My KOMIKON 2015: Denice De Guzman & Allen Geneta

KOMIKON has been one of the main local comic book conventions here in the Philippines. And this November 2015 event was a massive two-day event with new komiks releases from new and old comic book creators, great deals from exhibitors and meeting amazing people all around. This year, Flipgeeks got to ask to from exhibitors and attendees about their experience of Komikon 2015.

After our first part with Jing Opeña & Julius Villanueva, today, we get to feature an attendee – Denice De Guzman and an exhibitor – Allen Geneta (Makasining) about their Komikon 2015 experience. Their My KOMIKON 2015.

Denice De Guzman
Magazine Editor

How was your Komikon 2015?
I burned through my budget within an hour after I arrived, in summary.

But I think that was what made it so fun. One reason why I like going to Komikon is because you find things you genuinely get excited for. Currently I have a sprained ankle but I hobbled through the tables and really enjoyed the artwork and books and merch. Komikon is the place where you ask yourself why you are poor because you just see all these things you want to bring home, but while things are on sale, you do have to remember that you have to eat and live for the next couple of weeks.

What were your most memorable things in the event? 
The thrill of the hunt! Boxes and boxes of comics and books, new comic book installments launched, artists signing your copies! 80% off! Mostly it was a struggle to remember that I had to exercise self-control lest I end up eating Skyflakes for the rest of the month.

What things didn’t you get to do or see?
I’m still hoping for the reprint of After Eden. *ehem ehem*

Also I didn’t get to see the panels, which is a bummer.

What things did you like in Komikon this year than the last one?
That it’s two days, I guess. Last year there were too many people at Komikon and it was pretty anxiety-inducing. Having it for two days meant that more people people can go but not necessarily all at the same time.

Are there things that Komikon committee should improve on so they could give you a better experience for next year? 
A bigger space in front of the stage, I guess, for people who are paying attention to the program. It’s not that much of a big deal, but having had to walk around with a sprained ankle, navigating the crowd and the booths was a challenge.

Should Komikon continue to be a 2-day event?
A resounding YES!

Ano ang haul mo galing Komikon?
I got hardcovers this year, especially because some of the local titles I wanted I already got at Komiket. (Also 80% off at Comic Odyssey, whaddupp!!) I got Chester 5000 by Jess Fink, which is a silent “erotic, robotic, Victorian romance”; Heartbreakers Meet Boilerplate, which has photoshopped period photos (ooh! Alliteration!) of a civil war-era robot; Punch and Judy Twice Told Tales, which reminds me of old MAD Magazine illustrations and humor; Delicate Creatures by J. Michael Straczynski – amazing fairy tale art! Oh an I got a novel by Kyoichi Katayama called Socrates in Love, simply because my dad and my brother are named Socrates.

Anong top 3 books/items from your haul that you’re very happy na nabili mo?
I finished Chester 5000, and it was pretty hot (and heartwarming!). Mostly I’m giddy that I got that, Delicate Creatures and the Boilerplate book. I wanted some postcards, but alas! Must construct additional pylons!

Thoughts on the new lokal komiks that were featured in the event?
It actually has occurred to me that we might be living in the era of the new masters. What a time to be alive and be Filipino, yeah? I loved the fact that we have Trese translated into Filipino, and that people are much more enthusiastic about following local artists and their body of work. (Speaking of, I long for a compilation of Pasig!)

What/Who are you excited to meet/do/see on the next comic book convention?
To be honest, I’ve never really been someone who gets excited about the creator (aside from last year’s Arnold Arre, who signed my decade-old Mythology Class shirt) unless it’s in a situation where you really can talk with them, but it would probably be a hoot if Jessica Zafra comes out with a new book and I get to meet her. (Context: I’ve been told several times that I look and sound like her.)

Allen Geneta
Illustrator/Digital Artist

How was your Komikon 2015?
Unexpectedly great!

What were your most memorable things in the event?
I was able to ask a commission from Saowee!

Also idol Tots Valeza came by.

What things didn’t you get to do or see?
I wasn’t able to buy some creator-owned books and di ako nakaikot sa Indie Tiangge.

What things did you like in Komikon this year than the last one?
Its almost the same lang…

Are there things that Komikon committee should improve on so they could give you a better experience for next year?
In and out exits are good. PERO sana merong easier way to exit rather than iikutin ng buo ung event.

Also Manix (Abrera) is a superstar. Di sya nawawalan ng pila. I suggest give him/guests a better space like a separate room, or gawin sa labas para hindi na haharangan ng pila ang ibang exhibitors. Kahit sabihin natin na tig 10-20 people lang muna ang pipila,  may natatakpan pa rin. Lugi sila.

Then yung tables na tabi tabi sobra..baka pwede natin bigyan ng space every 3-4 tables para madali lumabas if in case kailangan lumabas para mg CR ang exhibitor. Minsan kasi tatahakin nya ung buong kahabaan ng tables bago sya makalabas at makabalik

Should Komikon continue to be a 2-day event?
2-day event is fine. Pero 1 day is enough. Kasi marami tayo na ririnig na kinocompare ang table prices ng Komikon for 2 days vs. 4 day table price ng APCC (AsiaPop Comic Con) na almost the same na ang amount.

One day is fine by me (just my opinion) pero gawing mas late natatapos like around 9 PM instead of 7 PM.

Ano ang haul mo galing Komikon?
Comics from CO. Patay Kung Patay #2, Pangil, Bravos Manila #1, Puso Negro and Hold Close.

And commissions.

Anong top 3 books/items from your haul that you’re very happy na nabili mo?
Patay Kung Patay #2, Puso Negro and Hold Close

Thoughts on the new lokal komiks that were featured in the event?
They’re all great!

What/Who are you excited to meet/do/see on the next comic book convention?
Foreign artists, models, actors and actresses who collects and support comics. Even those artists and writers under I.N.K. (Ilustrador ng Kabataan) group.