Zsazsa Zaturnnah sa Kalakhang Maynila (Collected Edition) and other Filipino titles are going to be showcased at this year’s comic-con on July 25 to 28.
Hot Tropiks, America’s leading source for Filipino komiks and graphic novels, is bringing Filipino comic books to the world’s premier pop culture gathering.
This historic participation marks a milestone as it proudly showcases the rich and diverse storytelling tradition of the Philippines to an international audience.
With Pinoy komiks, each page pulses with the heart and soul of Filipino culture. From mystical adventures and futuristic rebellions to supernatural mysteries and culinary delights, the collection promises something for every fan.
Here’s a rundown of what awaits Pinoy komiks fans at the comic-con.
Komiket: Filipino Komiks and Art Market
Crafted by the dynamic duo of writer Jay Ignacio and illustrator Alex Niño, Alandal is a speculative fiction/action masterpiece that brings to life the story of Sabina, a young girl of Spanish descent who finds herself caught in a whirlwind of historical tumult and personal transformation. Niño is an Eisner Hall of Fame Winner in 2022 and went out of retirement to finish Alandal his last work.
Sagala, meanwhile, is a captivating Filipiniana fantasy by Tori Tadiar. Follow Riel, a spirited gunsmith’s apprentice with dreams of becoming a courtesan at the Royal Palacio. Her humble beginnings and military background, alongside her protective older brother Constantino, make this dream seem distant. However, a fateful encounter with Continental Ambassador Corrido and his famous escort Awit at the annual Sagala changes everything. This meeting unravels a series of events that reveal Riel’s deep connections to courtly intrigues she never imagined. Tori’s next book, Ilustra, is published by Disney-Hyperion to be released in June 2025.
Sa Wala by Ren2x Galeno is a riveting tale of suspense and drama that immerses readers in a world where luck and misfortune are intertwined. Anding’s encounter with a mysterious rooster sets off a series of events that promises both fortune and unforeseen peril. This extraordinary bird, with its remarkable strength, brings winnings at the cockfights and a chance to clear his family’s debts. However, Anding soon discovers that this bloodthirsty rooster is more than what he bargained for, threatening to upend his entire life.
Summit Publishing
Salamangka Volume 1 by Ian Sta. Maria offers an unparalleled journey through a realm where the boundaries of mortality are transcended, and gods wage epic wars. While in Volume 2, the extraordinary meets the ordinary in a world where myths and monsters coexist with mortal men. These tales explore the depths of the human heart, revealing the timeless struggle between acceptance and conflict.
In Makina by Sta Maria and Katrina Olan, a memory-less machine embarks on a quest to record history. It encounters a vagrant human, and together, they seek out the missing data from the machine’s past. This journey of synthesizing memories from both past and present reveals the intricate world of Makina, blending human destinies with mechanical wonders.
Doorkeeper (5th Anniversary Edition) is not just a story; it’s an odyssey that spans the fabric of time and space, guided by the enigmatic guardian known only as the Doorkeeper. Charged with the solemn duty of revealing the outcomes of mortal choices without interference, the Doorkeeper encounters souls from various epochs: a doomed warrior, a child with an invisible ally, a would-be monarch, a musician tired of the world, a priest at a spiritual crossroads, and a scientist facing the ultimate decision.
Anino Comiks (an imprint of Adarna House Inc.)
Lucia Dreaming by Lucia Asul takes readers on a journey through seven vivid dreams that blur the lines between fantasy and reality. With each page, you’ll find yourself questioning whether you’re entranced by the beauty or haunted by the eerie undertones.
Russell L. Molina’s Sixty-Six, on the other hand, invites you to embark on a heartwarming journey with Celestino Cabal, a character who is about to experience a delightful adventure that unfolds with every turn of the page. Beautifully illustrated by Ian Sta. Maria, this book is a treasure trove of emotions and surprises.
A winner of Best Graphic Novel in Filipino, Josefina is a gripping graphic novel also authored by Molina and brought to life by the talented illustrator Ace C. Enriquez. This is a tale that traverses the boundaries of monstrosity and humanity, set against a backdrop of a world where humans themselves have become the very monsters they fear.
Avenida: Books by Filipinos, for the world
Kikomachine Komix Blg 15: Bulwagan ng Misteryo by celebrated Filipino artist and writer Manix Abrera continues the beloved series with its signature blend of humor, wit, and cultural commentary, all rendered in Abrera’s distinct comic style. Praised by Filipino author Bob Ong for its unique genius, this volume is sure to captivate both long-time fans and new readers.
Carlo Vergara’s Zsazsa Zaturnnah sa Kalakhang Maynila (Collected Edition) continues the saga of Ada, a small-town beautician with a superhero alter ego, as she faces new challenges and supernatural foes in the bustling metropolis of Manila.
SDCC exclusive releases
Hot Tropics also takes pride in its SDCC exclusive releases, such as Rexy Dorado & John Ray’s Maharlika Vol 1 – SDCC Exclusive (Ian Sta Maria Cover), as well as the US release of Aklas, an anthology comic series set in the class-divided world of Mega Manila in 2048, created by an international Filipino team based in the Philippines and Canada.
There’s also Kontra: Against Evil, where readers will join the hunt for a bloodthirsty aswang; the manga-inspired Super Proxies by Sampay; and the storytelling wonder that is Maloles by Ebony Soy.
Join Hot Tropics at Booth L-10 in the Small Press section to experience the rich storytelling tradition of the Philippines through the vibrant pages of komiks.
Comic-Con International: San Diego takes place from July 25 to 28, with a preview night on July 24, at the San Diego Convention Center. For more details, visit Comic-Con’s official website. https://www.comic-con.org/
