For many younger people, Pinoy komiks may seem a thing of the past. But while you won’t see them as often in palengkes nowadays, their legacy has been taken over by local graphics novels. And if you want to see what this new crop of writers and artists have to offer, here are some of the best Pinoy graphic novels you should check out.
Pinoy graphic novel no. 1: Trese
Writer Budjette Tan and artist Kajo Baldisimo’s Trese started as an indie comic in 2005. Since then, it has been considered as one of the titles that re-ignited wider interest in Pinoy graphic novels. The series has also been praised for its unique brand of storytelling.
Trese follows the eponymous Alexandra Trese, a restaurant owner by day and private investigator by night. But Trese isn’t just an average detective, as she investigates crimes of the supernatural kind. She eventually finds herself facing syndicates run by aswangs and other supernatural creatures of old.
One thing that you will like about this title is how it depicts Philippine mythology in a modern setting. And it’s not just the usual creatures like aswangs and manananggals, as Tan and Baldismo explore every nook and cranny of our local mythology for inspiration. In one memorable story, readers get to see Tagalog war gods moonlight as Internet cafe owners just so they can harmlessly harness the warlike spirit of teenage gamers.
Alongside its celebration of Philippine mythology, Trese also takes an amusing look at Pinoy society as a whole. There are a lot of references to current events. You will also be amused at the cameos of various personalities from Pinoy politics and showbiz.
Trese’s story has been positively compared to popular American author Neil Gaiman’s works. Gaiman himself praised the Pinoy graphic novel, remarking how Tan and Baldisimo helped bring in a new wave of Pinoy storytelling. The series’ biggest break came in 2018 when streaming platform Netflix announced that it will be receiving an animated adaptation.
Pinoy graphic novel no. 2: Crime Fighting Call Center Agents
Ever since the early 2000s, call center agents have become a ubiquitous part of the Philippine landscape. So, it’s inevitable that a comic about them will show up. Writer Noel Pascual and illustrator AJ Bernardo’s Crime-Fighting Call Centre Agents is one of the many titles focusing on that theme.
The Pinoy graphic novel follows four call center agents as they get entangled into dangerous situations. In the first issue alone, the group finds themselves being chased by a psychotic killer riding a bike. Meanwhile, the second and third issue has them getting stranded in a provincial village that might or might not be overrun by aswangs.
While the title might make you think of this as an action series, this Pinoy graphic novel veers more towards horror and comedy. The characters go through a lot of mishaps in these situations, as well as in their jobs. Those who work in actual call centers will find a lot of the humor all too relatable. The cast themselves are also the lovable bunch, with each one going through some nice character development throughout the series.
Of course, the comic doesn’t disappoint in the action scenes. AJ Bernardo’s dynamic art style complements Noel Pascual’s manic storytelling. There are currently six issues available, comprising a single story arc.
Pinoy graphic novel no. 3: After Lambana
If you are looking for something different than the usual action comic, After Lambana by Eliza Victoria is worth checking out. The comic follows Conrad, a man suffering from heart disease. The only cure that he can turn to is magic from Lambana, the world of the diwatas. However, a new law has been passed in the human world preventing people and diwatas from moving between the two worlds. This also prohibits the use of magic in the human world.
The premise alone is definitely going to be to the liking of fantasy lovers. However, beyond the usual fantasy tropes, the story delves into the sociopolitical issues of both worlds. Victoria adeptly weaves the two elements together into a fascinating narrative that you will be invested in.
After Lambana’’s art also meshes well with its story. Mervin Malonzo’s pop art style sets the town and mood for each page just right. It also helps distinguish between the story’s different timelines. Malonzo also fills each page with unique visual details that create that readers would want to take note of.
Pinoy graphic novel no. 4: Filipino Heroes League
When it comes to superhero stories, you often imagine brightly costumed, powered individuals saving the day. Paolo Fabregas’ Filipino Heroes League is that and more (or less), as it takes a look at the lives of superheroes living in a third world country.
The Pinoy graphic novel follows the members of the eponymous group, which is a government-funded agency. But since this is the Philippines we are talking about, the team doesn’t have an Avengers-level of government support. Instead, they have to do all the heroics while being “undermanned and under-funded.”
As you can probably guess from the premise, Filipino Heroes League takes a lot of jabs at Philippine bureaucracy and society as a whole. At one point, the comic even notes that most of the talented Pinoy superheroes have already left to work abroad, echoing the real-life brain drain the country is experiencing. And our heroes do get to fight corrupt government officials. You will laugh at the scenarios one moment then find yourself pondering about the realities the next.
Love Pinoy komiks again with these graphic novels
As you can see with these titles, Pinoy komiks is not dead. It just changed forms. And whether you are into fantasy, superheroes, or just simple everyday stories, you will surely love these Pinoy graphic novels. Check them out and add them to your Philippine literature collection.