bottle of champagne to finish by midnight (courtesy of my French publisher). No more firecrackers for me! Happy New Year, and Be Safe Everyone! See you all in 2012!

When I set about to do "Where Bold Stars Go To Die", I had many objectives in mind. One objective that I haven't talked about until now is the nature of collaboration I had with Arlan Esmeña, and how I wish it would set an example of how "collaboration" in Philippine comics could be accomplished. I wrote the story, and Arlan provided all the designs and illustrations. Please bear in mind that "designs" and "illustrations" are two different things. Those two are often confused, and the confusion and misunderstanding often lead to artists getting taken advantage of.

"Design" is the act of coming up with the look of the characters and settings. This takes a lot of brainpower and patience to achieve. "Illustration" is the act of drawing those designs.

It is because Arlan was responsible for the designs of the characters and all the settings, I consider him a full co-creator of "Where Bold Stars Go to Die", and not simply a peon which I pay a page rate to draw my story.

Because I consider Arlan a co-creator, I have agreed to give him 50% of all profits made by Bold Stars, and today, I handed over 50% of all money I made from Bold Stars to Arlan's wife. (Arlan passed away in February 2010.)

I believe that to be the nature of collaboration in comics. It’s by no means the only kind of collaboration. It really depends on the creators involved, and how each creator contributes to the creation of the work.

I hope CJC and other komiks writers take this as an example of how a *true* collaboration is done in comics today: Writers and artists share in the creation, in credit, as well as compensation. I make it a point to say this because I just feel utterly bad for all their past “collaborators” who did all the designs and illustrations, and only got a page rate in return. They got none of the credit, and none of the further compensation those properties made and still continue to be made today.

I’m just glad that my last go at it was a very pleasant one, and I’ll come away from it with happy and memorable thoughts.

Here’s a tip for those who want someone from the comics industry to give a talk at your school, I strongly suggest you get Harvey Tolibao. Harvey has been making a name for himself as Marvel and now DC artist. It’s probably best to contact him through his Facebook page here. I recommend Harvey not only because he’s one of the most talented Filipino artist I’ve met in recent years, but he’s also one of the most entertaining talkers. Whenever I’m at an event where Harvey is slated to speak, I know I’ll have an awesome time just listening to him relating his stories. He’s a very funny, very entertaining storyteller.

That said, it doesn’t mean I’m giving up talks altogether. I’m still planning on doing my comics workshop here in San Pablo, which I’ve now moved to sometime in the summer, and I’ll continue to give talks at comics conventions whenever I’m asked to.

Click for Super Large Image

YES! The 3rd San Pablo City Comics Festival is finally happening. You may recall the first festival happened in 2003 at the Mariño Residence along Sampalok Lake. The second one in 2009 at Lion’s Club, also along Sampalok Lake.

This year, we’re changing venues once again, emphasizing another San Pablo landmark, the Ultimart Shopping Center. Long time residents of San Pablo cherish Ultimart as their very own mall. Recent renovations make it one of the best places for residents to hang out with its new pleasant design, excellent restaurants and shops.

The San Pablo City Comics Festival is presented by KOMIKERO Publishing and JONASDIEGO.COM in cooperation with the KOMIKERO Artist Group and the Graphic Literature Guild (GLG) of UPLB. Well,I guess I’m more of a figurehead than anything else. It’s Jonas Diego and his group that’s doing most of the legwork in the organization of this event, with me helping out in bits here and there. This festival is made possible by the incredible generosity and support of Ultimart itself, and the United Architects of the Philippines, San Pablo Chapter.

Special Guests include Pugad Baboy creator Pol Medina, and Kikomachine creator Manix Abrera.

For more information on this event including activities, contests, maps on how to get there, please head on over the official festival site below:

The 3rd San Pablo Comics Festival Website
http://sanpablocomicsfestival.blogspot.com/

Facebook Event Page. Click if you’re going! Thanks!
http://www.facebook.com/events/301393093220449/

National Book Store will be sending copies of ELMER 2nd Edition, and it will be sold at the Komikero Publishing table.

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Stalwarts of local comics hold 3rd Comics Festival in Laguna
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/blogs/geekspeak/stalwarts-local-comics-hold-3rd-comics-festival-laguna-155442489.html

The crowd at Komikon yesterday, right on top of this post, just to give you an idea of how crazy it was. I was taken quite by surprise by the sheer amount of people who showed up. Having gone to this thing for years, I have a fair idea of the amount of people who visit. The mornings are usually rather calm, with things picking up after lunch. But the crowd this time around was intense. From the moment the doors opened in the morning up until the event closed at 7pm, it was this crowded. I saw a lot of new faces, which is great!

Click for larger image.

That photo above represents the stash I got from Komikon. And to think I barely had time to leave my table and go around and buy stuff. These are the only things I managed to get, but this is by no means the entire output of the convention. From the looks of it, I probably got only less than 10% of new komiks being offered on the floor. I wish I could have gotten more, but that’s how it goes, I guess. It may seem like I’m complaining that I can’t break out of my table for long periods of time, but I’m really not. It was great so many came over to buy Elmer and Bold Star and my other stuff for sale, including some original artwork. It was great meeting everyone who came. I just wish I had more opportunity to go and buy stuff. After all, I’m still very much a fan myself.

The Tintin stuff over there are gifts from French journalist Laurent Melikian, who visited the Philippines specifically to attend Komikon. Isn’t that amazing?

With Laurent.

Laurent also brought with him the Prix Asie ACBD 2011 Trophy from my French publisher Editions Ca Et La.

Here are more photos from the event.

The calm before the storm.

The line outside.

Tepai Pascual.

Doc Carlo Jose San Juan taking a break from his medical duties to sell his comic book… about a doctor and a talking duck?

Law Student Teddy Pavon cramming for a test before selling the print version of his webcomic Work in Progress.

Johnny Danganan sells comic books that features Johnny Balbona, a character I created based on him.

Melvin and Joanah Tinio Calingo

Komiks veterans Jun Lofamia and Bert Lopez

Komiks veteran Rico Rival

Yes, I brought my work seat to the con. Got a problem with that? :D

Storm and Beast!

With Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah creator Carlo Vergara

On stage with Komikon organizer/host Sherry Baet Zamar

Hey, Baby! With Ariel Atienza, Tony De Zuniga and Lyndon Gregorio

Heubert Khan Michael, Wilson Tortosa and Edgar Tadeo

With Leinil Francis Yu and Edgar.

GMA 7 Video Coverage:

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

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KOMIKON Coverage Links

Blog Coverage from The Comics Cube
Blog Coverage from NSW Online
Blog Coverage from Inside a Cat’s Mind
Plain Random Blog Coverage
Ika-Siyam Blog Coverage
Carina’s Words Blog Coverage
Mel Casipit’s Blog Coverage
NonSensical Words Blog Coverage Part 1
Nonsensical Words Blog Coverage Part 2 (Photos!)
JB Casacop Blog Coverage
Work in Progress Blog Coverage
Teardrop’s Photo Coverage

So much new KOMIKS coming out at Komikon. Here is but a sampling of Macoy’s site. If anyone out there still thinks Komiks are dead in the Philippines, then they’re just plain STUPID.

Although I’m still promoting Elmer and selling Bold Stars, I do have new stuff coming out. And it’s crazy. It’s the return of Johnny Balbona!

Johnny will be making an appearance in Komikero Komiks Anthology #8, to be sold at Jonas Diego’s table. Oh yeah, here’s a map of the venue itself so you can much more easily find us.

Click for Larger Image

Here’s Ariel Atienza and Lyndon Gregorio, two of the Komikon organizers in a radio appearance yesterday, promoting the event.

Video by Mark Cerbo

As I mentioned, the amount of komiks coming out is INSANE. I wish to buy them all, but of course, I wouldn’t be able to. If I don’t buy your comic book, it’s nothing personal. Keep in mind that there’s only so much I can buy and there are specific things that I really wish to get. I’m really looking forward to Edgar Tadeo’s Jacara Zar, Gio Paredes’ Kalayaan Volume 1 TPB, Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo’s Trese Book 4, Gilbert Monsanto’s new stuff…. and so many more.

I wish I have a bit of time to go around. Since I don’t have a new release, I think I can afford to wander the venue a bit. Yes, I’m really excited for today! See you all there!

More info on Komikon (What, where, when): http://komikon.org

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Hopefully, the comments are working now. If not, you can always leave comments at my Facebook Page here.

Click for Larger Image

Thanks to Komikon for making me a guest this year. That probably means I’ll get to do stuff at the event. I don’t know what that is yet, but I’m ready for anything. National Book Store is a co-presentor this year, and since they published ELMER 2nd Edition, copies can be bought at their booth, which shouldn’t be too far from my table. For my part, I’ll be selling “Where Bold Stars Go To Die”, although admittedly, I only have a few copies left. I’ll be letting go a few original pages from Superior and Ultimate Avengers for a vastly reduced Komikon-only price, for those who have been wanting to buy original comic book art but couldn’t afford to.

I’ll be scampering like mad to finish my short Johnny Balbona story in the next few days which will go into the newest issue of Komikero Komiks Anthology. This is the craziest Johnny Balbona has ever been, and I can’t wait to unleash him. This anthology will be sold at Jonas Diego’s table.

For those who wish to go, the Komikon is going to be held at the Bayanihan Center in Pasig. I really like this venue because it feels like a tiny San Diego Convention Center. It’s large, it’s cool, far easier to access than previous venues, and best of all the comfort rooms are CLEAN. As in utterly CLEAN. Yep, nothing’s too good for my ass.

Click here for instructions how to get there.

I wanted to share this video I came up with back in 2006. A lot has changed since then, but I wanted to present it as is in an effort to remain objective. I wish I could update it and include the numerous other creators I’ve unintentionally left out and all those new creators who have come in since then, but it may take a far longer song than this one to get them all in. Nevertheless, this video still evokes some very strong emotions in me whenever I see it.

Yes, whatever quirks and warts and controversies and dramas Philippine komiks may have, I still just love it to death. See you at Komikon!

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Yes, comments are disabled on this site for now because the commenting system is broken. Damn you, WordPress. In the meantime, you can leave comments at my Facebook page here.

Creating comics take an incredible amount of time to do. I spent years just doing Elmer and now I’m spending years just trying to get Dr. Rizal off the ground. On top of that is the inking jobs from Marvel that take even far longer to do. Before I go on I must say that I’m NOT complaining. I love the job. I’m just stating the fact that being in comics takes up an incredible amount of time in my day.

I can no longer count the numerous times I had to beg off invitations to talks, meetings, events, conventions, trips, etc. because I just didn’t have the time. There are meetings I suddenly can’t go to, projects that I can longer commit to, because I have to stay home and work. It’s hard to explain sometimes and make people understand. Like yesterday was a Sunday. I had a meeting for a school reunion, and I could no longer attend because I needed to finish pages. Today is a holiday, but I’m still working.

PICCA, the Philippine International Cartoons and Comics Festival is still ongoing and I used to have an active role in it, but again, due to work, I’ve had to decline further participation because I just could no longer spare the time. PICCA by the way, happens at the end of this month.

It’s also why there have been less San Pablo Comics Festivals than I would have normally liked. I just can no longer commit to organizing it. I can’t attend the meetings, I can’t manage the various little things needed to be done to make such a festival go forward.

I was invited to France for a three week tour for Festivals and Conventions because of the nominations that ELMER had gotten at such events. But I knew I had a lot of work I had to do, and I couldn’t afford to take off for three weeks. I was feeling poorly earlier on and that contributed to that as well. But sickness or no, I still had to work.

Once again let me reiterate. I’m NOT complaining. I don’t regret missing out on a lot of these things. In the end, they all fall secondary to what I really want to do, and that is create comics. My focus has always been creating comics. It’s what I love to do, and I must apologize to everyone if I choose it over everything else (well, except family that is).