Komiket is Back in 2022

Finally, we get a face-to-face comic convention in the Manila, Phillipines. It has been a long time since I attended a comic convention, and thank the stars that Komiket is back. Komiket Ortigas took place in Ayala Malls The 30th from June 10-12. This was a welcome sight to a fandom that is STARVING for anything comics.

One of the booths at Komiket

A venue for local comic creators to show their wares, Komiket is one of a few other Philippine Comic Conventions that people have been waiting a LONG time to return to live venues. And boy did people come in troves. I myself went on June 11 hoping to get to immerse myself in a community that holds a very special place in my heart.

Komiket Booth Showing Various Art

Aside from comic books, you can partake of different artworks sold in various forms from the booths at the venue. All of them specially currated by the vendors who are all part of the local comic book scene. May they be creators or publishers, Komiket allowed these people to show off comic-related merchandise to the delight of the visiting public.

Pol Medina, Jr. Creator of Pugad Baboy

If you’re lucky enough, you might even be able to spend some time with local comic book legends such as Pol Medina, Jr. creator of Pugad Baboy. A regular fixture at Komiket, Pol was there interacting with fans, and promoting his well-known comic book creations. As a fan, I got to chat with him a bit, got a picture, and purchased a few items from his booth, including the latest Pugad Baboy which I had signed.

Jon Zamar Sketching Death of the Endless

If original art is more your thing, you can even ask one of the artists present to make a sketch for you within your price range. Here’s Jon Zamar doing a sketch for me on ‘Death of the Endless’. As an afterthought, I should’ve brought one of my blank comic book covers for him to draw Didi aka Death. Nonetheless, it was an exhilirating experience having one of our local comic book artists FINALLY share his talents to my collection once again.

Epik Studios at Komiket

There were also some local publishers present like Epik Studios who also showcased their products. This all just added to the variety of media on display at Komiket Ortigas. All you really had to do was go around, and take your pick of the titles you would want to support by purchasing them. Some publishers even provided browsing copies of their works to read so that you can decide for yourself if you would want to invest in their creations.

A Fan Browsing a Komiket Booth

Or you could just simply go around the booths, and interact with the artists themselves. They were all very cordial to talk about not only what they were selling, but also what their thoughts were about anything comic-related. If you’re lucky enough, you might even be able to get a free autograph, comment or artwork for yourself with enough gentle persuasion.

Viril Crisis at Komiket

In any case, Komiket Ortigas provided just what convention-starved comic fans needed: a place to share their passion for comics. I for one am glad Komiket is back, and this serves as a portent of conventions to come. Convention season is here,and Komiket is the herald of better things to come.