It’s really been awhile since I follows local comic scenes! I think it’s almost more than 5 years, around my college years, that I attend any local comic book launches and talk with local artists. No reason though, I just grew apart, drifted away from the scene due to capital accumulating obligation, haha!

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The intention to re-explore the scene was ignited when I first saw the post from Baca Komik Lokal Instagram. I immediately signed up once the announcement popped up on my feed. Then, there I was! On pitter-patter Monday, January 27th 2025 at 12:02 GMT+8, I met with Kak Nana and friends. And there was a lot of local comic books. A few conversations happened discussing the state of the local comics scene (which for the most and lately part, I wasn’t really aware) and current interests in comics. I spent most of it exploring and reading the comics provided.

One of the book that caught my eyes was a familiar one! I was reminded by Dhean De Nauli’s angst-y work on aspirations and dreams through an allegorical conversation with deadlines. I adore her work and honesty here, it’s truly has been awhile. I think the last time I saw her work was in 2016-2018ish. I also found Cendana Art Media books here, which are rarely seen nowadays. I think the publisher is dead?

Another gem I found was Toni Masdiono’s work titled Lao Sam 1892, a silent graphic novel on tale and woes of Lasem, Rembang in it’s early years. The work is incredibly intricate. The ink work is just immaculate. The story is exciting. As if, each panel is it’s own work of art, worthy to be framed. I think, whatever the price was, the book is worth it. It’s just that mind-boggling-ly beautiful!

I also found a witty zine by Alisnaik hilariously titled Komik ini Dijual Murah Karena Menyesuaikan UMR Warga Setempat (loosely translated, This Comic is Sold Cheaply to Accommodate Local Minimum Wage). It’s definitely an attractive collectibles and literally sold itself. Other hilarious comic I found is a part of a compendium called Komspiracy. Shaman Smash! by Desar Yuartha has very interesting premise. It’s basically a luchador DC’s Constantine, which is exciting in it’s own way. Very unique, and I am honestly looking forward to long serialization of the story!

Another piece of story that I am looking forward to it’s development is Apple to Orange by Benishoga. Apparently, this story won an award on MANGAPlus, which deservedly so! I somehow sense Inio Asano’s influence in the story. Another one, titled Marka by Kuroni and Lorb with Zonohedron is a freakishly wholesome story of conservation and occult intervention. It’s lighthearted but somehow still captures a bit of horror.

I also read few other titles, each excites me to re-explore the scene. Maybe I should send in my complete collections of Kosmik Magazines from my home to contribute in the next conversation. Nevertheless, this event was among a few events that invigorates and inspires me to create more! I really love Bali for that!