Komikontaminated

Had a meteor crashed on the UP Bahay ng Alumni last Saturday afternoon, it would’ve wiped out a sizeable chunk of this generation’s local comics-creating community in one fell swoop. Almost every clique was there, from the vast spectrum of indie creators to internationally known artists, as well as hundreds of Pinoy readers and aspirants. Exhibitors offered a variety of products that the generous guests happily (or perhaps in some cases, reluctantly) purchased. It’s safe to assume that it was fun for everyone.

I was able to sell 25 copies of LNA: FA (which was available in seven cover colors!) and 16 copies of LNA: SGRR, so it was especially cool for me. Benedict sold 20 copies of Psigns, and that’s great too, as we were unsure if it would make it to the convention a few days prior. To those who bought, passed by, greeted, and asked for autographs, thank you so much. Thanks to Taga-Ilog, Joseph, Jason, Paolo and Claire, Enrique, Josel, Reno, Allan a.k.a. Tenzil, Jonas (who bought copies for Johnny Danganan), Arnel and Mannie Abeleda, Kensai Zach Yonzon, Russell Tomas (nice to see you, old friend), Vinnie, Ruel and Shiela of Comic Brook (fun talking to you both!), and to those whose names I can’t remember right now, or didn’t ask, thank you for buying and chatting, too!

It was also nice to finally meet Manix Abrera, Luis Katigbak (thanks for taking that picture!), Gabby Lee, Joel Chua, Butch Mapa, Terrence and GOOF. (yeah there’s a dot after), and to see old pals and/or fellow comics junkies Ian, Chris, Arn and Cyn, Jac, Wilson Tortosa, Felix Cua, Ryan Orosco, Marco, El and Camy, Andrew, Gerry, Carl, Dave, Budjette, Annie Alejo, Ric, and from afar, Nil Yu, Gilbert, Jay Anacleto, Lico Reloj and Ed Tadeo. There were those who looked really familiar but I can’t name them. Grabe, star-studded.

Congrats to the organizers for the event and for bringing such an eclectic bunch together. One major gripe though: I hope they switch on the ceiling fans near the exhibit area next time. Hindi naman liliparin yung mga papel namin. Many of us were fanning ourselves and were uncomfortable. The venue was good and spacious; I just don’t see why we had to swelter the whole time when there were four unused electric fans in that area.

Anyway, thanks to Benedict for helping me sell my stuff and the pic above, and for bringing me home. Here’s the old Lakan group a.k.a. Creative Underground, a.k.a. Pot Luck Productions (minus John, who was busy last Saturday, and Budj, who was away, and Marvin, he’s in the US). Thanks for this pic, Gerry!


Update (Oct. 28, Friday): Those who wish to meet and have their books signed by creators David, Carl and Manix, they're in Powerbooks Greenbelt right now til 5 p.m.. It's the official launch of the Penumbra books (Takod, Parman, Craving), and other Visprint titles like Zsazsa Zaturnnah and Kiko Machine will also be available. Go! Now!