Komiks: Drawing the Filipino Soul

Once a ubiquitous presence in Filipino life, passed around sari-sari stores, stacked on staircases, and even used as panggatong, komiks evolved from cheap newsprint entertainment into a powerful cultural force. This episode charts the journey of the art form, starting with the pioneering work of Rizal and the birth of the iconic Kenkoy, through the golden age pantheon created by visionaries like Francisco Coching and Mars Ravelo. It dives deep into how these illustrated stories taught a nation to read, served as subtle resistance during wartime and martial law, and eventually launched a wave of Filipino talent that transformed American comics. From the humble page to the global streaming screen, discover the history of the medium that refused to die, chronicling the Filipino people's struggles, dreams, and enduring myths.