KOMIKON 2014: Celebrating The Tenth Year of Komiks Love

In Komikon‘s tenth anniversary, there was no stopping, despite the rain showers earlier that day attendees queued  in excitedly to attend one of the biggest event of this year. This year, the organizers shown love both to the local comic book writers and artists and at the same time to their avid fans. Last November 15, Bayanihan Center were flooded with people, young and old, male and female to celebrate the talent of the komikeros, both designated abroad or locally.

The event was full of activities as wide array of local comic book selection were in display. With 80 exhibitors that attended last weekend, surely the lovers of local comic books enjoyed the site. Also, the comic book writers and artists, both veterans and first-timers also felt the warm welcome from the attendees as each of them shared their works to their readers. First timers were also given exposure as Komikon paved way to new comic book artists in the Indie Tiangge, wherein future komikeros will soon rise.

Also, the convention, not only featured the display of comic books, but also entertained the aspiring and future comic books artists as they conducted some contests. One of the most highlighted contests, Aaron and JP’s PapangiARTn Tournament was proctored by Frances Luna III Illustration Firm‘s Aaron Felizmenio and JP Palabon, where they challenged their fellow artists to draw the ugliest self-portrait. Francis Martelino got the first place and received the hand-made trophy which was made by JP Palabon.

And PapangitARTn’s Championship goes to Francis Martelino!

For those who were into panel discussions and meet and greets, the organizers gathered the finest artists that Philippines have, that were internationally awe the comic book world, with the likes of Kim Jacinto, Roy Allen Martinez, Lui Aquino and Heubert Khan Michael, wherein they sketched and signed their creations for fans. For aspiring inkers, Komikon offered a panel discussion that featured Gerry Alanguian, Edgar Tadeo and Jeffrey Huet. There was also a discussion about web comics featuring Jonas Diego, Hub Pacheco and Carlo San Juan with a live webcast from WebComic Alliance.

There were also film screenings where in, it featured the history of Komiks (Komikero Chronicles and Illustrated By) and a film that was extracted from comics (Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles), which both fans of film and comics truly enjoyed.

Aside from the educative and entertaining film showing and discussions, Komikon fans were all starstruck as international comic book artist, Stephen Segovia, stepped on the stage and faced the spotlight to answer the questions from the audience. Attendees were also thrilled when Melvin Calingo happily participated in the Q&A session.

Before the program ends, Komikon awarded those artists and writers who paved way to what Pinoy comic books run is right now that were voted by the readers themselves. Among the awardees were, Stephen Segovia (Best International Artist), Rommel “Omeng” Estanislao, (Best Comic Character for Bruho Barbero and Best Cartoonist), Manix Abrera (for Kikomachine winning the Best Comic Strip Compilation), Michael David & Robi Villagracia, (for Kubori Kikiam 8, forBest Cover),  Russell Reyes (for Liga ni Likeman, Best Webcomic), Solomon Lim & Stryler Hoong (for Alphario: The World Connection, Grassroots Best Serialized Comic Book) Fhate Comics (Grassroots Best Graphic Novel), Budjette Tan & Kajo Baldisimo (for TRESE: Book of Murders, Best Graphic Novel),  Mara Cornelia Damaso & Elmer Damaso (for Dragondbreed by Black Ink Comics, Best Comic Creator).

MANIX ABRERA! Hardcore!

Komikon also gave honor to the late Francisco V. Coching, who was awarded last June 2014 as a National Artist for the Visual Arts. This honor was named KOMIKS Legend Award and his wife received the award.

[Check out… KOMIKON X: What is Komikon for you?]

It was a truly a golden year for everyone in Komikon. Nobody left the event without a smile in their face. Long live the Komikeros! Long live Komikon!

Check out more of the photos that we captured in our Komikon 2014 Facebook Gallery.