Philippine Comics at the Frankfurt Book Fair: A Dive into the Supernatural and Historical Realms

The vibrant comic scene from the Philippines is gaining international recognition, particularly as the country is this year's guest of honor at the Frankfurt Book Fair. With a rich history reflected in its narratives, Philippine comics are pushing boundaries and captivating audiences with their unique blend of reality and the supernatural.

Recent releases highlight an array of themes, from supernatural vengeance to the struggles against colonial oppression. One notable title features a young woman resurrected as a fierce avenger after being killed by foreign invaders. Another presents a girl leading a rebellion against the remnants of a post-colonial elite. The genre's capacity to intertwine everyday life with elements of horror and folklore speaks to the unresolved traumas stemming from the nation's colonial past.

Thanks to the Dantes Publishing House in Mannheim, a range of graphic novels and comic series from the Philippines are now available in German. This initiative comes as the country prepares for its prominent showcase at the upcoming book fair, set for October 15-19, which will include an expanded comic program.

Philippine artists have long been esteemed in the global comic industry. Since the 1970s, creators like Tony DeZuñiga and Alex Niño have made significant contributions to the American comic landscape, especially through their work with major publishers such as DC Comics and Marvel. This 'Filipino Invasion' introduced diverse styles, primarily in genres like horror, fantasy, and science fiction, enhancing the vibrancy of the U.S. comic scene.

In the Philippines, comics known as 'Komiks' have a storied tradition, evolving differently from other Asian countries predominantly influenced by manga. As highlighted by comic expert Tim Pilcher, the Philippine comic industry has been shaped by historical events, particularly the impacts of Spanish and American colonization.

According to recent statistics, graphic novels currently represent the strongest segment of the Philippine literary market. Nearly half of the books translated into German for the fair are comics. A standout title in this selection is the graphic novel Strange Natives - The Forgotten Memories of a Forgetful Old Woman, which showcases a fictional antiquities dealer named Grasya, who possesses magical abilities and reflects on her country's turbulent history.

This narrative delves into themes of memory and identity, illustrating Grasya's struggles as she navigates a society marked by colonial legacies. The artwork, characterized by intricate pencil and ink illustrations with occasional watercolor accents, vividly portrays the tension between conformity and self-assertion.

Another significant graphic novel is Josefina, which tells the story of a young woman who returns as an Aswang, a shapeshifter from Philippine folklore, after being killed by Japanese soldiers during World War II. This compelling tale is rendered in dark, angular ink drawings that evoke an expressionistic style, contrasting naturalistic scenes with dynamic action sequences as Josefina seeks revenge against her oppressors.

The comic Alandal, set in the late 18th century, combines historical events with legends. It tells the story of a fierce female warrior amidst conflicts involving colonizers and local rulers. Its illustrations are grand and detail-oriented, reminiscent of historical battle paintings.

The horror crime series Trese, now available in three volumes, has gained wider recognition due to its Netflix adaptation. It follows Alexandra Trese, a detective navigating cases involving supernatural entities from Philippine mythology, combining crime with elements of magical realism.

Upcoming works also include Death be Damned, a social commentary wrapped in a zombie narrative, and Sa Wala - For Nothing, which tells the story of a supernatural fighting rooster impacting a taxi driver's life. Each of these narratives addresses themes of violence, societal structures, and personal transformation.

As the Philippine comic scene continues to evolve, Dantes Publishing is committed to expanding its offerings, signaling a bright future for these captivating stories that resonate with both local and global audiences.