Ask people in the comic book biz reasons for the decline of comic books (or Komiks as it is affectionately called) in the Philippines and inevitably one of the reasons that will be cited is the increasing competition from radio, television, games, and (more recently) the Internet.
I feel however, that this reasoning is misleading.
Books have not suffered the same fate as Komiks. In fact, despite publishing in general being a risky proposition, we have seen several signs that books in general still enjoys a healthy disposition in the local market.The rise of specialized and high-end bookstores such as Power Books, Bibliarch, and Fully Booked catering to the Class A category of consumers (those with a lot of disposable income).
An increasing number of Book Sale branches which sells cheaper second hand books.
The popularity of romance novels similar to the Mills and Boons pocket books readily available to a mass audience being sold on outlets like National Bookstore and news stands at the same time.
Surely if Komiks declined because of the emergence and popularity of new media books would’ve suffered a similar fate?
7 Responses to “Why Comics are down in the Philippines”
Consider however that it is more costly to produce a comic book. You don’t need to pay a whole lot of people to make your typical book.
Take note that it mentions “Class A” category. Comics is still alive and well, but mostly for those who can afford it, as in the past years, it has been associated as a special hobby. Mostly so for the case of foreign comics.
Now, talking about komiks. I have to admit I don’t see them anywhere anymore. I used to see alot of them in newsstands (unless they’re still there but just pushed back to a less prominent position. Hmm, must look a bit closer. Incidentally, in Japan, it’s not unusual for manga to be displayed in newstands like that, instead of just specialty shops). I suppose the publishers thought that there’s not much money to be made their, and have cut down (or stopped) their production altogether. Again, the question is, why? There’s no scarcity of good artists and storytellers in our country, but there is a shortage of those who are willing to take the risk of marketing them. I admire the independent companies who take matters into their own hands.
That’s true.
Komiks declined for many reasons, and although new media probably contributed, there were other more important factors that led to fatally damaging the komiks industry. I talk more about that this here:
http://gerry.alanguilan.com/archives/23
Gerry: Kewl!
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