Finding Aid for the Philippine Comics Collection LSC.2386
Processed by Valerie Vargas; edited and encoded by Caroline Cubé.
UCLA Library Special Collections
Online finding aid last updated 2024 October 1.
Room A1713, Charles E. Young Research Library
Box 951575
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1575
Business Number: 310-825-4988
Fax Number: 310-206-1864
AskLSC@library.ucla.edu
Finding aid description and metadata in this record are licensed under a Creative Commons Public Domain Designation (CC0 1.0
Universal). See
LSC's Metadata Rights Statement for more information.
Contributing Institution:
UCLA Library Special Collections
Title: Philippine comics collection
Identifier/Call Number: LSC.2386
Physical Description:
4.0 linear feet
Date (inclusive): 2007-2018
Physical Location: Stored off-site. All requests to access special collections material must be made in advance using the request button located
on this page.
Language of Material: The comics are predominantly in Tagalog and English. Oftentimes, Taglish, a code-switch between Tagalog and English, is used.
Some comics use or incorporate Baybayin, an ancient script used by Tagalog people in the Philippines, in the dialogue or as
sound effects.
Open for research. All requests to access special collections materials must be made in advance using the request button located
on this page.
Property rights to the physical objects belong to UCLA Library Special Collections. All other rights, including copyright,
are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright
and pursue the copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not hold the copyright.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased from a seller based in the Philippines, date of receipt unknown.
UCLA Catalog Record ID:
9997031821906533
[Identification of item], Philippine Comics collection (Collection 2386). UCLA Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young
Research Library, University of California, Los Angeles.
Processed by Valerie Vargas under the supervision of Jade Alburo and Jasmine Jones, 2018.
Collections are processed to a variety of levels depending on the work necessary to make them usable, their perceived user
interest and research value, availability of staff and resources, and competing priorities. Library Special Collections provides
a standard level of preservation and access for all collections and, when time and resources permit, conducts more intensive
processing. These materials have been arranged and described according to national and local standards and best practices.
We are committed to providing ethical, inclusive, and anti-racist description of the materials we steward, and to remediating
existing description of our materials that contains language that may be offensive or cause harm. We invite you to submit
feedback about how our collections are described, and how they could be described more accurately, by filling out the form
located on our website:
Report Problematic Content and Description in UCLA's Library Collections and Archives.
The comics format has been been a popular medium in the Philippines for decades.
However, Ferdinand Marcos (1917-1989), nationalist president and corrupt dictator, heavily censored all publications. After
Marcos was deposed by nonviolent revolution in 1986, independently published comics began to flourish. Like zines, the culture
of independently published
komiks was reborn in the 2000s due to advances in technology, when creating and sharing them became more widespread.
The Philippine Comics Collection contains comics that showcase the creative minds of Filipino artists in the Philippines.
It spans the years of 2001-2018, with the bulk of the materials dating 2011-2017 or are undated. They were created by various
artists and are mostly collaborations. Many of the comics are self-published or published by small publishers like Pelikomiks
Studio and Azhdarchid Komiks.
The
komiks feature creatures of lore and incorporate Filipino culture into the storytelling. Content often mirrors the daily lives of
the artists. Original Filipino superheroes -- often teenagers who find themselves being granted a superpower to save the people
of the Philippines from attacks -- are also included.
The
komiks are printed on glossy-paper, in color, or are scanned and printed in black and white.
The collection has been arranged chronologically by publication date.
Philippine Zine Collection (Collection 2281). Available at UCLA Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research Library, UCLA.
PINOY TOTOY PI-TOTOY 2012-2013
Pinoy Totoy is the Captain America of the Philippines, and while he's much smaller and younger, he's doing the best he can
at 12 years old. As a fan of superheroes himself, Totoy was not able to hold back the urge to step up to the call of justice
when he saw other children in danger! The first issue of this Filipino comic book series was published by Bakal Komiks in
2012.
Creators: Carlo Valenzuela; Patrick Enrique; Mel Casipit; Amos Villar
Publisher: Bakal Komiks
Alamat Ni Manila Man 2014 April
Alamat ni Manila Man (The Legend of Manila Man) is a Taglish comic book series published in Manila, Philippines. The self-styled vigilante, Manila
Man, is a mysterious urban superhero and defender. The story begins when Kendi, a recently promoted investigative journalist,
connects her predecessor's recent murder to this vigilante.
Creators: Mike Ignacio; RH Quilantang
Publisher: Frances Luna III
Bokunawa 2013
Bokunawa is a Philippine manga written in Tagalog that references Bakunawa, a sea serpent from Philippine mythology that swallowed
the moon, to show a fictional fate of the Philippines under global warming, extreme drought, and extremely long days due to
the sun not setting. People depend on scavengers, or pilots, who operate giant walking robots, to find water—a scarce resource
because the land is drying up and the temperature is relentlessly rising.
Creators: Raphael Cezar Casanova; Ruth Hanzessa F. Rodriguez; Freya Dy
Publisher: Dr. RaCe's Publishing House
Bruho Barbero The Barbarian 2011-2013
Physical Description: 3 items
Bruho Barbero is a Tagalog comic series that follows Bruno Barbaro, the strongest undefeated barbarian on the planet, as he transitions
into living his life as Bruho Barbero, a mild-mannered barber, tired of fighting and violence. In each chapter, Bruho's attempt
at a peaceful life is disturbed by warriors who want to be the first to defeat him. The first three issues of this series
was published in 2011-2013 by Mengo Jam Cartoons in the Philippines.
Creator: Rommel J. Estanislao
Publisher: Mengo Jam Cartoons
Bruho Barbero The Barberian 2011 November 19
Bruho Barbero The Barberian: Bururus 2012 October 27
Bruho Barbero The Barberian: Man's Tender Trap 2013 November 16
CAUTION: DRUGS/SEX/ROCKn'ROLL 2013 February
Physical Description: 1 item
CAUTION: DRUGS/SEX/ROCKn'ROLL is a Tagalog comic book by Patrick "Rawwrr" Enrique that was published by Chain Mason in Manila, Philippines. In this comic
book, an
aswang (shape-shifting demon) made a binding life/death contract that gave a man who almost committed suicide a more lavish life.
Enrique incorporated supernatural elements and used it as a creative and engaging way to shine a light on heavier topics such
as suicide and drug addiction.
Creator: Patrick Enrique
Publisher: Chain Mason
Si Heronimo alyas… HERO, Ang Bagong Bayani ng Marikina 2010-2013
Physical Description: 2 items
Si Heronimo alyas… HERO, Ang Bagong Bayani ng Marikina is a comic series created by Rommel "Omeng" Estanislao. It is about Heronimo, a vigilante hero who can't wait for the government
to act on the crimes in Marikina, a city in the middle of Quezon, Pasig, and Rizal, and took up the alias HERO to save the
community from crimes. HERO dons a lucha mask and uses unconventional weapons like yoyos, slingshots, and bottle caps as
shuriken as he faces criminals like the Janitor Fish-Man and Chinese hit men.
Creator: Rommel J. Estanislao
Publisher: Pocket-Size Indie Comics
Si Heronimo Alyas... HERO, Ang Bagong Bayani ng Marikina 3: Attack of The Janitor Fish- Man 2013 April 12
Si Heronimo Alyas… HERO, Ang Bagong Bayani ng Marikina: Bugbugan Na! 2010
Liga ni Likeman
Likeman Komiks, also known as
Liga ni Likeman is a semi-autobiographical webcomic by Rasel Reyes that has been featured on the Philippine Daily Inquirer's entertainment
section.
Liga ni Likeman stars a social network addict cum super hero, Likeman. Likeman's companions are fellow netizens (internet citizens), including
his mother, Lady Geegee, a YouTube sensation; Gamer Girl, his love interest; Ogie, his best friend who is as smart as a search
engine; and Boy Inlab and Perly, a love duo who constantly fight on the internet.
Love Riot 2011 November
This is a comic book about Joey, a young boy who transferred to a new high school to curb his tendency to get into fights.
However, he can't seem to escape violence as he runs into more trouble by fighting with a girl in his class. Eventually, he
finds himself fighting alongside her as she battles her enemies.
Creators: Cyrus Romanes; Frances John Haro; Edgar Torres Jr.
Publisher: FHATE Comics
Oh the Irony! 2014
Recreate 2014
Physical Description: 1 item
This is a comic created by artists under the aliases Yolak and Rawwrr. The story is fueled by power hungry, violent Lord Bel-shok
who was captured by a powerful witch-queen of the Ishen forest. She is able to persuade Lord Bel-shok to comply with her demands
to go to the Balete tree to see "him" by supplying Lord Bel-shok with the ancestral key to his land.
Creators: Carlo Enaje; Patrick Enrique
Publisher: Chain Mason
The Hunting
This comic follows the story of Zyo, a dark elf who found himself in Manila while on the run from white elves trying to hunting
him down. In Manila, a place believed to be full of good food, people, and hiding places, Zyo is forced to use the sword that
his late brother left him in order to fight against the white elves. Zyo unleashes its powers against the white elves. Can
he be the true wielder of Naga, the sword of freedom?
Creators: Daniel Collado; Miko Migriño; Laraine Gazmen; Mikhail Plata
Windmills 2011-2017
Windmills is a semi-autobiographical comic with anamorphic characters that depict Josel Nicolas, the author, as a son, a friend, sometimes
a lover, and a comic book artist. This semi-autobiographical comic shows the author's adventures in life and love through
the lens of wisdom balanced with the ability to laugh at oneself.
Publisher: Flipside
Darwin's Association of Delicious Evilness 2012
Darwin is a little, evil mastermind in the making. He has big plans of being a tyrannical dictator who will plant a giant
bomb in the core of the earth. But Darwin is still an elementary school student, focusing on recruiting classmates who would
be fit to be members of his evil association. This dark but mostly humorous comic brings bits nostalgia through its young
characters, their street games, and the elementary school setting of the comic.
Creator: John Carlo Clemente
Publisher: Alamat
??? 2012
The first comic,
???#1, is a compilation of mostly autobiographical strips about DJ Legaspi, except for a few, including one about Yeti Crab.
???#2 is a compilation of different comic strips that are purely autobiographical, providing a variety of stories about DJ's life,
including stories about his dog, his childhood, his beard, and his wedding.
Candido's Apocalypse 2013
Physical Description: 1 item
In this comic-book adaptation of Nick Joaquin's classic novel, teenager Bobby gets the power to see through people, literally.
First, Bobby begins to see through people's clothes, until he begins to see through their skin and gaze upon their flesh and
bones.
Creators: Cyrene Ela; Natasha Ringor
Publisher: 502 Komiks
Maso 2010
Physical Description: 1 item
This is a superhero comic book, Filipino-style. Maso, a well known superhero works with BANGIS, a league of villains, to save
his girlfriend. Burdened by shame, he takes out his frustration on other heroes and starts to smear his image in the eyes
of the Filipino people. Maharlika, a former American superhero literally knocks some sense into Maso, but trouble is around
the corner. A special operations squad of heroes attack the two of them because Maharlika turned his back on the United States.
Creator: Ramil A. Ibay
Publisher: dGREAT
PAD KOMIKS
PAD is an abbreviation for Pagibig, Aksyon, Dilim-a three part comic series about Boy, who falls in love with a girl who later
disappears. Despite the journey Boy takes to save her, they still end up breaking up, teaching Boy the lesson that sometimes,
the things that make us happy have always been right besides us.
Publisher: Ardie Aquino
Sanduguan 2007-2013
Physical Description: 4 items
Sanduguan is a fictional comic book universe of Filipino superheroes based on native Filipino myths and stories. The universe is split
into three factions: Sandugo, Katipunan, Inc. and the Zodiac Force. The concept of the Filipino hero team, Sandugo, was loosely
based on sanduguan (blood ritual) done by Katipuneros who vowed to fight against the Spanish occupation in the Philippines.
In these
Sanduguan issues, Sandugo battles against the villain Vital and his Acolytes for the Eye of Bathala, or the eye of the Creator.
Creator: Gener A. Pedriña
Publisher: Kathang Indio Studios
Sanduguan #12 2013 March
Para Fierra
This comic centers around Donny, a young man who boards a jeepney driven by Mang Aldo, who agrees to drop him off after making
his usual late night rounds. Little to Donny's knowledge, the jeepney shuttles passengers made up of demons, angels, incarnations,
and anthropomorphisms to places beyond the human world. What Donny doesn't consider is the price for a ride to heaven, hell,
and back.
Creators: Fidelis Tan; Kiko Dans
Route 1: Night Riders
Route 2: Impyerno
Ang Superhero Na Stainless: Boy Bakal 2010-2013
Physical Description: 1 item
Boy Bakal follows the story of 10-year-old Rayan Keen, a child prodigy and owner of a successful chain of junk stores scattered across
the Philippines. His superhero costume is made of strong, sturdy stainless steel that helps him fight against crimes and villains.
This volume includes 10 chapters of the superhero comic book.
I Hate Mornings 2013
Physical Description: 1 item
This is a comic book about an author of comic books and his struggle to write about crime fighting heroes that are also realistic.
The author thinks it is absurd to both be a superhero and be real. However, the reason he hates mornings so much is that he
unknowingly turns into a crime fighting hero at night after falling asleep and wakes up not remembering anything. It is ironic
because the realistic superhero he struggles to write about is actually himself.
Creator: Kenneth Yu
Shatter Space - Space Mando 2012
Ang Hari ng Komyut 2017
Physical Description: 1 item
The King of Commute rises above the long lines, the hassle, the rudeness, and the traffic during his endeavors on public transportation.
This compilation of single-page comics shows the everyday journeys of the King of Commute as he travels through the city by
taking jeepneys, buses, trains, and van services with kindness and grace.
Creator: Lizette Daluz
Publisher: Anino Comics
Opismeyts
Physical Description: 4 items
Opismeyts was originally a webcomic that started out with the title
Model Employee. After being rebooted a few years later,
Opismeyts became successful, and started getting printed in
The Daily Inquirer and made into compilation comic books. The comics revolve around the daily lives of so-called "model" employees and their
boss.
Creator: Ramark Masangcay
Lindol #1 2017
Physical Description: 1 item
In the New World, ravaged by earthquakes and tsunamis, people have to adapt to the aftermath that wiped out society's structure.
We follow the story of a former marine and an art conservator, who go out of their way to find bare necessities as they navigate
through the rubble of the Philippines. The purpose of this comic, aside from entertaining its readers, is to raise awareness
about earthquake preparedness for this overlooked threat to society.
Creators: Tedi Gustilo Villasor; Randy Valiente
Publisher:
Tedi31.com
Bravos: Cebu
In a world where only the Philippines has superheroes, those with powers serve their country as Bravos.
Bravos: Cebu City features the story of Lea, who gets recruited to attend Maharlika High, a government-accredited educational facility for
the exceptionally gifted. Leah has no interest in becoming a Bravo, but accepts the scholarship because of the financial support.
This chapter falls under the same universe as
Bravos: Manila, despite having different writers, artists, and art styles.
Creators: Elbert Or; Cy Vendivil; Jem Bernaldez
Publisher: Studio Salimbal
Ang Butiki At Ang Pagong 2017
Physical Description: 1 item
A comic written in Baybayin, the ancient script used by Tagalogs in the Philippines. The comic is a modern rendition of a
Tinguian folklore about a turtle and a big lizard who went to the field of Gotgotapa to steal ginger. The responsible and
slow turtle warns his friend to be careful, but the reckless lizard does not listen. Despite getting the ginger, the lizard
gets caught by a human, and the turtle gets away.
Creators: Cy Vendivil; Koi Carreon
Ang Badass Na Buhay Ni Lam-Ang 2014-2015
This is a modern rendition of an Ilokano epic poem about Lam-ang, an extraordinarily strong warrior. Like any epic journey,
the story starts with the birth of Lam-ang, in which he names himself using his extraordinary ability to talk as a newborn.
Shortly after, he begins searching for his father, which ends up in disappointment and anger because the Igorots have beheaded
him. Lam-ang erases the Igorot tribe from existence, settles on a mountain top, and then ventures out to find his purpose.
Eventually, Lam- ang chooses a wife, but cannot marry her until he defeats all of her suitors. The original version of this
epic has been passed down orally, evolving over the course of Philippine history. This version's bold style does not shy away
from showing Lam-ang's extremely strong powers and how he uses them.
Creator: John Carlo Clemente
The Lolita Chronicles
These comics follow Lolita's life in the office as a financial analyst as she faces strict bosses, haughty co-workers, and
a messy love life. Maria Criselda Santos sprinkles in Filipino gay lingo in the comic as a way to create humor in the dialogue.
Creators: Maria Criselda Santos; Stacee J
Espiritista 2016
Espiritista is a comic about a school that teaches students how to defend and fight against malevolent
Engkantos, or ancient spirits. In these chapters of
Espiritista, Samuel is facing off with his old mentor, who has betrayed him and the school, and has sided with the
Engkanto.
Creator: Niño Balita
Publisher: Pagsapuge Comics
Native 2016
Native is a comic book series by Julius Villanueva that is about how the human race is resisting violent alien colonies that have
invaded the Earth. It shows how humans have either sided with, or have taken up arms against the violent bug-like creatures
despite being outnumbered and overpowered.
Publisher: Azhdarchid Komix
Antingeros 2015
Physical Description: 2 items
In these comics, four childhood friends each obtain an
anting-anting, a magical charm that gives power and protection, by remembering and following a neighborhood grandpa's stories about them.
These friends walk a careful line between power, ambition, violence, and treachery with their borrowed powers from their
anting-anting.
Creators: James Bernardo; Geonard Yleana; Carlo Cruz
Higante 2013
This comic book series is about two homeless brothers, Obet and Toti, who scour garbage heaps for food. While hiding in a
drainage pipe, Obet finds a mysterious liquid that turns him into a giant when he drinks it. Not free from the binds of poverty,
Obet uses his new powers to get him and his brother food, as well as to protect other people in poverty.
Creator: Geonard Yleana
Publisher: Pelikomiks Studios
Aswang de Manila 1 and 2
Physical Description: 2 items
These comic books are about Maria and Jose, classmates whose paths cross when they acknowledge that they both sense and see
aswangs. Throughout this story, the different types of
aswangs are introduced, and their purpose and relationship to humans are revealed.
Creators: Kevin Samala; Nadine Narag; Ianthe Pimentel
Publisher: Blue Indie Komiks
Dakila Metronom
Brandon is a geek who has loved comic books, RPGs, and cosplay his whole life. At 17 years old, he becomes the world's first
superhero, complete with the cape, mask, skintight outfit, and amazing superpowers. Metronome shows the emergence of Dakila
as a superhero, but also as a young boy who is trying to fill the shoes of a savior.
Incognito
Physical Description: 2 items
Intramuros is the strongest country in the world due to its advanced technology and because of a wall that keeps its people
safe. When a mysterious killer and thief dubbed Anino infiltrates Intramuros, the safety and economy of the country becomes
compromised. These comics are the 3rd and 5th installations of the Filipino comic series.
Creator: Faye Villanueva
Publisher: Kawangis Komiks
Ella Arcangel 2016-2017
Ella Arcangel is a
mananambal, a person that can treat both natural and supernatural maladies. She lives in Barangay Masikap, an area ridden with poverty,
crime, and hardships. In addition to watching out for supernatural occurrences, she is concerned about the well-being and
future of her
barangay and its residents who are living in poverty.
Creator: Julius Villanueva
Publisher: Azhdarchid Komiks
Ang Morion 2015-2017
This is a comic book series inspired by a local festival in the town of Marinduque called
Moriones, celebrated every Holy Week. It is based on the premise that God made three creatures at the beginning of time: angels, humans,
and djinn.
Creator: Wan Malinao Mañanita
Publisher: Frances Luna III
Anarchy Inc. #1 and #2
Physical Description: 2 items
This is a comic series about anarchists who use their superpowers to protect the streets from syndicate families fighting
for territorial control. Although the anarchists work individually and fight each other over territories they patrol, a mysterious
anarchist comes onto the scene and proposes that they all work together.
Creator: Chuck Llanto
Publisher: Eventual Empire
Kayaw
Kayaw is a three-part comic series that follows the story of a female Japanese intelligence officer named Kamiko as she embarks
on her mission to conquer the Kalinga mountains in the Philippines. Despite the sheer force and advanced war technology of
the Imperial Japanese Army, they are no match for the indigenous headhunters who know the terrain of Kalinga like no other.
The comics advertise Katribu Tatu, a subgroup of the Katribu Art Movement, who specialize in giving customized indigenous
tattoos that are similar to the ones seen on the Kalinga warriors in the comics.
Creators: Steve Magay; Dax
Publisher: Hollowpoint Studios