The Philippines’ premier event dedicated to local comics and creators, Summer Komikon, is back for its highly anticipated 2024 edition! After two years of online events, a one-year hiatus, and several creator-centric activities, Komikon returns to its roots with a physical event happening on 25-26 May 2024 at the SM Megamall’s Megatrade Hall 3.
Summer Komikon has been a cornerstone of the Philippine comics scene for the past 19 years. This year’s event stays true to its tradition of celebrating local creators and the industry as a whole. It serves as an inclusive platform that brings together various stakeholders, from self-published creators to established publishing houses, creative service providers, retailers supporting local comics, collector communities, and avid readers.
The event will feature four esteemed Filipino comic creators as special guests: Russell Molina, the acclaimed children’s book author and graphic novelist behind titles like “Sixty Six Books” and the 2023 National Book Award winner “Josefina”; Gab Chee Kee, the writer behind popular comics like “Mang Jose” and “eJuan”; Ace C. Enriquez, the co-creator of “Bathala: Apokalypsis” and “Mang Jose”; and Ed Padilla, the creator of the beloved comic strip “Ang Tindahan ni Mang Ed.” These special guests will be available at their booths throughout the event for book signings and sales.
Attendees can also look forward to engaging in panel discussions featuring the special guests. These discussions will delve into their creative processes and the origins of their popular titles, followed by question-and-answer sessions. On-the-spot challenges will be held throughout the weekend, with awesome giveaways up for grabs. Winners of the various contests, including the Comic Creation Contest: A Philippine Isekai, will also be announced and awarded during the event.
Beyond the special guests, Summer Komikon boasts a vibrant exhibitor hall showcasing the works of local comic book creators. Fans can expect new releases like “Pouches and Buckles” by Gab Chee Kee and Ace Enriquez, “The Lighthouse and the Storm” by M.A. Del Rosario, and “Wonder Boarders: We Are The Worlds” by Dan Geromo and David Sysing. This is just a glimpse of the many exciting new titles attendees can discover at the event.
Komikon wouldn’t be complete without Komiks Kalye, the artist alley that highlights top-notch international illustrators. This year, fans can meet and get their comics signed by artists like Mico Suayan (DC Comics’ Joker/Harley series), Carlo Pagulayan (Superman: Lost, Red She-Hulk), Stephen Segovia (The Scorched, Spawn’s Universe), and Jethro Morales (X-Men, Star Wars). Komiks Kalye will be open for signatures and sketches on Sunday, 26 May 2024 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Summer Komikon 2024 promises to be a celebration of creativity, community, and the rich history of Philippine comics. Join the event for a weekend filled with inspiration, discovery, and appreciation for the art of storytelling through comics. Tickets will be available at the gate upon entry.
Visit the official Komikon Facebook page or the Summer Komikon event page for more information.