The golden age of Philippine komiks in the 70s and 80s was an era of simple, but profound joy for millions of readers like me. The thrill of flipping through pages filled with heroic tales, mythological creatures, and moral dilemmas was unparalleled. Yet, the decline of this once-thriving industry is more than just nostalgia fading into obscurity; it’s a tragic loss of culture and an artistic legacy that we failed to preserve. I believe the death of this art form is a result of our collective failure to adapt and support an evolving creative industry.
Back in those days, I remember how sari-sari stores were a hub of excitement for komiks enthusiasts. People, including myself, would line up just to rent the latest issues of Wakasan, Hiwaga, among many others. For a few centavos, we were transported into worlds where Filipino values, heroism, and culture were deeply embedded. Those stories were not just entertainment; they were lessons on morality, bravery, and resilience. But as we entered the digital age, the industry didn’t adapt fast enough, and we as readers, too, let it slip through our fingers, choosing modern distractions over supporting what was once ours.
The shift from print to digital media played a significant role in this decline. Newer generations, who grew up with the internet and mobile devices, were no longer inclined to read printed komiks. In contrast, other countries like Japan managed to keep their manga industry alive by transitioning effectively into digital platforms. I can’t help but feel that if our own komiks creators and publishers had been more proactive in embracing technology, the industry might have survived, or even thrived, in this new era. We missed the opportunity to evolve and expand our audience.
Another factor contributing to the fall of the komiks industry was the lack of institutional support. During its peak, komiks were a grassroots phenomenon, supported by readers and small businesses like sari-sari stores. However, as media consumption diversified, there was no formal structure or substantial investment from the government or large publishing houses to keep the industry alive. I believe if there had been proper funding, grants, or even educational initiatives promoting komiks creation, the art form would have had a fighting chance against foreign entertainment, especially the deluge of Western comics and films.
What saddens me the most is that the stories that made komiks so appealing were distinctly Filipino. They were a mirror of our values, struggles, and victories as a people. Our love for folk heroes, supernatural beings, and tales of triumph over adversity was palpable on each page. Losing this part of our cultural identity is not just a loss of entertainment, but a severing of a link to our past. The younger generations are now growing up without these local narratives, being more exposed to foreign content that doesn’t always resonate with our history and culture.
Komiks in the Philippines was also a platform for aspiring writers and illustrators to showcase their talents. They were a launching pad for many creatives who eventually made a name for themselves both locally and internationally. I often wonder how many brilliant minds have been left untapped in recent years because the medium that once served as their entry point no longer exists. Without the komiks industry, we are losing not just readers but future artists, writers, and cultural storytellers.
I firmly believe that we must reinvest in our local creative industries. Komiks, in particular, should not be allowed to remain a relic of the past. If other countries can modernize their traditional art forms to fit into the digital age, then so can we. We need to create new platforms, whether online or in print, to make local content accessible once again. And just as importantly, we must reignite the interest in our youth, educating them about the cultural significance of komiks and encouraging them to explore this medium as both readers and creators.
Philippine komiks industry is not a lost cause. By reinvesting in this medium, providing institutional support, and harnessing modern technology, we can revive and modernize our komiks tradition. This isn’t just about bringing back an old industry; it’s about ensuring that future generations have access to uniquely Filipino stories, keeping our culture alive in the hearts and minds of our people.
