And It Goes Down to Blogging

One Tuesday morning, during breakfast, I met with a couple of friends in the office. I did the night shift the day before so my hours of sleep counted to zero. They on the other hand were fresh and all geared up for that day’s work making storyboards for faceless people, (at least most of them) far across the Pacific.

So we went our way to a nearby McD’s and had our fill of greasy fries and pancakes. 

Being comics fans and artists alike, we talked about what was going on in the industry. News about Gilbert Monsanto and the Bayan Knights was new, the Komikon was yet months away from happening that time, the other Comic-Con meanwhile was supposed to happen in a couple of weeks. Too bad it got postponed. 

I remember getting excited in what’s happening. The Bayan Knights, i thought was a fantastic idea. I could imagine how the newbies felt when they were called to participate. What thrill it would’ve been.

Fast forward to November, Li’l ol’ me witnessed Komikon 2008. I looked around and saw only things of beauty. Familiar faces were enhanced with a different glow. I look back now and I’m thinking it was the look of motivation, conviction and commitment, to do comics, regarless of what other people might think. Even those who are dearest to them. Against all odds.

Right then; what was proven in the first Komikon back in 2005 was even more solidified: not only that we have the undeniable talent and passion to do comics, we also have a formidable number of people who has what it takes to get it back in the mainstream. From the veterans and their rich heritage, the forerunners who inspire, to the acne infested kids with their ash cans (alright, there were cute ones as well. ;p) everybody had great enthusiasm, happy to be under one roof with the people they respect and admire.

And what’s even more interesting were the quality of printing and paper used in the indies. It greatly improved compared to the Komikons that went before that. The press printed comics actually out-numbered the photocopied ones. To me that was simply amazing! Seems like the comics guys have gone richer too!

Anyway, I’ll take you back to the McD’s breakfast scene earlier. We were sharing each other comments, rants and raves when somewhere along the way, I coined in a idea to form this group. An artists’ group with not much difference to the others existing and gone.

The ideas we’ve been brewing are almost driving me insane. Now all that is left, is to execute the plan.

This blog is the first step. Welcome to Komiks Manila!

-Jerald Dorado

Makati, Philippines