“Not sure if it’s a dillema or I’m just anxious…”

Entry #70
8/1/2013

Hi again journal!

It’s August.  Hubby is finishing his new issue for the Indieket, and it’s gonna be the first Komikon event I’ll be missing.  I’m a little sad, but I really can’t risk travel, and getting myself too exhausted while I’m pregnant.  I actually have a cold right now, so I blame it on the weather.  >_<  Anyway…

I’m currently working on Chapter 26 of Cresci Prophecies.  So far, I’ve learned how to cope with my aching hand joints.  Even if I only get to work on the pages a few hours a day, I’m 90% done with my pencils.  I normally set around 30 pages for each chapter (as rule of thumb to avoid burn out), and then start inking when I’m done.  Volume 4 chapters, however, are an exception.  Volume 4 is packed with revelations, and action scenes.  When  I’m making a comic, I’d like to cut my chapter where I can actually cut the story.  Call it my creative pacing/momentum.  Since Vol. 4 is the last volume for Arcen, the storyflow is quite continuous…and so should my drawing mode frenzy.

I realized last night that I already did around 31 pages, and should end doing my pencils at page 32.  But the part of the story where I’m going to cut it is a critical part of the volume that starts at page 33-40.  Now, I usually pick up my drawing pace around middle of production (maximum concentration), and starting the next chapter with the critical part is a no-no for me.  I usually rest from doing comics for around a couple of months before doing another chapter...

But I'm also expecting in a few months. I mean real soon…  And that means managing my time and energy for everything I do at home before and after the big day. @_@  So the dilemma is to whether to continue until the 40th page (and risk burnout, and bad output), or risk a semi-bad output for the first part of Chapter 27.  I’m supposed to ink my pages before I go on a hiatus… And then there’s my joint pains.  I guess I’ll just have to try inking the first few pages.  And if I can’t keep it up, I’ll try to finish the pencils until page 40…hopefully I won’t be losing steam since those pages need to be drawn really well (for my own sanity…and I know it’s gonna be tough for me to do).  I'm excited and terrified at the same time~!  @_@

I just really hope things would turn out fine in the next few months, and get through this interesting/crazy period in my comic creating life…  @_@~  (Well...okay...Challenge accepted!)



--Joanah T.C., writer and artist for Point Zero
P.S.  I think babies like doing round house kicks...

“HELLO!”

Journal Entry #69
07/12/13

YO WAZZUP JOURNAL!

Ginawa ko lang na lively yung entry ko, eh, lively naman ako. By the way, ako po si Thomas Adobo, pwede na ring Tamasu (fb name ko), artist sa FFA Comics dito sa Cebu.  I am a Gr. 8 (Second Year, according to the new school curriculum) High School student. I write my own stories (imaginative much), and illustrate them when I have the time. I was inspired to draw more since Grade School. Na-inspire ako to improve my drawings mula nung nakita ko yung mga works nina Taga-Ilog at kay Elmer Damaso sa K-Zone (doon na kasi nalalagay yung 0.5 % ng mga Indie artists eh). I was inspired to make Indies from Sir Gerry Alanguilan, most likely “Wasted”.

Okay, not so much for that. Ang current na comics work ko ay yung “Atapang Atao” na somewhat biography ni Andres Bonifacio na pinaplano kong i-release this August, either online and in print form. Yung style ng “Atapang Atao” ay may kakaunting references kay Frank Miller and the way he told 300. Hindi nga lang colored sa akin. Well, marami akong projects on my mind, but then, sa sobrang dami eh hindi ko na matapos-tapos kahit isang issue lang. May mga web comics ako na mahahanap sa blogger tulad ng “The Dark Merc” at “Before I Die…”. At baka dadami pa kung hindi marami-rami yung assignments.

 I always keep all the things I make in a schedule, parang Monday, Atapang Atao, Tuseday, web comics stuff, Wednesday, assignments, Thursday to Friday, back to comics. Well, if I have some favorite characters from my large roster of imaginations, I would pick Eric Megaton, or Electro (not the Spider-Man villain), I liked him so much that I made him the main protagonist in one of my stories, “National Heroes”. Now, back to my comics stuff. I am trying to make my submission for an anthology of stories on time (January 2014 is nearby, you know). So, baka dito na lang matatapos ang entry ko. Hanggang sa susunod!


-Thomas “Tamasu” Adobo, Writer, Artist, and Creator of FFA Comics

"Something came up..."

Journal Entry #68
06/14/13


Hi journal!  Been a while… Uhm…let me extend my entry a little… :P

As you know I’ve been working on Cresci Prophecies: Book of Arcen’s volume  4 a few months ago.  I was pretty happy with how chapter 25 turned out.  I was really excited to work on chapter 26.  But something came up…   I discovered around march that I will be a mom soon.  ^_^

(A page from Vol. 1)

You know how that’s gonna change things right?  Now don’t get me wrong, hubby and I have been waiting for that news for quite sometime now .  And so, I had to make a few lifestyle adjustments (and some major adjustments in the near future).   Over the last few months, I’ve been working on a writing gig for kids, and I still have one more to finish.  After that, I plan to work on chapter 26…before I get really busy, or be unable to work on it.

Also in the past weeks, my hands became a little clumsy, and also my hand joints started to hurt for some reason.  I’m a little afraid I won’t be able to draw properly, but the pain goes away when I actually use them, so I guess I’ll still try to draw.  It’s just the details I’m worried about.  ^_^;

BUT I didn’t entirely abandon my comic life during the past few months.   :P I also worked on Mortus’ mask, and the other CP costumes, for a video and photoshoot (I missed doing paper Mache).  I’d like to take proper pictures of the CP team for the book, and of course for GTMACCCon 2013.   We’re also cooking up something with the GTMACCCon staff, and that’s what I’m currently busy with.  I’ll tell you about the details next time when it’s officially out.  ;)

I’m really happy that  local comic pros are working out ways to help boost the indie-comic community and their craft, and promoting the medium in general.  The indie scene is very much active!  Things are still looking bright, and hopefully our combined efforts would attract more readers in the near future.

So here’s hoping for a bright future!  :3


--  joanah t.c., writer and artist for Point Zero
(P.S.  I wasn’t aware I was already pregnant when I was working on Ch. 25, one of the most emotionally charged chapters in CP, I guess you could say that my baby was working  with me... :P  )

Kitakits mga Ka-IKOS!

Journal Entry #67

Ola Chika Journal!

Tapos na ang panahon ng Gising-drawing-kain-drawing-ligo-drawing-tulog-drawing! Bye muna sa tuloy-tuloy na drawing until 4am. After a long and stressful month, relax muna ako saglet kasi tapos na pati ang ibang commission works. Tapos ko na rin ang last issue ng “Dalawang Liham,” Yehey! Mabuti at nakaabot kami sa Summer Komikon, almost last minute. 

Kaya lang, nagtatampo sa akin ang Sulsi gang at si Lupe ng “Karit”, kasi hindi umabot iyong stories nila. Hanggang panaginip inaaway nila ako, huhuhu!

Nagpulong din kami ng aking mga ka-IKOS (Ray at Karimlan). Sa susunod na Komikon, full force kami. Hopefully matapos naming ang collaborative titles naming.

Hanggang sa muli!

Kitakits po tayo sa Summer Komikon!

-RONZKIE PACHO-VIDAL

Writer-artist

IKOS Komiks

The Fruit of My Labor

Journal Entry # 66
March 06, 2013

Woohoo Journal!

Days are counting till Summer Komikon and I’m sure everyone’s excited about it. More importantly, deadlines for new titles and stuff add more pressure  to the comic book peeps. I myself was also pressured not because of the deadline but because of the new title that I have in store.  Truth is, I have been in constant practice and preparation to make sure I come up with my best title. So hopefully, what I have to offer to the Komikon world is all worth it.

I have actually finished three titles for the event. Unfortunately, after thorough evaluation of the storyline and the artstyle, I decided to only cater the best of the three. What I promise myself during the stretch was that if I won’t be able to come up with my best issue, then I won’t be joining the event. That is why I dare say now, that this comicbook is my BESTEST EFFORT to date.

Yes, you got it right! Take my absolute guarantee! ESPIRITISTA #1: GREETINGS AND FAREWELL is a reflection of my sleepless nights, hours and hours of constant improvement, and a wholehearted drive to showcase the best that the comicbook fans deserve! This comicbook is a promise that my goal to continually improve my craft remains, and that I’m still questing to come up with a comic book that can be considered one of the flagships of Philippine comics someday.

Hopefully, a couple of dozen of fans at the very least will give it a chance. I’m sure its worth their money and time.

That’s it for now!! See you all on Summer Komikon!!!

Rock out!

Nino Balita

Author and Creator of ESPIRITISTA

PagsapugeComics

Komikero to Animator to Komikero to.....

Entry # 65

1/18/13

Hello!! nice to meet you journal,

Kagagaling ko lang sa Book Sale bookstore at National bookstore sa SM para maghanap ng mga reference for Improving my Art.  Since Manga style na ako familiar eh napagtripan naman ngayon ang Marvel..kakabili nga lang ng 3 copy this month.  Why Marvel comics naman ngayon? Yun kasi yung pinaka good for Realistic style sa tingin ko na pwede kong pagpraktisan...dahil sa napasok sa pagiging Animator.... yan na, todo sikap na ngayun...Alam ko kasi na pag napasok ka sa Animation walang pinipiling styles..lahat dapat alam mo lahat at makakapag-adapt ka..pero bat nga ba animation pinag uusapan dito...balik Komiks naman.

Malapit na Komikon at wala pa siguro akong mapapakita na Komiks ko sa Kon...busy talaga buhay...Mon-Fri ang pasok..Sat-Sun Manga commission naman..yung Komiks ko na Cutting Glasses di ko na naasikaso kaya yan, wala nanamang mapapakita sa Komikon ngayung April.. 2010 summer komikon pa ako nakapag-participate with my one-shot manga Saltless Peanut.

Pero abangan nalang yung ang mga Shortcuts ng BlackInk dahil may works din ako dun at sa darating pa.  I'm seeking more improvements pa sa art ko para makapag-ambag sa Komiks and Animation industry sa bansa naten...Proud to be I'm working on it na talaga at sana balang araw eh maanimate ko na ang sarili kong manga dito sa Pinas!

-- nate153624    

3 MONTHS NA LANG

Journal Entry # 64

01/17/13

Oi  journal musta?!

Ako nga pala si Cyrus “tarot” Romanes, nakatira sa isang liblib na bayan ng Cavite, isang nagsusumikap (weh?) na indie artist, ako yung may likha ng “LOVE RIOT” under “FHATE COMICS” kung nakabili na kayo at nabasa nyo na ang komiks namin maraming maraming salamat at kung di pa naman kayo nakakabili eh bumili na kayo please me free namang lobo at tsinelas eh.

Nakakatuwang isipin na napasok ako sa pagko komiks, bata pa naman kasi ako eh hilig ko na talagang magdo drawing ng kung ano ano, tsaka mana ako sa tatay kong nagkomiks din dati nung patok na patok pa ang komiks sa masa. Napasali ako sa isang grupo ng mga sira ulo (FHATE COMICS) at yun, presto nagkaroon na ako ng chance na mailabas yung komiks ko kahit mukhang tanga lang yung gawa ko,astig no?At yun, dun na nagsimula lahat, drawing drawing drawing, gawa gawa  ng mga page, tulog tulog tulog, kala mo professional lang haha. Sugal ang pagko komiks lalot indie artist ka lang, gawa ka ng gawa ng mga pages pero walang magbabayad sayo, malaki ang ibubuhos mong pagod at atensyon (minsan di na makaligo..uhm ako lang ata yung ganun) para lang makagawa ka ng isang obra na di naman tatangkilikin ng karamihan, kaya sugal talaga, ang bubuhay na lang sayo eh yung motivation mo at puso mo, kung mahal mo talaga ang ginagawa mo. At yun, hanggang sa maka attend ako ng KOMIKON. ASTIG!!!  Ang daming tao,  ang daming mga  professional artist, ang daming lamesa at mga mabibiling komiks, merchandise, posters, mga nag co commission, karne at isda! Ang saya pala maka punta sa ganung event kasi makakasalamuha mo yung mga taong nagmamahal sa pagdo drawing at mga nagmamahal sa komiks. At swerte ako kasi nakapagbenta din kami ng komiks namin, astig!hardcore!  Ang sarap sa pakiramdam nun, dahil alam mo nang di ka nag iisa sa isang mithiin na buhayin ang industy ng komiks dito sa bansa at iligtas ang mundo mula kay Freeza, lalo kang ma I inspire magpatuloy at pagbutihan pa ang pag gawa.

At ngayon nga, 3 months na lang SUMMER KOMIKON na ulit, kailangan nang maghanda at mag warm up para maka habol sa dealine ng submission para mailabas ulit ang bagong chapter ng komiks. Ihahanda na naman ang magulong mesa, papel, lapis, marker, pens, sabon, plantsa, etc.  Mag iisip na naman kung paano ang panelling ng bawat pages, (pero mas matagal pa minsan ang paghilata sa pag gawa ng pages) at kung pano mas gagawing nakaka excite ang bawat storya. 3 months na lang at makakasalamuha ko na ulit ang mga mamaw na artist, mga comic lovers, mga comic buyers , enthusiasts, si manong guard ng bayanihan center at mga kapwa ko indie artist na nagbebenta din ng kanilang mga komiks. 3 months na lang at mailalabas ko na ulit ang bagong chapter ng storya ko na kahit walang pumapansin eh ipagpapatuloy ko pa din dahil di importante ang dami ng readers mo, mas mahalaga eh mahal mo ang ginagawa mo, may puso, dedikasyon, at di mo to ginagawa para lang sa intensyong sumikat at makilala. 3 months na lang, para sa bagong hakbang pa akyat sa pagtupad ng aking pangarap bilang artist (BG music : Eye of the tiger). 3 months na lang, para sa bagong yugto ng pagsulong at pagbuhay ulit ng Pilipino komiks. Maraming salamat sa mga sumusuporta, at sa mga haters(kung meron man (feeling sikat?)) salamat dahil senyo mag iimprove pa ako lalo. J

Cyrus “Tarotski Tarot” Romanes, may likha ng “LOVE RIOT” mula sa koponon ng Fhate Comics