‘Komiks,’ art, and more at Komiket

Komiket is a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing, growing, and promoting the Filipino komiks community. It’s known for publishing comic books, holding workshops and festivals, and, in the words of co-founder and president Paolo Herras, “creating spaces to make komiks accessible to readers.”

The upcoming Komiket Filipino Komiks Art Market is a celebration of creativity, bringing together komiks creators, artists, writers, illustrators, crafters, makers, and more. It’s a place where you can support local talent. Here you’ll find plenty of komiks, of course, but you can also buy merch, art, prints, stickers, and other great finds.

Here are just some of them.

‘Ang Dilaw Kong Tsinelas’ by Marbin Macalino

At Marbindamartian, the booth of Marbin Macalino, you’ll find his self-published children’s book called “Ang Dilaw Kong Tsinelas.”

“It’s the first ever storybook that I wrote and illustrated,” he said. “This started as an entry for Komiket’s Kommunity Kids back in 2023.”

“Ang Dilaw Kong Tsinelas” is a story that’s close to Macalino’s heart. “It was originally inspired by my late grandfather’s yellow slippers, which I now use since he died. He was a poet, and this is my way of paying tribute to him since he was one of my inspirations to pursue this passion and why I keep on honing my craft.”

He added, “I hope that I could do the same and inspire the young ones through my art.”

Macalino, a self-described kid at heart, promises a lot of fun, puns, and smiles at his booth (C2). You can also commission art from him there.

“Aside from the items that I sell, I also do on-the-spot SpeeDoodles for people who want to get their or their loved ones’ portraits done in my art style.”

‘Cyber Goddess RaveForce’ by GN Santiago

Pulsar Press Comics will be at Komiket at Table S4 and GN Santiago wants you to check out “Cyber Goddess RaveForce,” one of the group’s flagship titles.

Santiago said, “I’m excited about it because it is not a typical Filipino sci-fi comic, but more of a science fantasy comic. Imagine the goddess Mayari reincarnated as a cyborg and that cyborg body is actually from her mortal descendant prophesied to save the world from an impending evil force. It’s a whole new twist on Philippine mythology and historical legends.”

“Cyber Goddess RaveForce” is just one of the many titles you’ll find at the Pulsar Press Comics booth. “We have science-inspired comics from the Atomos imprint where major characters are based on elements on the periodic table and the mecha-mythology comics from Maou No Sekai,” said Santiago, adding, “We have comics for all ages—from kids to adults, we have something for everyone in the family!”

My Little Dachshund

My Little Kites also participated at Komiket Pride earlier this year, and at the event, the My Little Dachshund tin cans were their bestsellers. The adorable little dogs who live in their tiny tin can homes are Joyce Annastasha Sarao’s favorite creations so far. They’re inspired by her pet dachshund.

They’ll be available again at Komiket (booth C29). “I am excited to see more people fascinated with My Little Dachshund. It is very heartwarming especially when someone shares stories about their furry friends.”

You’ll also you find little handmade clay figures and pins, notes, and LGBT-related stickers “since my brand is to promote positivity and inclusivity.”

Sarao also promised, “I’ll give a free sticker to everyone who says hi.”

‘Over the Garden Wall’ fan art

At table EA5, named Lime x Jod x Gab, you’ll find Lime’s “Over the Garden Wall” fan art. “It’s old art but I’m excited about it because I feel like it’s made for this season.”

Lime also offers patterned art prints, notebooks, stickers, and pins. “They shouldn’t miss my new prints, stickers, and pins which will be sold for the first time in Komiket. If they love patterns, flora, fauna, journaling, and sticker-hoarding, they should come and drop by at EA5.”

Live commissions

Live commissions are a highlight at Wholesome On Wheels (booth S18), said Mabie Sison. “It gives people a photo booth experience with my handmade photo booth made from a recycled cardboard box. I love capturing people and pets in different shapes and sizes. It’s as if they are in the W.O.W. universe!”

But live commissions are just one part of the Wholesome On Wheels Komiket experience. “I offer so much more, including humorous and waterproof stickers, glittery postcards that you can display or give out to a friend, hand-painted notebooks made with love, and lastly, a self-printed comic about chasing my dreams in art. They come in different sizes and prices but one thing they have in common is that they are all made with love.”

You may find inspiration in Sison’s self-published, traditionally drawn, homemade comic book. “It tells the story of my transition from one career path to the career path of my dreams. I think this might inspire you to chase your passion as well, as mentioned by readers’ reviews.”

‘Rambo & Rocky’ by Moozle

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Dog lovers need to make a beeline for Moozle Co.’s booth (D25). There, you’ll find “Rambo & Rocky,” Moozle’s self-published comic that’s inspired by her super cute dogs. She describes it as “a passion project that combines my love for dogs and storytelling.”

“The comic follows Rambo and Rocky, two mischievous yet lovable dogs, determined to prove they can be the best boys ever! From resisting the urge to run away during bath time to mastering the art of staying calm during mealtime, these two pals face hilarious challenges in their journey to become ‘good boys.’”

Moozle said, “I believe this comic will be relatable to both first-time and experienced pet parents. I’m excited about ‘Rambo & Rocky’ because it allows me to share firsthand stories about my own dogs—everything in the comics reflects what’s happening in our house! Creating this series has not only brought me joy but has also given me the chance to connect with other dog lovers and share their experiences. I hope these lighthearted, funny stories bring smiles and laughter to everyone who reads them.”

Also at the Moozle Co. booth are original artwork, prints, limited-edition hand-drawn charms, and doodles featuring characters from “Rambo & Rocky”—Rambo and Rocky, of course, but also Moozle and Mr. Froggy. “Visitors can chat with me about the stories behind the comics and share their own dog tales. My goal is to create a fun and welcoming space for all dog lovers and comic fans.”

Shirt featuring PH’s underwater creatures

Qathleen Sioc and Ravid Phelps Reyes started QRST Studio in November and they knew they wanted their first collaboration to feature something they both have “immense love for”—underwater creatures of the Philippines.

The collab has resulted in a shirt, a print, a pin, and stickers you can get in what they call the “Ultimate Fishy Bundle” at the QRST Studio booth (E10). “We love seeing different people who come to our booth and share their experiences with the sea! We have had biologists, veterinary doctors, biology students, and free divers buy our shirt just to share that appreciation with us!”

You’ll also find other apparel designs and Halloween-exclusive stickers and prints at their booth. “Expect to be hit with pops of bright colors and waves of nostalgia! QRST aims to touch people’s hearts by reminding them to stay silly and embrace their inner child through illustrations.”

‘Monsters From Our Past’ by Marc M.

Marc M., an artist from Mindanao, is debuting her first original comics at Komiket. “‘Monsters From Our Past’ is the first narrative comic I’ve written and drawn by myself,” she said.

She describes “Monsters From Our Past” as “a 26-page comic about a friendship between a trainee mangkukulam and an ill-fated manananggal,” adding, “I’m really excited to be sharing my stories for the first time and I hope to do more in the future.”

You’ll find it at Tindahan ni Marc & Jess (booth F4), along with her other comic book, “Stare.” “It’s a short story about daydreaming. ‘Stare’ is printed in risograph with three variations and assembled by hand, which makes each copy unique and special.”

Also at her booth are original art, prints, stickers, and keychains. “I love to create art surrounding women loving women and Philippine culture, particularly historical Filipiniana. I mix those two themes a lot in my work, and you can expect to see a lot of those artworks at my booth.”