Underpass

 

Face your worst fear as they say. Summit Media comes up with this Graphic Anthology called Underpass and collects 4 original stories from today's great minds like Gerry Alanguilan and Budjette Tan. (It's Summit's take on putting komiks mainstream)

For some strange reason, we like being scared. We Filipinos have this thing for the mythological/paranormal creatures and these 4 short stories will give you that. I think that Budjette Tan is probably the best person to talk to when discussing Aswang, Duwendes, Kapres, Tiyanaks and Manananggal. The writer's brilliant when it comes to these creatures. It's astounding. Gerry Alanguilan has this take on a SIM Card that will make you think twice about using a cellular phone. Hahaha.

I specifically appreciate Summit Media pushing for local komiks. I had a discussion with Gerry Alanguilan about the problem of komiks here in the Philippines. Besides lack of awareness, he told me that distribution was one of the main challenges. I think that he's really the heart and soul of Filipino Komiks today and I really believe in his cause. We have so much talent and people should know about it! So thanks to Summit Media, they're addressing the distribution challenge.

Underpass should be available in your local book store. Look for the Summit Magazine stand! Underpass should be there!!! :) It sells for 175 bucks. Please do check it out!

What can we do for Philippine Comics?

When I was in Grade School, I thought of putting up a Comic Book Publishing House in the Philippines. When Avalon Studios came here, I wanted to do what they were doing. It would be me organizing everything. Recruiting writers and artists, promoting reading local comics, and showcasing the talents of Filipinos to everyone.

But there was someone who told me that you have to be in one of the Big 2 (Marvel and DC) to be successful in the industry.

Is that true? That there's no way for Pinoy Komiks to succeed?

I'll have to disagree on that one. I really think that ANYTHING in this world is possible. It is that never say die attitude that takes you places. It is having the heart and dedication for that thing you love to do.

I bumped into Carlo Pagulayan at Druid's Keep a couple of weeks back and he told me an idea. I thought it was an idea worth building on. Something for the future.

But hey, what can one man do?

So if by any chance you're a Fanboy and in the Philippines, give me a shout out or an idea.

What can we do for Philippine Comics?

I'll be waiting...