5 Pinoy komiks I recommend you to read on Penlab
From the 1920s till the present, comics have been widely read and enjoyed in the Philippines. Early 20th-century American popular comic strips and comic books served as some of the inspiration for komiks. After World War II, the medium became enormously popular, and there is no doubt that komiks have made significant contributions to the country’s pop culture.
Meanwhile, there is a trove of Filipino komiks available online. It upholds the craft of contemporary Filipino creators while preserving the legacy of comics. Exclusive for Pinoy komiks, Penlab.ink serves as an online reading platform. The Kalabaw Kolektib creative content group founded it. Several other local komiks artists collaborated on Penlab as a community project.
The website, which officially launches in September 2020, prospered during the pandemic because more individuals had time to read at home and create content. Over 200 creators and about 300 Pinoy komiks are currently available, all of which can be found in one location and read whenever you like online. A fantasy, excitement, comedy, mystery, and romance-filled world awaits you there. To get you started on your comic book binge-reading, here are five Pinoy komiks.
5 Pinoy komiks you should binge-read on Penlab
Era of Kalaydoskowps by Carlorozo Clemente
Biko is an art critic who is eager to experience the world’s various art forms. She runs into obstacles while pursuing her objectives. This fantasy Pinoy komiks depicts the period of contemporary artists with supernatural abilities, which is characterized by an abundance of strange phenomena.
Meanwhile, I became enamored with the show’s unique story and evocative art style after reading the first chapter. If you’re intrigued about how humans can create supernatural phenomena through their art form, you should absolutely read this!
The Hotdog Prince by Francis Martelino
On the hand, this komik follows Hotdog Prince as he sets off to look for his Hotdog brothers with his captives. From the first chapter, I’m hooked on how hilarious and amazing the writing and art are. Further, breaking the fourth wall scenes in the first chapter was a brilliant touch. It was funny and made me hooked to the comic instantly. Indeed, one of the funniest Pinoy Komiks on Penlab thanks to its peculiar and quirky characters.
Nagmamahal, Maria Klara by Marianie
Have you ever imagined Maria Clara being transported to present-day Metro Manila? Nagmamahal, Maria Klara is about just that. Maria Clara from Noli Me Tangere is the Filipina role model who has left a lasting cultural influence. But in this comic, Maria Clara is more than just the docile, obedient, and traditional figure that we are all familiar with.
Moreover, Maria Clara time-travels to the present-day Philippines and turns into an actress in this komiks. She defies her own expectations, meets strange friends, and enters show business. This cartoon reimagines the Maria Clara that Filipinos are familiar with. If you’re curious about how Maria Clara will adapt to modern life, you should definitely check this out!
Filtered Lenses by ExpressityART
This comic depicts a suspected lens-related mysterious death. It centers on Benjie, whose love of photography turned into a threat to his life and the lives of others. As soon as he joins his university’s photography club, strange things start to happen when he takes a photograph.
Aside from its intriguing and mysterious plot and visual style, it also shows how people who hold art degrees experience discrimination. People claimed that you can’t make much money in the arts. Including a subtle issue in a mystery comic is a good touch.
Ang Jowa Kong Crosswise by Tsambolero
Meanwhile, depicted in this comic are Tomas and Leo, a seemingly typical couple in their mid-20s as they go about their daily lives. Tomas is actually Manananggal, a self-segmenting winged creature of the night. Leo, though, is simply a human.
You will witness the mundanity of their relationship and the manner in which this amazing pair spends their regular lives. This comic will make you laugh and make your heart flutter as it depicts the adorable couple Tomas and Leo.
In essence, there are a ton of free original komiks by a new generation of Filipino writers and artists on Penlab. Meanwhile, Penlab recently released its app, ensuring readers a better viewing experience. Let’s revitalize the komiks industry in the country by supporting our local komikeros!
