This was always one summer event I’d be willing to brave the heat to go to. Komikon. Comics, books, bargain prices. Three of my favorite things in one spot.
Now let’s look at this season’s loot:
Trese 6 Preview by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo
For the local titles, first I went straight for Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo’s booth. I was hoping for the new issue in their urban-fantasy series Trese, but there was only a comic preview for it. There was also a short story “The Choir”, written in illustrated light novel form, that came along with it. It was still a good buy, though.
Wasted by Gerry Alanguilan
Next was Gerry Alanguilan, another of my local favorites. His Wasted graphic novel was his first work back in the 90’s, and it tells the story of a guy going on a self-destructive path after a break-up. It reflected what Alanguilan had gone through during those times and he had channeled whatever emotions he had into this work. And it showed. Wasted was brought back into print due to fan demand.
Sixty Six by Russell Molina and Ian Sta. Maria
Ian Sta. Maria was next on my list. Sixty Six seems to be his latest work along with Russel Molina after his Skyworld series. I’m still not sure what’s it about though, but it involves an elderly couple and one of them has… superpowers? Retired superhero, maybe? Regardless, I’m looking for more of it.
Love is in the Bag 5 and Bag Together by Ace Vitangcol, Jed Siroy, Andrew Agoncillo, Ryan Cordova, and Glenn Que
I also got the fifth issue of Studio Studio’s Love is in the Bag series (finally completing the series!!!), as well as its sequel Bag Together. Their Angel Crush series are next on my list, as well as the Love is in the Bag light novel The Great Donut Caper.
Black Ink Comics
I’ve added the Black Ink comics group on my watchlist. They’re just one of the recent comic groups popping up but they are promising. They’ve done a great job with their works, a series of short stories told in graphic novel form, ranging from romance to horror to fairy tale parodies. They’ve got a few other titles I want to get come next convention, so I’ll be expecting more from this group.
Eminagazine Issues
Then, we got Eminagazine by the Emina Club, another recent comic group. This group is obviously influenced by the anime artwork craze, and it shows. I’m not sure I could take this group seriously, since their material is aimed at anyone a dozen years younger than my age. Though I have to admit, styling their magazine mascot out of the Philippine flag (blonde, blue and white foxtails, white top with three stars on it, yeah) is kinda creatve.
Couscous Express by Brian Wood and Brett Weldele
I’ve also got my share of Western comics. There’s Brian Wood’s and Brett Weldele’s Couscous Express, which I got out of the bargain bin because its story involves gang warfare, scooter shoot-outs, and the Turkish Mafia. Hey, I’m a sucker for stuff like this.
Drawing the Line compiled by Suley Fattah and Julie Eng edited and designed by Ron Boyd
Next, I’ve got the Drawing the Line anthology. This compilation was made to support cancer research and was dedicated to the people involved, after which the compiler had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and wanted to contribute to the community. A collection of stand-alone-stories written and drawn by numerous Canadian comic artists, some of which are motivational and interesting. A good read, definitely.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird
Then, I also bought the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles graphic novel adaptation of the 90’s movie. Just cuz I was a fan of them. That, and I wanted to see how Eastman and Laird had parodied Frank Miller during that time.
Overall, I think I’ve got myself another good haul. Worth the April heatwave, in any rate.
The Bargain Book Reader 