Check out pics from Philippines’ biggest convention of the year – Komikon. Komikon was held this past October 27 in Pasig City, Philippines. With interviews with breakout star Captain Marvel artist Dexter Soy to Veteran artist Ed Tadeo, this convention was overflowing with talent.
Photos by Ericus Soriano
I am currently in Las Vegas getting ready for Las Vegas Comic Con. One of the reasons I am here is to get interviews with Stephen Segovia, Jay Anacleto, and Carlo Pagulayan. Also, I hope I can get some goodies like some really cool comics and toys. Earlier, while here checking on my Facebook, I found Dan Borgonos’ cool Spider-man cover sketch of Spider-man. I liked the picture and he commented. Afterwards, he was gracious to do an interview with me.
DJ Teddy Eddy: So, could you give a brief intro about yourself and what are your current and past projects?
Dan Borgonos: I’m Dan Borgonos, a freelance artist from the Philippines. Some of my project include Voltron issues 4-6 under Dynamite Entertainment, penciled by Ariel Padilla and inks were done by me. I have done Transformers sketch cards for Breygent Marketing. Marvel Bronze Age, Marvel Premiere and Marvel Beginnings 3 for Rittenhouse. I just recently did the DC 52 cards by Cryptozoic Entertainment which included Batman and Superman (sketch cards).
DJ Teddy Eddy: I just went to a comic book shop here in Las Vegas and noticed people talking about the brand new DC 52 cards and opening some. I guess those are the New 52 DC cards you worked on.
Dan Borgonos: Yeah, I am in that (DC 52) set. I am really happy doing this! For almost 3 years, DC has not had any sketch cards. I am lucky to be included.
DJ Teddy Eddy: What other Pinoy artists were included in this set? And what is this new DC set called? I might pick up a box and try to get lucky.
Dan Borgonos: Other Pilipino Artist include Rain Lagunsad, Jomar Bulda , Jez Rojales, JC Fabul and a lot more.
DJ Teddy Eddy: Cool! So what were your favorite characters to sketch?
Dan Borgonos: My favorites were Batman and Harley Quinn.
DJ Teddy Eddy: Cool! Speaking of characters, what are you favorite characters of all time?
Dan Borgonos: I really love Spider-man and a local character Darna.
DJ Teddy Eddy: What is Darna for the international readers?
Dan Borgonos: Darna is fictional characters here in the Philippines, much like Wonder Woman.
Art by Orosco
DJ Teddy Eddy: What are her powers? Also, do you know the name of her creator?
Dan Borgonos: Darna’s powers came from comet a small stone. If she eats it, she will shout DARNA and transforms into a superhuman. The creator of Darna is Mars Ravelo. The art by Nestor Redondo
DJ Teddy Eddy: We were talking about your Marvel Heroes sketch cards earlier and guess who is the new owner of a Dan Borgonos sketch card of Thing? Yup, me! I just bought it!
Dan Borgonos: Oh, Thanks!
DJ Teddy Eddy: I noticed Thing art on your deviant art page – http://dan-3077.deviantart.com/. Are you a fan?
Dan Borgonos: Yeah, I’m a fan of Thing.
DJ Teddy Eddy: Why is that?
Dan Borgonos: I dont know. I just love to draw Thing.
DJ Teddy Eddy: Ok, so what is next for you? Do you have aspirations on doing Conventions in the US?
Dan Borgonos: More cards to come and comic books hopefully. 
I would love to (go to the US) but I’m here in the Philippines. If anyone sponsors me, why not.
DJ Teddy Eddy: So, what is the best way to contact you for commissions?
Dan Borgonos: Just send me a note. Here’s my email add – danborgonos@gmail.com
DJ Teddy Eddy: Alright, any last words for the readers?
Dan Borgonos: It’s hard to become a professional comic book artist. If you are dedicated, put time in, and love your work, you will achieve it (your goals). You will face many trials, but don’t give up. Always try your best to follow your dreams. One day you will get it. Stay happy always, and put GOD first before anything you do. Always be thankful. That’s it.
DJ Teddy Eddy: Thanks for the interview!
Dan Borgonos: You’re always welcome. Thanks.
I recently got a hold of Aaron Felizmenio for an interview after I saw many people, including top artists on Facebook LIKE his work. His art is truly superb!
DJ Teddy Eddy: Could you give me a brief intro about yourself?
Aaron Felizmenio: Oh, haha! Hi! I’m Aaron Felizmenio. I’m a local independent comicbook creator based in Bulacan, Philippines. I write and draw my own comics most of the time but I usually gather help from other artists.
DJ Teddy Eddy: I just came across your work yesterday and really love it! I see that you have a lot of support from big names such as Stephen Segovia and others. Your art reminds me of Old School Batman and I love the details and colors (especially the differently colored batman sign). How would you describe your style?
Aaron Felizmenio: Thank very much you! I’m really glad that you love them! I think I’d describe my style as just something that plays heavily with shadows. I don’t know, but when it comes to shadows, I tend to have more fun with it not just using them to create volume for shapes, but also as a design sense for the entire drawing.
The use of blacks tend to control the eyes of the viewer, which I find cool since the art should really posses the viewer or something. Hahaha!
DJ Teddy Eddy: How did you come up with your style?
Thanks! Hahaha! It was just from a heavy influence from every Batman comic that I’ve read but the art that really made impact in my style was Dustin Nguyen’s. When I saw his work, I was blown away by his control on shadows. The Mignola influence was there too so I decided to study how the shadows play in their drawings and then I tried to make it my own. Although I must admit, I’m still having a hard time on that part.
DJ Teddy Eddy: What are some works of Dustin Nguyen and Mike Mignolia that really inspired you?
Aaron Felizmenio: Oh man! There are a lot! But for me, Dustin’s cover for Detective 842. Man it just stood out from the shelves that time and it was the first time that I’m going to buy a single issue comic after a long time. That started my influence for his art, and then I saw his deviantArt account and his works blew me away!
Art by Dustin Nguyen
Aaron Felizmenio: Which led me to Mike Mignola. And man, his work looks like as if the figures are just being shaped by the shadows! The very first work I saw from him was Darkhorse and DC’s crossover book, Batman/Hellboy/Starman. I’ll have to admit that I wanted to read this book first because of Batman, I’m glad my friend let me borrow it. Shame I didn’t have a copy! The shadows on that cover is just really controlling the entire composition of the image. This Mignola guy, he’s just really gifted.
Art by Mike Mignola
DJ Teddy Eddy: Speaking of DeviantArt, do you have one?
Aaron Felizmenio: Yeah! I have one! Drop by anytime at http://aaronfelizmenio.deviantart.com/, I used to have the username “aaronturon” but I changed it so I wouldn’t be mistaken for anyone else.
DJ Teddy Eddy: Are there any Pinoy artists that has influenced your work or helped guide you to where you are today?
Aaron Felizmenio: A lot! The very first one was Leinil Yu. It’s funny because almost all comicbook artists would also mention his name. His art and achievements really inspires the rest of us, amateurs and professionals themselves. And there were lots more like Carlo Pagulayan, Stephen Segovia, Harvey Tolibao, Jomar Bulda and I won’t forget to mention my mentor, Heubert Michael who draws Vampirella for Dynamite comics right now. The best thing he taught me was not how to draw, haha! But how to imagine things responsibly. Whatever that means. These guys are still there inspiring people! And they are really kind and down to Earth.
DJ Teddy Eddy: Cool! So, it looks like you are going to have a good career as a sketch artist and just starting to break out. What are your upcoming plans as an artist? Could we see you in DC and/or Marvel in the future?
Aaron Felizmenio: Man, I would really love to! I know I’m not ready yet and I’m really working hard so I could reach the levels of the pro’s out there who’s doing intense stuff on their art. I think doing independent and self-published works are one of the best ways not just to practice my craft but also to get my work out there. I think it kind of works somehow, I don’t really know. I’ll just keep on doing it! Right now we’re doing a daily updated webcomic site, check it out if you have time! It’s called NeverHeard WebComics. http://www.neverheardwebcomics.com/ I haven’t updated, I’m sort of in a hiatus figuring out my process for my series in there. Just hang on. Haha! And I’ll also be releasing the collected edition of my very first indie at Komikon this October, titled Gwapoman 2000. And after that, I don’t know anymore. Maybe I’ll audition for a band or something. Haha! Kidding, I’ll try to submit my works to big publishers and try out my luck with them. Hopefully, good things will come.
DJ Teddy Eddy: I think you’re on track for the big time. I know there are a lot of people that like your work and I can see you doing big things. You just got to keep on keepin’ on. Later, I’ll be seeing you in Conventions in Los Angeles, Anaheim and Las Vegas also!
Aaron Felizmenio: Thank you very much for believing, man! I won’t stop doing this until I die. Comics is such a big thing to me, and it honestly affects my daily life. Hopefully, I’ll be seeing you in those places soon!
DJ Teddy Eddy: I really appreciate you giving me some time for this interview! I love giving some exposure to the up and coming Pinoy talent! So, what is the best way to contact you for commissions?
Aaron Felizmenio: I’m also glad that you’re doing this, man. Helping other people and stuff, man, that’s heavy. You’re such a bro for doing this! I’m pretty easy to reach! The easiest way to contact me for commissions is dropping me a mail at aaronfelizmenio [at] gmail [dot] com. I usually check my e-mail on Tuesdays but I take a peak once in a while everyday.
DJ Teddy Eddy: Be good bro!
Aaron Felizmenio: You too, man! Stay awesome! Thanks for this! I appreciate it a lot!
BE SURE TO GET SOME COMMISSONS FROM AARON!!! I know I will!
This is a nice review of Marvel Universe’s Spider-Woman from ShartimusPrime. I saw this and had to pick it up at Target and glad I did! This figure looks great!
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