Free Comic Book Day Philippines blog report

This is my blog post on what happened at the FCBD

Free comics were given away last Saturday at the Comic Odyssey in Robinsons Galeria, I arrived early in the morning once the mall opens at 10am. I was surprised to see a number of 20 people already outside the store and falling in line, most of them are inside the store checking out some comics bin and some of them bought some back issue comics,. I interview some of the early birds and they are from a group of collectors who are a member of an online forum.

I immediately set up my laptop, camera and microphone, then place my laptop outside the store, I'm using the free wifi access of the mall so its not a problem for me, but the good signal comes from outside the store infront of the entrance. While I placed the camera and microphone on the glass display counter near the entrance, a better view of the whole store. I tested the online broadcast that minute, just experience some wonky connection and after a few minutes, everything is smooth and online.

Thanks to our friend OJ, who went early to help me compose a database of FCBD visitors, and glad that he brought a camera tripod, there we use his tripod for the camera and it was place in a very good view, semi birds eye view.

I just recorded the online video stream, from 10am-2pm, and some of the highlights are available for view in my youtube account. I didn't posted all of the video because some of them runs about a 40-minute footage, were you can see people laughing, talking and getting their free comics.

I really like the idea that we did a countdown from 10 to zero and many people enjoyed it, it was like celebrating Xmas or New year and this time we go to celebrate the love of reading comics. "Welcome to Free Comic book Day" Sandy Sansolis, owner of the Comic Odyssey store, shouted after the countdown and everyone went to scream "Yey!!!" and it was the best part of the event.

I got the idea of broadcasting the FCBD sometime last year, I prepared for it and I am very happy that this year's FCBD online video stream is a big success, got connected from a lot of people and Filipino around the world, just like our friend Homer who is in Cebu and David of Sydney, Australia was there online with other pinoy viewers and David relays his experience about the FCBD in his country that started 4 hours early ( which states that Australia might celebrated it first than here in the Philippines). Also at the online video stream and chat, Tom Pomplum, publisher for Graphic Classics was online and also Anne Timmons artist for "The Dream" of Graphic Classics, both of them wants to see Gerry Alanguilan online and glad that it turn out well, funny to see Gerry's reaction when I told him about Tom and Anne viewing his comic signing sessions with fans. Also great to see some of the online chatters are chatting with Anne Timmons and glad that they get connected in an instant via my online stream and chat for the FCBD day in the Philippines.

Comic book signings started at around 1pm and Gerry Alanguilan, Edgar Tadeo, Budjette Tan and Mico Suayan was there as one of the guest artist, and also there are lot of artist went there to say hi and participated the event, Leinil Yu arrived later that day and also other artists like Jonas Diego, Gilbert Monsanto, Dennis Crisostomo, Gio Paredes, Randy Valiente, Andrew Villar and many more. Comic fans was there and glad that they received some quick sketches, autographs and also commissioned pin up artworks. Budjette Tan distribute limited posters of Trese comics, while Gerry give away some copies of Elmer issue 3 comics.

I was busy that time moderating the chat online and also monitoring the video stream, I just talked to some fans while waiting for my time to leave. And also the effectiveness of the FCBD event is that it attracts a lot of non reading comics individuals who went there too to get some comics, there are kids, mom and dads - in other words -> family members are all there, waiting in the line.

I just can't believe to see that impact of the FCBD, thus it makes the scene here in Manila to host the biggest FCBD event and thanks to Comic Odyssey and glad that Sandy is so prepared for it, also there are other FCBD event that happend in Manila, there were FCBD event at Fullybooked and Druids Keep, some say that there are other stores in Q.C. and Makati who just got their own FCBD event. It was so cool, sad to say that I failed to promote them too, because when I checked the official website of FCBD, only Comic Odyssey was listed there are as one of the official host in the Philippines and I was not aware that they updated the website days before the FCBD May 3, 2008.

Comic Odyssey gave away 3 FCBD exclusives on each visitor, and also 20 pcs. of comics in their back issue bin, and a Graphic Classics for the first 250 visitors. Some say that the FCBD exclusives ran out at 2:30pm, thus making some problem in some visitors who are still lining up. All left at that time were back issues. So some of the visitor accepted the truth that they missed the FCBD exclusives,but were happy to take home some back issues limited to 10 pcs at that time. And also met our pinoy artists who were present that day.

It was a fun event and right now I'm having a concept for making this FCBD bigger next year by helping all comic stores in promoting the joy and fun of reading comics. See you all next year!!!

photo and coverage at

http://azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com/2008/05/az-video-blog-free-comic-book-day.html

http://azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com/2008/05/free-comic-book-day-philippines-photo.html

looking for colorist

Joel Chua is looking for a comic colorist for a project. check out the info below.

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I am looking for people who can learn the systems I employ in digital coloring for comics.  They must at least be high school graduates, and willing to to work on many of the projects I receive and find.

If you or anyone you know is interested, let me know.  Photoshop experience required.  Character illustration portfolio is 3 points, graphic design portfolio is 2 points, Vector illustration or tracing is 1 point . I consider punctual, energetic & curious applicants willing to work in Mandaluyong highly qualified for this;  nevertheless, tardy, lazy, and know-it-all telecommuting freelancers may also apply.

You may contact me through my sites http://www.joelchua.com , http://blog.joelchua.com , http://www.pixelpintura.com

http://elfhands.multiply.com/journal/item/24/Im_looking_for_color_artists.

Party with the Founding Fathers of Image

If ever I'm in the USA, I might join this contest hehehehe.

more info at http://grafightjunkie.blogspot.com/2008/05/party-with-jim-lee-and-founding-fathers.html

The TRESE poster

this one just came in!

--

We'll be giving away the TRESE poster during FREE
COMIC BOOK DAY, May 3.

Check out the poster at:
http://tresekomix.blogspot.com/

Buy a copy of TRESE: MURDER ON BALETE DRIVE and get a
free poster. It's that simple!

It'll definitely be available at Comic Odyssey,
Robinsons Galleria. I'll update you guys if we'll make
the poster available at other comic book stores.

Please check my Twitter page on Saturday morning for
updates:
http://twitter.com/Budjette

(If you already bought a copy, don't worry because
we're putting together a plan so you can also get the
free TRESE poster. More details about that soon!)

One more thing, if you see two suspicious looking
individuals lurking around Comic Odyssey, Galleria and
Comic Quest, Megamall during FREE COMIC BOOK DAY,
that's probably me and Kajo. :)

--budjette

http://babblingpoint.blogspot.com
http://tresekomix.blogspot.com

Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah part 2

yes!! its true! saw the big update at Carlo Vergara's blog that the Zsa Zsa komiks sequel will be available online. I was informed last year about the sequel of Zsa Zssa Zaturnnah, but I didn't know that Carlo plans to release the komiks in digital format.  Carlo said that the sequel was done upon many request by comics fans and also a future movie again, (maybe). But the good news is that Carlo is back again in making komiks and I smell in the new future that the sequel might be available in print (I hope).

for more info about Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah visit Mr. Vergara's blog at http://carverhouse.blogspot.com/

Free Comic Book Day May 3, 2008 (Comic Odyssey,Robinsons Galleria)

- check out this message from Comic Odyssey in Manila, Philippines.
Also I will be broadcasting the FCBD event via internet and video stream, will post more updates and a link of the page in the coming days.



COME JOIN US ON SATURDAY, MAY 3 2008 FOR the Free Comic Book Day at our ROBINSONS GALLERIA Branch from 12pm-5pm. We will be giving out FREE COMIC BOOK DAY edition comics from various publishers.

These FCBD edition comics will be limited to (3) copies per customer, however, we will also be giving out THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS of other comics for FREE with no set limit.

To celebrate Free Comic Book Day, we will also be offering:
*50% off all back issues in the comic bins
*Raffle prizes every half hour

*Guest artists Gerry Alanguilan and Edgar Tadeo
The first 200 people in attendance will also receive a FREE copy of:


featuring art and cover by GERRY ALANGUILAN

Gerry and Edgar will be in attendance to sign your comics and create sketches.

Autographs and quick sketches will be free of charge.

Full sketches/drawings of the character of your choice will cost P500 each.

We are now taking advance reservations for full sketches/drawings by Gerry and/or Edgar.

Simply send me an e-mail request with the artist and character of your choice.

First come first served.

THANKS EVERYONE...SEE YOU ALL ON FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2008!!!

Comic Odyssey - nixshop at gmail.com

Trese sold out in some bookstore.

here's a message from Budjette Tan.,  I haven't got my own copy, will try my luck later in comic odyssey.

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Last Wednesday, my friend texted that she got a copy
of TRESE at National Bookstore, Greenbelt. I went
there Thursday and it was already sold out. :-)

I asked the lady at Customer Service if she could
check the nearest branch. So, she called up Glorietta
and they were already sold out as well.

It might take them a week before they could restock
again.

Visprint is in the process of delivering to the other
stores.

Comic Quest and Comic Odyssey MIGHT get their copies
this weekend. So, if you’re a regular buyer there,
then tell them to already reserve you a copy.

If it will be more convenient for you to go to a
branch of National Bookstore, Powerbooks, Fully
Booked, and Pandayan Bookstore, then I highly suggest
that you call them up / email them and ask them to
reserve a copy for you.

Below are the contact info of the said bookstores:

Private Iris - book launch @ Fullybooked, Boni High St.

It was the day of mystery and adventure,but the main hero and CSI-like are kids, and at the Private Iris book launching at Fullybooked, Boni High, kids, teens, adults, comic reader and book lover celebrate the launch of a new adventure comic book called Private Iris. Playing investigator and detective for a day made a dream come true for visitors, there are activities in every floor of Fullybooked for kids that gives them task to investigate something, others are coloring and drawing activity.

Its great to see our comic creators who went there to support the comics created by Jamie Bautista and Arnold Arre. congrats to Blue Cow publishing and to their team for releasing Private Iris

more articles, photos and album below after the jump

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING Private Iris - book launch @ Fullybooked, Boni High St.

Wilson Tortosa for Wolverine manga comics

NEW YORK, NY – April 19, 2008 – Marvel Entertainment and Del Rey Manga, an imprint of Ballantine Books at the Random House Publishing Group, announced today the creative team for a manga based on the popular X-Men character, Wolverine. The series will be written by Antony Johnston, author of the Alex Rider graphic novels Stormbreaker and Point Blanc. The manga will be illustrated by Wilson Tortosa, artist of Tomb Raider and Battle of the Planets.

The manga chronicles the history of Wolverine, a mutant best known for his adamantium claws. Logan, a rebellious teen training in a remote school in the Canadian wilderness, has no memory of his life prior to being found in the forest near the school. But that forgotten life is about to come after him with a vengeance in this shônen thriller. (Shônen manga is aimed at boys through their teens and focuses on action.)

read more here

Philip Tan signs exclusive contract with DC comics

Best known recently for his work on Spawn and Spawn: Godslayer, DC Comics has confirmed for Newsarama that artist Philip Tan has signed an exclusive contract with the company. The length of the contract was
undisclosed.

“This is really about the interest and support DC has shown to me, and how passionate Dan DiDio has been
toward the plans he has for me working with DC Comics,” Tan told Newsarama. “And I really appreciate
that overall. It's one of those things where we talk about the long-term goals for myself and DC, and they
have a real interest in finding the right type of work for me and the projects that will best showcase my
talents. Plus, everyone at DC has been really, really cool welcoming me.”

For Tan, the move to DC is one of finally being able to work on some of his favorite characters. “I grew up
on DC characters and have read them throughout my career, but I never got the chance to work on them
before this,” Tan said. “So this is a great opportunity for me to work on the characters.”

And while the artist is named as one of the handful of pencilers who will be working on May’s DC Universe #0, Tan played coy about his immediate future at DC.

“There are some big things happening in the next year at DC. And I'm very excited to be a part of that. The
project I'm working on really is one of the biggest of my career. I'm more excited than anyone else to
announce this project. Unfortunately, I can't talk about it yet. But now, at least I get to tell people
it's something really cool for DC Comics.”

read more at
http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=152338