I just came home from the recently concluded Comic Convention or Komikon 2007 which was held at my alma mater, UP Diliman. It is basically the “Level Up Live” of the comics, anime and manga community. It was an eye opener for for a former comic buff such as me. I haven’t been in touch with the comics world for so long it was quite a joy to behold that the Pinoy comics community is very much alive. And of course, the real reason why I came to Komikon was because of the Philippine Ragnarok Valkyrie Server Eyeball organized by Level Up itself. But more on the EB event later. More after the jump!

I found a lot of interesting stuff in all the booths there at Komikon, but one in particular caught my attention so much that I was able to take a great souvenir from it.

It was a booth run by veteran cartoonists, comics artists and portrait artists. These artists are old men who really appear to be veterans in the business at first look. I was watching a lady get her caricature drawn on the spot. At first I hesitated, but I eventually asked veteran comic artist Rene Clemente, if I can have my caricature drawn too. I then asked how much to have my caricature drawn and he said a donation would be fine. Ok then. So we went straight to business and I just stood there in front of him while being watched by random Komikon atendees.

As a painter and artist myself, I have had the privelege to observer how this veteran does his work. First comes the pencil sketch followed by the outlines by the pen. Take note that he does not use any high brow brand of pens and pencils. Not even a kneaded eraser (the clay like, gray colored eraser).

He then switches to a thicker gauge of ink pens to do the final touches and details.

After the final inks are layed, he erases all the pencil sketch marks. This is the only time he touches the erase.

And viola! The final product: a Master Diwa caricature drawn and signed by veteran comic artist Rene Clemente. It’s good to always know that we have such great talents in the Philippines. This is definitely a great memory from Komikon!

And by the way, this is just part one of my Komikon coverage. Keep on reading for my coverage of the Philippine Ragnarok Valkyrie Server event at Komikon 2007, only here at The Master’s Den!