Meanwhile, comic book veterans Whilce Portacio and Lan Medina expect a particular crowd to attend the convention this weekend. Mr. Portacio highly encouraged aspiring artists to show up and pass by the artist alley, where fellow artists will be exhibiting and selling their work as merchandise. Even Osric chimed in and shared that whenever he’s at a convention, he ensures that he passes by the artist alley too, to show support to the budding artists.
According to Mr. Portacio, artists should attend conventions like this for the possibilities. “I was once the shy, awkward geek too.” He said: “[But] because of conventions like this, I was able to meet Filemon Barbasa (owner of Filbar’s) who brought me to the Philippines and introduced me to the media. I was able to make a living out of my art.”
He isn’t the only one looking for new mentees. It was also announced that Marvel’s Vice President for Creative Development, Stephen Wacker, will be scouting for a Penciller or a Colorist in the event. So if it’s always been your dream to draw your Marvel superheroes, you can submit your portfolios on or before July 26, 2018, 3 PM at the Marvel Hall for onsite submissions.
Whilce Portacio is a US-based Filipino artist known for creating Bishop (X-Men) and is currently working independently for Marvel, Image, and DC.
During the interview, he has hinted on creating a new superhero imbibing Filipino traits but it’s still under wraps.
But, of course, if you want to attend the AsiaPOP Comicon simply because you’re a fan, the organizers, staff, and the invited guests will warmly welcome you with open arms. As the multi-awarded comic artist, Lan Medina funnily puts it, “oh sige, aabangan ko sila (my fans) doon.”
Multi-awarded comic artist Lan Medina is largely recognized as the First Filipino artist to win the Wil Eisner Comic Industry Award for his work on Fables, and for his works in Image, DC, and Marvel. He is currently working on Aquaman’s MERA: the Queen of Atlantis, under DC.
Some of the most awaited guests for the convention are: ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio Banario, Finn Jones (Marvel’s Iron Fist, Game of Thrones), Mike Colter (Marvel’s Luke Cage), Tye Sheridan (Ready Player One), Stanley Lau (Imaginary Friends studios), Mike McKone (Exiles, Teen Titans, Spider-Man, Fantastic Four), Adi Shankar (Castlevania), and Takashi Yoshizawa (Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters), among others. Exclusive content will also be shown by Marvel (Hall M), Netflix (Hall N), and now Disney, which will have its own hall (Hall D) that will be launched for the first time here in Asia.
So, which fandom will you be (professionally) cheering the loudest for this weekend?
