Where have all the komiks gone?

Remember the days when the sound of rustling paper filled the air, when kids sat on the floor, engrossed in the vivid panels of Filipino komiks?

Those were the golden days when komiks were as quintessentially Pinoy as jeepneys and Jollibee. Yet, like an old friend who has drifted away, Filipino komiks seem to have vanished into thin air, replaced by the omnipresent glow of smartphones and the endless scrolling of social media.

So, where have all the komiks gone, and what does it say about our evolving cultural landscape?

Filipino komiks once ruled the roost as the primary source of entertainment and education for many.

From the colorful adventures of “Darna” and “Captain Barbell” to the rib-tickling escapades in “Pugad Baboy,” komiks were the stuff of legends. They were cheap, accessible, and packed with stories that resonated with the everyday Pinoy. They were the ultimate escape from the humdrum of life, offering a window into worlds where heroes flew, villains schemed, and justice always prevailed.

For many, komiks were more than just a pastime — they were a gateway to a richer Tagalog vocabulary and a deeper appreciation for Filipino culture.

So, what happened? How did these beloved comic books, once found in every sari-sari store and newsstand, fade into obscurity?

The culprit, as with many cultural shifts, is technology. The advent of the internet, social media, and digital entertainment has dramatically changed how we consume content. Why flip through the pages of a komiks when you can watch endless videos on YouTube, binge-watch series on Netflix, or scroll through an infinite feed of memes on Facebook?

The convenience and instant gratification of digital media have rendered the humble komiks a relic of the past.

Today’s generation, raised on a steady diet of pixels and likes, seems to have little inkling of the magic that was Filipino komiks. Ask a teenager about “Dyesebel” and you might get a blank stare. Mention “Lastikman” and they’ll probably think you’re talking about some new app. It’s a cultural amnesia of sorts, where the rich legacy of Filipino komiks is slipping through the cracks of collective memory. The vibrant characters, the dramatic plot twists, the corny jokes — all of it is fading away like a dream upon waking.

Yet, it’s not just the pull of digital media that’s to blame. The decline of the komiks industry can also be attributed to economic and logistical challenges. Publishing costs have soared, and with the dwindling demand for printed materials, many publishers have shut down or shifted focus.

The distribution networks that once brought komiks to every corner of the archipelago have also weakened, further limiting access. In a market driven by numbers, komiks simply couldn’t compete with the flash and dazzle of digital content.

But all is not lost. There is still a flicker of hope for the resurrection of Filipino komiks. A new wave of creators is harnessing the power of the internet to breathe life back into this beloved art form.

Digital komiks are emerging, blending traditional storytelling with modern technology to reach a wider audience. Platforms like Penlab and Webtoon are giving Filipino artists and writers a space to showcase their work, connecting with readers in ways that were previously unimaginable. It’s a fusion of the old and new, where the spirit of the komiks lives on in a digital avatar.

Moreover, there’s a growing movement to preserve and celebrate the legacy of Filipino komiks. Collectors, historians, and enthusiasts are archiving old issues, ensuring that the stories and artwork of yesteryear are not forgotten. Comic conventions and literary festivals are also featuring komiks, introducing them to a new generation of readers who might otherwise never have encountered this rich cultural treasure.

In the end, the story of Filipino komiks is not one of an untimely death, but of a transformation. While the traditional print komiks may have taken a backseat, their essence persists in new forms and platforms. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of storytelling and the creative spirit of the Filipino people.

e-mail: mannyangeles27@gmail.com