Hot Tropiks, a leading publisher and distributor of Filipino and Filipino-American comics (aka Komiks in the Philippines), plans to make waves at this year’s mecca of pop culture and fandom, San Diego Comic-Con. The independent distributor and publisher based out of California spotlights Filipino creatives within the industry. They’ll unveil a bold new lineup of stories that explore mythology, horror, crime, and identity through the lens of some of the Philippines’ and its diaspora’s most exciting creators. Hot Tropiks can be found in the small press area at booth L-06 at SDCC.

Growth and Surge of Philippine Pop Culture

In the last few years, there has been a noticeable surge of interest in Filipino pop culture. This can be attributed to the crossover of Filipinos taking center stage and gaining exposure from the various mediums of film, television, anime, and social media. For example, headlining Fil-Am comedian Jo Koy constantly sells out venues since his Netflix comedy debut special.

Trese, an animated series on Netflix, is another solid example. Adapted from the comics of the same name, it was created by writer Budjette Tan and illustrated by Kajo Baldisimo. The show received positive critical acclaim for its captivating take on detective Trese taking on supernatural beings of Filipino mythology. Comic fans then flocked to their local shops to get their hands on the debut of Marvel Comics’ Wave (aka Pearl Pangan). Created by Greg Pak, she hails from the island of Cebu.

Hot Tropiks Spotlight Philippine Creatives and Merch Debut

Hot Tropiks adds to the thirst and interest of Filipino pop culture by dropping a huge explosion and debut of new merchandise while bringing Filipino stories and graphic novels to the forefront at this year’s SDCC.

Arnold Arre x Hot Tropiks: Mythology Class Merch

Debuting at SDCC, there will be a limited edition apparel and merch drop celebrating The Mythology Class by Arnold Arre, the iconic graphic novel that helped define modern Filipino comics.

Maloles: The Reckoning Vol. 1 – Keeper of the Underworld

Published by Hot Tropiks Press and written by Ebony Soy, Maloles is a dark fantasy and horror debut rooted in reimagined Philippine folklore. Maloles follows its titular character through divine realms as she uncovers buried truths and tears down the old order. Moreover, this story is told in an illustrated novel format, this is the first volume in a literary trilogy exploring power, identity, and destruction through both words and images.

Philippine Spirits Mythica Obscura by Karl Gaverza

Published by Hot Tropiks as a Limited Run, Philippine Spirits Mythica Obscura by Karl Gaverza is a stunning visual compendium of Filipino spirits and creatures from one of the country’s leading folklorists. Part encyclopedia, part art book, this is a must-have for mythology fans.

Lunatics by Russell Molina and Ace Enriquez
Published by Anino Comics 

The Russell Molina and Ace Enriquez-led Lunatics tells the story of Vincent, fresh out of prison and already planning his next heist. In addition to dealing with the museum’s security, he has to deal with the wounds of his past and the question that won’t let him go: What is he really searching for? This book tells of a quiet crime story from one of the Philippines’ most respected literary voices.

Amboys #1 Convention Edition by Sigmund Torre and Angelo Mendez
Published by Hot Tropiks Press

Amboys by Sigmund Torre and Angelo Mendez asks, “What happens when Archie and the gang go to Southeast Asia and make all the wrong choices?” Amboys is a new series about Fil-Am friends navigating Manila’s seedy underworld mix of vice, violence, and corruption. This title will be an SDCC exclusive debut.

Maharlika Vol. 1 [US/International Edition] + Maharlika Vol. 2
Published by Raygun Press / Hot Tropiks Press

Created by Rexy Dorado and John Ray, Maharlika is a sci-fi comic that blends Philippine culture, politics, and high-tech in a near-future Southeast Asia.

Filipino Creatives Signing at SDCC

Russell Molina

Russell Molina is a multi-award-winning Filipino author and graphic novelist known for titles like Josefina, Lunatics, 12:01, and Sixty Six (Mr. Tino in English). He brings decades of storytelling experience and will be signing copies of Lunatics at SDCC.

Ebony Soy

Ebony Soy is a Filipino-American visual artist based in Van Nuys, California. Her work blends minimalist line art with layered themes of power and myth. Ebony will be signing Maloles: The Reckoning Vol. 1 Keeper of the Underworld, a dark fantasy rooted in reimagined Philippine folklore.

Nathan Cayanan

Nathan Cayanan is a Filipino-American writer, illustrator, and educator. A graduate of USC and a DC Comics Milestone Initiative fellow, he brings a cross-cultural voice to mainstream comics.

The Founder of Hot Tropiks

Angelo Mendez is the founder of Hot Tropiks and co-creator of Amboys, which makes its debut at SDCC. He is also known as a co-founder of Kumu and a longtime advocate for Filipino storytelling in global media.

About Hot Tropiks

Hot Tropiks is the leading distributor of Filipino komiks and cultural merch in North America. In just its second year, the platform has partnered with top publishers including Komiket, Adarna House, Anino Comics, Avenida, Vibal, Summit Books, and Anvil, and is working with legendary design studio Team Manila, the brand widely credited with redefining visual culture and streetwear in the Philippines.

By blending storytelling, design, and cultural insight, Hot Tropiks is creating a new platform for bold Filipino creativity across books, apparel, and original content. From underground comics to myth inspired merch, the goal is clear: bring the best stories from the tropics to a global audience and prove that the next major comic book IP could come from the Philippines.