Why can't local comicbook/manga-making groups last these days?

[scifantanime]

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Pardon the boldness (and probable annoyance) of the query above but I'd like to know from any of you guys out there who might satisfy my curiosity about a few things:

1. I'd like to know if there are some still existing Cebu-based comic book-making/manga-making groups today.
2. If there aren't any these days, why did these groups end up dismantling or, forgive the phrase, dying out in the process?
3. Any tips on how to keep such a group afloat?

[rwind64]

Maybe they lack time, money, and probably have other commitments.

[diem]

I think it's really a matter of Passion versus Priorities. If people maintain their passion and make this craft of making comic books or manga a priority of in their lives, then they would persist in their efforts.

Unfortunately for many artists and writers, passion fades, other priorities arise and divert their efforts. In other words, when there is no Heart, there is no Art.

I myself as a writer have tried many times to collaborate with artists to create comics since high school and so far little or nothing is produced.

Through my own experiences, I learned firsthand about artists temperament and that one can't push people or expect too much from them and passion can only bring a dream so far, the rest of the way has to do with a serious, mature commitment~ a commitment that would mean some sacrifice.

I myself as a writer am trying other avenues such as filmmaking and still continue on writing and improving on my craft as a story teller. I sustain these activities by having a day job, some sideline freelance projects that pay then taking whatever spare time to read, research, make notes and write.

While I chase my own dreams of stories being published or produced for the screen, I still hope someday I could work with artists who can make the same effort and commitment to their dreams as I have with mine.

[zenred]

i guess even if you have the HEART but without support.. coordination also is a big factor.

[rwind64]

Money is what the runs the world nowadays. Without even a little bit of cash, no one can get any materials and such. Things don't come easy nowadays.

[scifantanime]

Okay, so in order to keep things afloat as a creative group one should have heart, coordination, priorities and money... sure this much is obvious. A friend and I are seriously considering of venturing into this line of work that would ultimately merit the creation of a local publication company and the financing of an otaku-related group.

I've only known Popcorn and Sukol Mo! and they've both been praised and bashed in some threads in this forum.

What I'm trying to know here is: where exactly did they shine and where did they exactly fail?

Thanks for the replies, mga bro! Keep them coming.

[candydudz]

first problem is there's no originality, no identity whatsoever from local artist and writers. mostly all are greatly influenced by other forms like manga related or westernize related. You cant possibly compete with the original ones. To be original artist and writer must go back or re-learn its roots and culture. You cannot possibly copy other arts and culture it will just be WANNABES.

[scifantanime]

first problem is there's no originality, no identity whatsoever from local artist and writers. mostly all are greatly influenced by other forms like manga related or westernize related. You cant possibly compete with the original ones. To be original artist and writer must go back or re-learn its roots and culture. You cannot possibly copy other arts and culture it will just be WANNABES.

Interesting... but pardon me for interjecting here, but we Pinoys have always been good copycats (though I prefer a less demeaning word like innovative instead). I guess this realization has dawned on me in the past few days that we Pinoy comic book artists have really nothing original to show for in terms of culture. The Japanese and the Americans have a rich culture on their side of the world. Sure, some Mangaholix stories have made a stab at using Pinoy culture but it's proven to be difficult passing off as mainstream.

I might be wrong here guys but that's why I'm the one in purgatory right now.

[diem]

I don't think it's really that difficult to pass off Pinoy Culture as mainstream.

It can be a challenge for some but what I think makes an awesome comic is 1) a good solid story that's takes familiar elements in an original direction and 2) mind-blowing artwork.

Then in order to become popular, a team of artists and writers must make sure that 1) and 2) remains both balanced and consistent in every issue or at the very best, keep going to the next level.

From what I've observed from the issues of Sukol Mo and Popcorn comics that I've come across, a common genre in the stories these comics have featured are action-adventures. Basing from the artists I've worked with, drawing action sequences to make these appear dynamic is a big hurdle.

So sometimes the genre choice of the stories one can serialize into comics is a big factor.

@scifantanime, if you're really serious in pursuing this project give me a PM.

I'm a professional writer by day, an aspiring author by night who's been published a couple of times, won a couple of awards, SineBuano writer and also a Faigao Fellow. I might be able to help you in terms of storylines or if you already have a prepared storyline, I could offer you suggestions to make it more feasible.

[X]

@scifantanime: wanna try to organize one?. you'll see why. hehe