Ignited Passion

The popularity of Indie Comics has grown since the mid-2000. For Artists Wan Malinao Mananita and Aaron Felizmenio, they plan on continuing the trend for years to come.

Comic Conventions are not only place to meet some of the best local and international artists but it’s also a haven of sorts for Indie Comics Publishers. On side, there’s a table for artists like Carlo Pagulayan, Stephen Segovia, Manix Abrera, Leinil Yu, just to name a few. On the other, a bunch of tables with pocketbook sized black and white comics (sometimes colored) on display. Diverse styles of artworks are featured for each table selling self-published works, from Western Superhero style to Manga/Anime style being sold to patrons in attendance.

Since 2008 though, Wan Malinao Mananita and Aaron Felizmenio have been attending local Komikons not just to experience the event but also to showcase their talents as Indie Artists.

Eccentric Flair: So what got you into creating your own comics and when did you start published your works independently?

Wan Malinao Mananita: Well, yung pagsimula ko sa comics nagstart siya nung bata pa ako. Pero pagsali-Sali ko ng ganito, Wala lang – 2008 I think, which is through Komikon as well nung sa Bayanihan Center pa siya. Tapos hanggang ngayon naman umaattend parin ako ng conventions which with Midnight Comics with my works.

Bata pa lang ako nagdodrawing na ako – like everyone else in here ganon. Tapos hindi na rin nawala sa sarili ko. Hanggang ngayon nagdodrawing, nagko- komiks parin ako.

Aaron Felizmenio: Nung nakita ko kasi na meron industry nung third Komikon before, nakita ko parang wow ang daming gumagawa ng comics. It’s possible pala na I can make my own work.

Before that, nakita ko rin na may mga Filipinos na nagwowork in comics like Leinil Yu. Surprised ako na “Oh may mga Filipino na nagwowork in Marvel.” Don din ako na inspire na maybe I can do my own din. Then nagstart na gumawa ako ng paunti-unti. And then I’m selling it to events like this event, Asia Pop Comic Con.

Eccentric Flair: What was the inspiration behind your creations Ang Morion and Gwapo Man respectively?

Wan Malinao Mananita: Ang Morion is inspired by a festival on my province which is Marinduque and the festival is called Moriones Festival. It’s a superhero style of fantasy kind of comic book so hindi siya masyadong nakaka alienate sa mga comic book fans.

Aaron Felizmenio: Right now, my inspiration for Gwapo Man is actually my dad. But before, wala lang siya eh. Parang laro-laro lang, plate lang siya for College. Parang “Oh, lalagyan ko ng logo ng Gwapo Man,” tapos natuwa naman yung mga tao.

And then my friends were like, “Aaron, gawin nating comics yan.” And then they helped me develop the comic. Parang they made a reason out of it na lang. And then it evolved and evolved until it became a thing right now.

Eccentric Flair: We all know that “Bayan Knights” was created by Legendary Comic Book Artist Gilbert Monsanto, how did your created characters ended up appearing in that comic book series?

Wan Malinao Mananita: Before sa Deviantart – noong famous pa yung Deviantart --  he [Gilbert Monsanto] calls an initiative to participate in Bayan Knights. And as a fan of comic books also, why not di ba – it’s for free. So don yun siya nagstart and the rest is history.

Aaron Felizmenio: Before kasi, Gilbert Monsanto was calling for characters to join his cause. Then kinulit ko lang si sir Gilbert noon eh, “Sir, I want Gwapo Man to join Bayan Knights.”

Tapos sinesend ko sa kanya yung mga drawing ko of Gwapo Man and yung descriptions. And eventually sa issue 2 or issue 3 of Bayan Knights na consider na siya for a role don.

Eccentric Flair: For you Aaron, was the exposure on Bayan Knights help you get more followers/readers for Gwapo Man?

Aaron Felizmenio: Yeah, I think it did. Mas marami yung production niya before. Maingay talaga siya before online and other media. The fact na maingay yung Bayan Knights nadamay na not just Gwapo Man but every other character. Grinab ko na rin yung opportunity for that para i-raise na rin level for Gwapo Man.

Eccentric Flair: What influenced Artists to produce more Indie Comics?

Wan Malinao Mananita: I think Komikon system. Yung dami ng conventions and they offer booths, they offer these spaces. Then you’ll realize you’ll get a space and then ano yung ibebenta mo, of course you’ll put out your stuff which is your independent published comic book. That’s what I think ang nag ignite kung bakit dumadami ang mga indie artists.

Eccentric Flair: Can you tell us more about your latest works?

Wan Malinao Mananita: My latest work is volume 2, first chapter ng Ang Morion which is continuation siya ng volume 1. And then the other one is comic strip based – humor siya na I posted online. Then I realized it’s more fun, for me I want to read it traditionally like in paper. That’s why I brought it out. It’s humor. Like Manga style comedy.

Aaron Felizmenio: Minkowski Space Opera is my attempt na gumawa ng full-colored work na independent comic book. Kasi normally, independent comic book is black and white lang na stapled. Stapled parin siya like a true comic book but it’s a bit thicker and full color siya. It’s an expetiment all around kasi the coloring is in watercolours din and the story is medyo iba din from other comics.

Kasi I tried to experiment on it.  Pati yung writing to art. The art is not just in ordinary watercolors, I mixed it with other pictures that I took. Di lang sya mahahalata kasi naka merge na siya. Sa writing is inspired by Fight Club and Calvin and Hobbes. So it’s a mix of that.

Eccentric Flair: What can you say about being a part of APCC?

Wan Malinao Mananita: Well, hindi naman talaga kami ininvite. Nag register talaga kami, nag particpate sa comic alley. Pero what I’m fond of it is, masaya. Like the atmosphere, the perks, yung area, like may sarili kayong wall, may light kayo – everything. At masaya yung 3-4 day event.

Aaron Felizmenio: Super happy! This is one of the best events that we’ve been. Maganda talaga yung reception ng mga tao. They have fun – kita naman naming eh. Even if people don’t buy, they appreciate all the works we have. Pati yung venue, the booth space, the rates it’s very convenient for us. That was the best.

Eccentric Flair: What advice would you give to artists that are interested in creating and publishing their own works?

Wan Malinao Mananita: Work hard for your own story. Kasi I prefer, I enjoy originals – bumibili parin ako ng mga DC and Marvel comics – pero siyempre masaya parin yung may sarili kang gawa. It’s more fun na may sarili kang gawa in the future.

And you’ll tell to your future whatever grandson or grandchild na yung character na ganyan, sa akin yan – and I created it.

Kaya I suggest to everyone na makakapag create ng sariling character, sariling story, go for it. Iba parin yung privilege of having an original character.

Aaron Felizmenio: Just keep on drawing. Kasi At first it will really suck. Marami yan. Mahaba yung at first moments na yan. Until you feel comfortable with yourself and your drawing style, your illustration, your writing, don ka na magiging okay. But do not stop unless you really have to.