|
Sometimes, I’m bewildered at the lack of respect some people
afford comics in general.
Yes, comics is an art form. Perhaps the reason
why comics were/are considered as the “sick man of art” or
something like that is its association with humor. In the west,
comics are also called “funnies” especially those syndicated in
daily newspapers. Another reason might be because the drawings and
illustrations of comics are cartoon-based or caricature types, hence
the association—again—with humor (sarcastic or otherwise). Do
all art and literary works have to be “serious” to be considered
seriously? That’s highly debatable. Humor fuels art and literature
as well, so why shouldn’t comics be in these same leagues?
But a look at the real history of comics, one
could see that there’s more than meets the eye, so to speak. Even
humor-designed comics have occasional serious subject matter that
people tend to overlook. Our usual superhero comic dose finds
stories about our heroes’ angst, burdens and hardships. No
laughing matter, that. And with the surging popularity of the
“graphic novel” format of comics, it seems that darker themes
and storylines abound, even becoming the “norm” associated with
this format.
Our own komiks history is ripe with rich and
interesting stories that range from the comical/humorous to the
serious/earth-shattering. Movie producers—and even giant TV
networks—have been tapping this cornucopia of stories for decades
now, beginning with Mars Ravelo’s creations (e.g. Darna, Dyesebel)
up to Carlo J. Caparas’ treasure trove (Bakekang, Panday and the
latest GMA7 fantaserye called Gagambino, to name a few). Some
memorable tearjerkers and award-winning films in Philippine cinema
trace their roots to komiks stories written by the likes of master
storytellers Gilda Olivadado (Sinasamba Kita, Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin)
and Nerissa Cabral (Paano Ba Ang Mangarap, Bukas Luluhod ang mga
Tala), among others.
My generation grew up reading local komiks and
foreign comics as well, and that was fun times. It’s just sad that
the local komiks industry “died” with the advent of the digital
age (Internet, playstation, dvd) during the last decade.
Nonetheless, I’m happy that people are trying to rediscover comics
in newer forms and more modern content. A look at the sellers and
enthusiasts eagerly populating the fourth Komik Kon (local Comics
Convention) on Saturday at UP Bahay ng Alumni testifies that comics
are slowly making waves again.
Here’s hoping that these waves rise higher,
without signs of falling or crashing like it did before.
Comments? Suggestions? E-mail
libay.scribevibe@gmail.com.
|
