Komiket Iloilo 2023
Founded in 2015, Komiket has grown into the Philippines’ premier convention for independent comic book creators, illustrators, and zine makers. As a non-profit organization, it provides a welcoming marketplace where local artists can publish, showcase, and sell their original graphic novels and artworks directly to fans.
Komiket 2023 marked the second time that the Komiket regional event was held in Iloilo City, and this edition was on a whole new scale compared to the first. The gathering was massive, bringing together more than 100 local and national artists from different creative fields. It was so large that the art market had to be divided into three separate areas: the Main Activity Center, the Lower Ground Floor in front of Adidas, and the North Point Activity Center. Each section had its own energy, with rows of tables filled with comics, prints, stickers, and all sorts of creative merchandise, making it feel like the entire mall had been transformed into one giant art fair.
Aside from the marketplace, the event was packed with activities. Featured creators were given the chance to share their knowledge, talk about their creative journeys, and inspire others through panel discussions and live sessions. That is one of the things I admire most about Komiket. It does not only focus on selling art but consistently highlights the creators themselves. The emphasis on storytelling and sharing experiences makes the event feel more like a celebration of community and creativity rather than just a commercial space, which is why it is always inspiring to join.
For my part, since my comic sales were not particularly strong, I decided to shift my approach. I promoted the QR link to my comic so that anyone could read it for free online. I kept one physical reading copy on display, and to my surprise, someone wanted to buy it even though it was not in pristine condition. That small gesture was encouraging. Most of my table was filled with stickers, and to be honest, the sales for those turned out really well. The support I received from attendees gave me the chance to pay it forward. I made sure to purchase merchandise from other artists as a way of giving back to the community. I ended up picking up items from well‑known creators like Sskait, Tarantadong Kalbo, Haranikala, and Chocnut, along with many others whose work caught my eye.
I think one of the unexpected party poopers of the event was the sheer number of cosplayers who ended up congesting the north wing section of the art market. The crowd was so dense that some creators openly complained about cosplayers blocking their tables, making it difficult for potential buyers to browse or even approach. To be fair, the organizers had little control over this since cosplayers flocking to artist markets has become almost a given in Iloilo, where pop culture gatherings often blur the line between cosplay meet‑ups and art showcases. Unfortunately, the SM venue itself did not help much either, as its crowd control measures sometimes fall short, leaving both artists and attendees to navigate the chaos on their own.
Amid the bustle, I had a rather strange interaction with one onlooker who asked why I chose to make an obscure comic about a lesser‑known female katipunera general instead of focusing on Iloilo’s very own Teresa Magbanua. His question caught me off guard. On one hand, I understood the curiosity since Magbanua is a celebrated figure in local history. On the other hand, I knew the risks of tackling such a subject. If I did make a comic about her, I might end up getting berated for inaccuracies or for not capturing every nuance of her life and legacy. Historical comics demand painstaking research, and while I am not closing the door on the idea, I recognize the time and effort it would take to do justice to someone as important as Magbanua. For now, I am content exploring lesser‑known figures whose stories also deserve the spotlight.
Despite these hiccups, Komiket stood out as the most exciting and undeniably profitable art market in Iloilo City compared to other local pop culture events. The energy was palpable, with artists showcasing their work, fans eagerly hunting for unique pieces, and the overall atmosphere buzzing with creativity. It is unfortunate that Komiket will not be returning to Iloilo for a while. The absence will surely be felt by both creators and audiences, as the event has proven itself to be more than just a marketplace. It has become a cultural hub where art, history, and pop culture collide in ways that leave lasting impressions.
