Pacquiao Is Comic-Con Asia's Ambassador and This Comic-Book Artist Is Not Having It
No, just no.
(SPOT.ph) Less than a month after the AsiaPOP Comicon Manila at the SMX Convention Center was held, here's another piece of good news for comic-book lovers, cosplay competitors, and TV and movie addicts. The first-ever Comic-Con Asia is going to be in town from March 24 to 25, 2018, and we couldn't be happier. But there's a catch: They've chosen Sen. Manny Pacquiao as the event's ambassador. The reactions to the news are mixed. Filipino comic-book artist and DC/Marvel inker Gerry Alanguilan (a.k.a. Komikero), for one, has said in a post on social media that he will no longer be participating in this big convention "with [Sen.] Manny Pacquiao actively involved" in it.
Pacquiao presented the upcoming Comic-Con Asia to the press on September 13. "Marami itong matutulungan at mabibigyan ng opportunity," he told reporters.
With Manny Pacquiao actively involved in Comic Con Asia 2018, I will no longer be participating in it.
— Gerry Alanguilan (@komikero) September 13, 2017
He's funding it (or one of the people funding it). He wants to be ambassador for the arts (including comics).
— Gerry Alanguilan (@komikero) September 14, 2017
But Alanguilan is not having it.
"[…] I cannot forget the statements made by Manny Pacquiao in the past," he wrote in a blog post. He cited the instance when the senator argued on national television that members of the LGBTQ+ community are worse than animals. "Ngayon, kung lalaki sa lalaki o babae sa babae e mas masahol pa sa hayop ang tao," Pacquiao said.
If things were different, Alanguilan would have participated actively. "Alerted to Comic-Con Asia some months ago," he shares, he expressed interest in getting a table and selling a reprint of Elmer, which was published in France and North America in 2010; and a brand-new book he created alongside illustrator Kevin Ray Valentino.
“I am NOT advocating a boycott. I am simply saying that I will not be going,” he punctuated his statement.
Sir, I just saw your blog post about that I would like to commend you for making a stand. Good job! Still looking forward to Elmer reprint!
— D (@dinocratic) September 14, 2017
Comic book readers and friends have expressed their support for Alanguilan's decision, with some making jokes and citing GIFs apt for the situation.
Pacquiao wouldn't know art if it punched him in the face. pic.twitter.com/chilejWunZ
— Fafda Maram (@JegoRagragio) September 14, 2017
You can still participate if you want, you can come in dressed as Juan Manuel Marquez or Jeff Horn.
— AltAsecMargauxUson (@AsecMargauxUson) September 14, 2017
???? pic.twitter.com/plWxjkipf6
maybe he will cosplay this ???????????????????? pic.twitter.com/toRQPzClOU
— DarthSarcastic (@vadersdisciple) September 14, 2017
So, @mannypacquiao has finally admitted that he is comedy personified!
— Mila D. Aguilar (@mila_d_aguilar) September 14, 2017
Others are just equally pissed.
manny pacquiao as the ambassador of asia's comic-con???? i've truly seen it all ladies n gents
— lays (@adrlayson) September 14, 2017
Pacquiao sa comic-con?! yakkk
— min min (@jstinong) September 14, 2017
As much as I really want to get excited about Comic-Con but seriously, why Pacquiao? https://t.co/vnYWtVDqGk
— Erik Palino (@erikreports) September 14, 2017
Comic-Con Asia 2018 is from March 24 to 25, 2018 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Lane, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. For updates, follow Comic-Con Asia on Facebook.
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