our international initiative for 2024
Portsmouth Comic Con’s International Initiative for 2024 has arrived – and it has arrived in the form of an exhibition showcasing exciting emerging comics talent coming from the Philippines!
In an international initiative ahead of this year’s Portsmouth Comic Con which will take place at Portsmouth Guildhall on 11th -12th May, the organisers will be bringing a flavour of comic art from the Philippines to the streets of Portsmouth in the form of a trail which features the work of some of Asia’s exciting emerging comic talent.
If you spot one of these wondering art pieces out in the wild, don’t hesitate to share and tag us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
Portsmouth Comic Con presents: The International Art Trail 2024 – the Philippines!
Featuring the work of: GN Santiago, Maou No Sekai, Alexandra Sevilla, Levi Sabarre and Randy Valiente.
Alexandra Sevilla is a writer and illustrator based in Manila, Philippines. She enjoys cafe hopping and collecting dried flowers.
How do you think the work in the Philippines is different to work coming from other regions?
“There definitely is a purely unique Filipino quality when you encounter works from here, like the unique warm, playful humor and maximalist, stylistic choices are not hard to miss.”
GN Santiago is a graphic artist, web designer, video editor and a work from home virtual assistant. He is also a former nightclub promoter and photographer, spending a good portion of his 20s and 30s working in Metro Manila’s vibrant nightlife scene.
A Fine Arts graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication, GN is also an avid gamer, a lifelong Nintendo, WWE, Transformers, Disney and Marvel fan, but his passion has always been making comics.
What would you say is the “quintessential comic from the Philippines”? and why?
“Darna – it has transcended and endured several generations, its always the first title that comes to mind when one says Philippine Comics.”
Maou No Sekai is a one-man team illustrator and indie comic creator based in the Philippines. Aside from doing illustrations traditionally and digitally, and making comics, we also do 2D animations, and at rare occasions, 3D models. A graduate of AB Multimedia Arts with specialization in Game Development, and former lead artist for a start-up game development company, Maou returned to freelancing and focusing on their on-going sci-fi Pinoy mecha comic series to first ever feature a mecha reimagining of creatures and beings from Philippine mythology, “The Propaganda Project BETA.”They are more known however, for the 2020 Komiket Awards Best Komiks Strips winner, the historical comedy series “La Historia Komiks.”
When not making art or comics, or researching and gathering inspiration for comics and art (usually reading books about Philippine history and folklore), Maou spends their free time playing games or watching anime. Maou is also into cosplaying and model kit building.
Levi is a 29 year old self taught Filipino artist currently residing in Southampton, United Kingdom. As an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, his works mostly center around queer characters and queer experiences.
Where do you see the future of comics in the Philippines?
“Filipino comics is slowly gaining attention not just within the country, but with other countries as well. I believe Filipino comics is thriving and it will be a strong institution that will share our culture to the world through captivating stories and illustrations made by Filipinos themselves.”
Randy Valiente is a writer and illustrator for komiks, children’s book, storyboard and concept art. He received numerous awards both in literature and in visual arts. Some of his works includes Sining Killing, Vampirella, Army of Darkness, Twilight Zone, Re-Animator, and more.
What avenues do aspiring comic artists and illustrators have to publish work?
“Internet is a game changer. Aside from local and international publishers, lots of creators are doing stuff for online platforms.”
