'bagyo ang talent ng taga-baguio city!'

Ang maganda kapag may inisyatiba kagaya ng Komikon 2008 at ng kontes na ini-announce ko kamakailan lang ay may mga lumulutang na talent na naghihintay lang ng tamang venue. Matapos mabasa ang nakaraan kong blog entry ay agad nag-e-mail sa akin si Ron Ruiz ng Baguio City para sa mga detalye at kung pwede raw siyang sumali. Nang malaman niya na open lang para sa mga officially ay kalahok sa Komikon 2008 ang munting kasayahan, pero may pinaplano ako next year para sa mas malaking comicsa contest, paghahandaan na lang daw niya ang para sa susunod na taon.
Napakalaki ng potential ni Ron. At malaking factor talaga ang Komikon para magkaroon ng venue ang mga ganito ka-talented na Pinoy artist.
Hiniling ko sa kanya na i-feature ko muna ang ipinadala niyang sample comics sa akin entitled “IRKED” at pumayag naman siya. Heto ang kanyang e-mail sa akin:
Hello.
My name is Ron Ruiz from Baguio City. I came across Mr. Gerry Alanguilan's blog on his Multiply site about your enthusiasm for local indie comics and your generous support for local comics talent.
I visited your site via the link that Mr. Alanguilan posted on his site and I thought I'd give it a shot.
Problem is, since I live and work in Baguio with my wife and 6-month old daughter, I won't be able to attend the comics’ convention. So, I decided to email my 6-page comics for your consideration.
A short background on the attached comics - It was all hand-drawn and hand-lettered. I wrote the story and script (which really isn't saying much since there is little or no plot). It was done in 1999. I have always been a comic book fan and dabbled in comic book writing and illustrating ever since I was a kid. In 2001, strapped for cash, I hawked it to Pulp Magazine. It was published in December of the same year. I have had two more short comics published in Pulp in early 2002.
Originally, it was a 12-page comics. I had to compress it in half as the editors at Pulp said they could only accommodate 6 pages. Hence, my comics seem cramped and confined which, in my opinion, hampers the storytelling. The page constraints also compelled me to use formal and conservative paneling.
Lastly, kindly excuse the following "typos" and flaws:
1. (1st page, 2nd panel) - ..."I used to rid this city of IT'S scum..."
2. (2nd page, 1st panel) - ..."This is for OLD TIME'S sake!"
3. (Last page, 3rd panel) - ..."Every vein, every muscle in my body TRUMMIN' in anticipation!" I invented the word because it sounds like one.
4. Inconsistencies in Irk's narration - I had wanted Irk to talk like Bogart and The Thing, using 'EM instead of THEM, omitting the last Gs in words like TRUMMING and FREAKING, etc. But on certain panels, Irk's narration is inconsistent with my intention. For example, on the 2nd panel of page 3, Irk states: "I hope Sal ain't too shirty to do some serious stitchinG."
5. There are probably a lot more flaws and oversights that I may have over overlooked. Suffice to say, I am now more cautious with my writing. Man, I seriously need an editor.
I think I have wasted your time enough.
I planned to edit these errors before sending it to you but I decide against it at the last minute. I would really appreciate it if you find the time to check it out and perhaps, if you're not too busy give your critique and how I can improve my craft.
***
AT heto naman ang malulupit niyang pages ng “IRKED” na lalong ikai-insecure ng mga insecure na ayaw magpakilala: