“The next major IP could come from anywhere on the planet.”

Filipino Komiks Take Centre Stage at San Diego Comic-Con

Founded in 1970, San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) has grown from a niche comic book gathering into one of the world’s premier pop culture events, attracting over 130,000 visitors annually.

Initially focused on comics and sci-fi, it now spans film, gaming, and global storytelling, serving as a launchpad for major franchises and independent creators alike. The convention’s influence extends beyond entertainment, generating an estimated $161 million in economic impact for San Diego.

Many lessons there for publishing, but let’s stick to topic for this essay.

The Rise of Filipino Storytelling (drawing heavily on an article over at Temple Of Geek)

Filipino komiks (comics) are carving a significant space at SDCC, thanks to publishers like Hot Tropiks, which champions Philippine narratives. This reflects a broader surge in Filipino pop culture, driven by hits like Netflix’s Trese and Marvel’s Wave, featuring Cebu-born superhero Pearl Pangan. The diaspora’s creativity is flourishing, blending folklore with contemporary themes—from dark fantasy (Maloles) to gritty crime (Lunatics).

(Check out the Temple of Geek post for images of these titles.)

Highlights for SDCC 2025

  • Hot Tropiks’ booth (L-06) showcases groundbreaking works:
  • Arnold Arre’s The Mythology Class: A merch line celebrating the graphic novel that defined modern Filipino comics.
  • Ebony Soy’s Maloles: A folklore-rich dark fantasy exploring power and identity.
  • Karl Gaverza’s Mythica Obscura: An encyclopaedic tribute to Philippine spirits.
  • Russell Molina’s Lunatics: A literary crime drama from Anino Comics.

Exclusive debuts like Amboys (a Filipino-Archie hybrid) and Maharlika (sci-fi meets Southeast Asian politics) underlines the genre diversity.

Hot Tropiks founder Angelo Mendez emphasised their mission: “Proving the next major IP could come from the Philippines.”

The View From The Beach

SDCC’s platform amplifies underrepresented voices, and Filipino komiks – rooted in rich mythology yet globally resonant – exemplify this shift. For publishers, it’s a reminder: diverse stories drive our industry’s future.

Echoing Angelo Mendez’s thoughts, the next major IP could come from anywhere on the planet.

This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.