The Xavier School Comicon was the first school-based comics convention in this country and that was officially sanctioned by the school.
The three-day convention was held from January 26-28 at the Angelo King Center inside the school’s San Juan grounds and drew thousands of students as well as outsiders.
According to Comicon organizer and Xavier alumnus Ivan Guerrero (XS ’98), the plan was also to inculcate a love of comic book reading among the younger generation.
As I have strayed from the world of comic books and other collectibles during the long COVID-19 lockdown, the Xavier Comicon reignited my interest.
Here are the exclusive collectibles from the three-day event.
The Project X TEQ63
The Xavier School Comicon exclusive featured world-renowned toy designer Quiccs Marquez's famous TEQ83 rendered in the school’s blue and gold colors and wearing what also happens to be the same palette of the classic X-Men uniform of the 1990s circa Jim Lee and Scott Williams. To cement the association was the classic “X” logo of Marvel Comics’ best-selling superhero team.
The Amazing Beasts of Philippine Mythology
This 128-page softbound book was written and illustrated by the Ang INK Artists Collective published by American company Tuttle. This book shows how rich Philippine folklore is with close to 50 creatures listed, described and illustrated by the collective.
While the cartoony art somewhat peels away the fear factor, the work nevertheless remains impressive and should provide creative souls with a rich mine of information and ideas.
What made this launch more fun was all the creators from the artists to the writer were present to tell their stories and to sign copies of the books.
Interested parties may still purchase copies of the book at Fully Booked branches.
The Alexandra Trese Funko Sleeve Box
These handcrafted totem poles of the kambal Crispin and Basilio by Sven Wilbur Lim go hand-in-hand with the Alexandra Trese Funko Pop.
Speaking of Alexandra Trese, Kajo Baldisimo also created a special and limited sleeve box for the aforementioned Funko Pop of the popular heroine of the comic book series.
What a treat for fans!
Here are some of the highlights of the event:
Pol Medina Jr.’s talk
It is always a highlight when fan favorite and comic strip legend Pol Medina Jr. talks about his humble beginnings and how Pugad Baboy has become embedded in our consciousness and Philippine comic history.
Always insightful and fun, his dramatic entrance where he purposely tumbled onto the stage was a surprise for everyone.
Saber Source’s booth
Easily the most popular booth of the entire weekend as fans used the light saber customs to engage in their own duels.
Paint It Fun!
Nothing like a unique collectible in your hands. Literally too. For as low as P500 and as high as P1,500, fans chose figures and statues and key chains to paint on. There were incredible splashes as well as messy ones. But all in all, a fun booth that drew a lot of people.
The Comic Book Making Contest
I am told that it wasn’t too long ago that comic books of any sort were confiscated by teachers.
Today, there is a comic book club moderated by teacher Robert Carpio, and a school-sanctioned comic convention.
In the comic book making contest, there were a lot of entries but the big winners were Angelo Lorredo’s Ronni and the Traveling Ronin and Ellie Caparas’ Bright Stars. The two students carted home a handful of prizes.
The three-day event was a huge success and it is certainly possible the Xavier School Comicon will be an annual affair.