Quick, how many Filipino comics professionals can you name? If I caught you flat-footed, don't let it bother you; a relatively short time ago, I would have stuttered and stammered quite a bit just coming up with one or two "komikeros,"or Filipino comic artists.

And, while it may not necessarily be knowledge applicable to everyday life in general, it is interesting to note that the U.S. comics industry has been influenced by a fair number of Filipinos. In the early 1970's, the work of Nester Rodondo, Tony de Zuniga, Alfredo Alcala, and others graced the pages of some of DC Comics' publications, wowing readers.

During that time, DC even sent editors to the Philippines to recruit artists.

One thing many of these artists have all held in common is incredible talent. And, since great comics work is what this column is about, I want to pass on to you a couple of online resources dealing with such subject matter. Komikasa is one such site. Focusing mainly on short bios and sample art, the site also sports some links to artists' home pages. Komikasa sports a very simple and easy-to-use format, with artists catalogued from A to Z. Find it at www.komikasa.com.

A similar, yet more lavish site, is Gerry Alanguilan's Komikero Comics. Most interesting about this web site is the online edition of The Philippine Comic Art Museum, which contains samples of some of the best comic art this reviewer has ever seen, as well as in-depth artist bios. Well worth checking out, go to it at www.komikero.com. Both are recommended for those who enjoy beautiful comic art, and history on comics.

Since we're on the topic of comics history, another worthwhile site is www.lambiek.net. Named after Europe's first and oldest comic shop, the web site sports online art exhibitions, a newsletter about comics world-wide, an online store, and their "Comiclopedia," which boasts bios and artwork of more than 5,000 comic artists. The most extensive online comic encyclopedia I've seen. Recommended.

Mark Allen

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