DIWATA KOMIKS COMIC-CON 2023 PLANS
Carmina: The Wrathborn Goddess
Variant Edition #2 featuring the New Icons with Chaplain, Nicky J., and Divina Amala.
WHO ARE WE?
A diversity-focused, Filipino-American-founded comics company dedicated to sharing stories from our multicultural heritage, Diwata Komiks is a small team of multicultural and multi-generational creatives from vastly different backgrounds united by our passion for art and storytelling. Diwata Komiks provides a platform to be able to tell stories with their own unique voices through a love for comics.
Founded by Emmy Award winner Mark Nazal, Joe A. Arciaga, and Erica Juliet, Diwata Komiks' first title, Carmina: Beginnings, was published in 2021. In the time since, the company has grown to share stories from additional diverse voices, including Carnal Tales by Bambi Eloriaga-Amago, Darahug by Kael Molo, and the upcoming New Icons anthology.
Let us introduce you to a new world of gods and monsters.
OUR TABLE
Diwata Komiks can be found at Booth M-11 in the Small Press section of the convention hall, where fans can meet Chief Creative/Co-Founder/Creator Mark Nazal (Carmina, The Hidden World of Anton Jimenez, New Icons), Director of Community/Co-Founder/Creator Joe A. Arciaga (Chaplain, New Icons), Co-Founder/Creative Partner & Producer/Creator Erica Juliet (Carmina), Creative Partner & Producer/Creator Walter Talens (Kawal, New Icons), and Cover Artist Kian Joshua (Carmina).
During Comic-Con, we will be releasing the very first teaser for our film adaptation of the Carmina comic book series. This is the first time fans of the series will be able to see the character in live-action form. The story is directly based on moments from issue #2 of our comic book series, Carmina: The Wrathborn Goddess. The film is written by Diwata Komiks' Mark Nazal and Erica Juliet and it will star Erica Juliet, bringing life to her co-creation in the title role.
The 2023 Comic-Con International will also feature the official launch of our “definitive edition” of the second issue of Carmina: The Wrathborn Goddess featuring Carmina in her Wrathborn Goddess form battling it out with one of the New Icons, offering a taste of what’s to come. This edition of the comic also includes a 2-page preview of Chaplain, one of our “New Icons” created by Joe Arciaga.
At SDCC, we will also be offering poster prints previewing the exclusive cover for Carmina: The Wrathborn Goddess #3 by Kian Joshua. This cover features the first appearance in costume for a major new character in our Diwata Komiks universe - Isabela "Isa" Arciaga, who will serve as a guide and mentor to Carmina.
You can see Kian Joshua's concept designs for the character below. Kian will be at the Diwata Komiks booth throughout the Con, and he will be taking commissions for sketches on unique blank covers that will be available at the event as well as signing the exclusive posters. As you can see, Kian has a great sensibility for how a functional costume could work, balanced with different aspects of Philippine mythology that make Isa such a unique character.
Our booth will also feature some curated comic book titles direct from the Philippines. These books will include the award-winning Doobiedoo Asks from the creative team behind Carnal Tales, Bambi Eloriaga-Amago, and Roland Amago, a semi-autographic story about their real-life journey with their son who is on the autism spectrum. Doobiedoo Asks chronicles the family’s journey through fear and apprehension, to understanding autism, and the eventual acceptance of the condition. The book highlights the importance of inclusion and proves true the old adage of love conquering all. It’s a graphic novel for all ages and can be appreciated by both adults and young readers alike!
Additionally, we will be sharing the North American debut of the collected edition of Tatsulok: A Vision of Dust. Tatsulok, or triangle in English, tells the story of the son of Lucifer and the son of Michael the Archangel teaming up to help Lora, a succubus besieged by demons. The creative team behind Tatsulok is composed of Philippine komiks industry veterans with award-winning writer David Hontiveros taking charge of the story based on original concepts by BOOM! Studios artist Xerx Javier (Clive Barker's Nightbreed) who also illustrated the comic series. With themes of horror and elements of harsh language and sexual violence, the book is intended for mature readers. Fun fact: award-winning author Budjette Tan who created Trese served as an editor on Tatsulok!
“I’ve always said that the reason we decided to use the spelling ‘komiks’ for our comics company was to bring visibility to Filipino Komiks and the talents behind them, and I can’t describe how ecstatic I am that we have this opportunity to do just that. Also, there’s more to come." Diwata Komiks Chief Creative Mark Nazal said in a statement.
In addition to the aforementioned comics, the Diwata Komiks booth will also offer preview mini-posters of several of our characters from the past, present, and future, including Mark Nazal's upcoming The Hidden World of Anton Jimenez series. We also have a limited number of copies of our limited edition Carmina: Beginnings #1 with a cover by comics industry legend Romeo Tanghal (The New Teen Titans!)
WHAT ELSE IS COMING?
On July 20, Diwata Komiks will be launching a Kickstarter campaign for our upcoming anthology series New Icons. "We wanted people from our community to tell stories based on their own lived-in experiences," Mark Nazal says. These characters will be tied to our larger Diwata Komiks universe. Learn more at diwatakomiks.com/newicons.
PANELS
Diwata Komiks talent will be featured in two panels at this year's Comic-Con. Here's where you can find us:
Saturday, July 22, 1PM-2PM: Halo-Halo: A Scoop of Filipino-American Voices in Comics -- Filipino American comic book creators: Assemble! Legendary comic book creator Whilce Portacio (X-Men, Stone) is joined by Patricio Ginelsa (Lumpia with a Vengeance), Cecilia Lim (Kwento Comics), Joe Arciaga (Diwata Komiks), and Mark "Bayani" Teodosio (The Realest Bayani) to discuss how they took control of their own narrative, adding their unique flavors to the Filipino American diaspora. Moderated by Meriden Angeles (actress and filmmaker). Includes free print giveaway by Don Aguillo. (Grand 12 & 13 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina)
Saturday, July 22, 6PM-7PM: Unleashing Representation: How to Craft Complex and Diverse Characters -- Explore crafting narratives that challenge preconceptions and foster empathy, celebrating the tapestry of diverse identities. Gain invaluable insights, strategies, and amplify underrepresented voices from Mark Nazal (Diwata Komiks), Liam Coballes (Aggretsuko!), Tara Madison Avery (Prism Comics), and Dr. Elizabeth Smith Han. Moderated by Lorran Garrison (Little Brainstorm). (Room 3 at the San Diego Convention Center)
FOLLOW US
For sponsorships, press inquiries, and potential partnership opportunities, please contact our team at info@diwatakomiks.com. For all things Diwata Komiks, follow us on all social media platforms @diwatakomiks.