Digmaang Salinlahi: Isang Kwento ng Aksyon at Pantasya

Chapter 9: Ghosts of Kaptan's Past

2010-11-12T07:11:00.000-08:00

Digmaang Salinlahi
Chapter 9: Ghosts of Kaptan's Past
Credits
Written by: Jon Zamar
Art by: Judd Abinuman

Chapter art by: Dexter Entera and Armand Roy Canlas

Kaptan pursues Ginai's forces and confronts his vicious past.

Chapter 8: At the Crossroads

2010-02-16T21:30:00.000-08:00

Digmaang Salinlahi

Chapter 8: At the Crossroads

Credits

Written by: Jon Zamar

Art by: Franklin Ouano

Chapter art by: Franklin Ouano

Suleiman is saved from Lanubo's onslaught by the timely arrival of Sali and Idaranggian. His questionable loyalties separate the two allies. The Iladnion cavalry finally arrives.

* Illustrator Franklin Ouano outdid himself in this chapter. Very, very awesome panel work.

Western Style Digmaan

2009-11-05T08:22:00.000-08:00

istarrscream.deviantart.com did this piece for Digmaang Salinlahi around 2006, its kinda nice to see the world of Kahimanawari depicted like this.

Landas Tungong Digmaan

2009-11-02T06:42:00.000-08:00

Featuring artworks from JM Valenzuela, Gabe Dela Cruz, Armand Roy Canlas, Judd Abinuman and many many more. Learn how the war started and what decisions affected the course that set the destinies of the main characters of Digmaang Salinlahi. Coming Soon

Digmaang Salinlahi 7: Ang Sangangdaan Preview

2009-10-12T00:49:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, October 18, the Fifth Annual Filipino Komiks Convention will be held at the Megatrade Hall 2 at SM Megamall. I'll be releasing an exclusive version of DS 7.

Heres a short preview. See you all at the kon.

Kids at War?

2009-09-23T04:11:00.000-07:00

Its been a really heavy feeling writing Digmaang Salinlahi, dealing with war and all that, with evolving relationships between old allies, family, lovers and friends. After 5 years or so doing this project I'm longing for something lighter to do. After the end of DS, I'll be doing an all ages book about Suleiman and the gang in the vein of Avatar The Last Air Bender, Naruto and Bone. Artwork done by Franklin Ouano and Jon Zamar.

Bayan Knights - Digmaang Salinlahi: Worlds Collide

2009-09-06T01:43:00.000-07:00

Promo artwork by A. Roy Canlas, Judd Abinuman, Franklin Ouano, Melvin Calingo, Elmer Damaso and Enjoykeso, tones by Jon Zamar

The Heroes of Bayan Knights will find themselves in the middle of war as they enter the world of Digmaang Salinlahi. Coming soon.

Komikon Awards Nominee

2009-07-27T21:47:00.000-07:00

Got this on my email.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! You and your works are nominated in the upcoming KOMIKON AWARDS 2009.
Nominations were held last July 01 - 15, 2009. You were nominated for the following categories:

For Best Graphic Novel / Anthology:
Digmaang Salinlahi by Jon Zamar, Keso, Gabe DelaCruz and Jhomar Soriano

Thanks to whomever nominated the book.

Animoto Video Test

2009-07-02T08:03:00.000-07:00

Summer Komikon is coming soon!

2009-04-21T01:33:00.001-07:00

Hope to see all of you there!

Wow DS's First Published Review...

2009-01-28T06:24:00.000-08:00

...OK not really a review but more like a short and sweet blurb.

Been at this comic making venture for almost 6 years, I was quite surprised to see something in print about my little project. Thanks to the BK peeps who announced it at the ML that Digmaang Salinlahi along with Bayan Knights and fellow BK member Gio Paredes' Kalayaan had short reviews in FHM Philippine's Feb issue. Click the image above to read what the reviewer's thoughts were on the said books.

Chapter 7: Opposing Alliance

2009-01-26T23:00:00.000-08:00

Digmaang Salinlahi

Chapter 7: Opposing Alliance

Credits

Written by: Jon Zamar

Art by: Franklin Ouano

Grays by: Armand Roy Canlas

Chapter art by: Franklin Ouano & Mark Taduran

Gilbert Monsanto Digmaang Salinlahi Artwork

2009-01-25T22:57:00.000-08:00

Commissioned comicbook master Gilbert Monsanto to do this spread and had talented up and comer Erek Rabang colored it. Told him to put some flames around, didnt expect him to go overboard.

Komikon 2008 Checklist

2008-11-04T09:57:00.000-08:00

Oi may bago akong mga komiks na bibilhin... ay may nilabas din ako, sana bumili din yung iba.

Jon

CHAPTER 6: BREAKAWAY SOLDIERS

2008-06-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

Digmaang Salinlahi
Chapter 6: Breakaway Soldiers

Credits

Written by: Jon Zamar
Art by: Jhomar Soriano
Grays by: Jon Zamar, Sin Sobeira, Armand Roy Canlas
Chapter art by: Jhomar Soriano and Jon Zamar

Notes: The trio of Suleiman, Lantaka and Indara on their way to Kahilwayon comes upon the burning city of Dangal Kanlungan. Another Judge Knight, Lanubo the Berserk is inside and apparently is the orchestrator of the massacre.

CHAPTER 5: CHILDHOOD'S PAST

2008-06-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

Digmaang Salinlahi
Chapter 5: Voices from Childhood's Past

Credits

Written by: Jon Zamar
Art by: Joanah Tinio Calingo
Grays by: Armand Roy Canlas
Chapter art by: Melvin Calingo

Notes: A collaboration with fellow independent comic creator Joanah Tinio Calingo, her own fantasy epic Cresci Prophecy is a monster of a comic book series, please do check it out too.

Reminiscing about their childhood in the forests of Iladnion, Suleiman further strengthens his resolve to distance himself from the council and side with the Northern Kingdoms.

Sumilang: The Pitch that Never Was...

2008-06-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

I tried last year to pitch a comic book anthology series to a local publisher, it was composed of 4 titles and was aimed at boys and girls who love action adventure tales ala Naruto, Totally Spies, Marvin Mystery, One Piece etc. On a good note the publisher seemed interested, the low side however was they were practically offering us peanuts to do the book and the inane clause that if ever we do the book thru them we should not do any local work with any of the local comicbook publishers particularly Mangaholix by the Groundbreakers and the then still active defunct NeoComics group. Exclusivity contracts are fine and dandy, only if you do get paid enough not to look for other jobs. With the rate they were offering us... Id rather not comment more, safe to say those rates do not warrant exclusivity...

here is one of the stories I wrote for the Pitch...

Sumilang: Daugther of the Blade
Written by: Jon Zamar
Art by: Jhomar Soriano
Colors by: Robi Villagracia

CHAPTER 4: THE LIGHT OF HEAVEN

2008-06-03T22:59:00.000-07:00

Digmaang Salinlahi
Chapter 4: The Light of Heaven

Credits

Written by: Jon Zamar
Art by: Gabe Dela Cruz
Grays by: Jon Zamar, Sin Sobeira
Chapter art by: Gabe Dela Cruz & Jon Zamar

Notes: Another collaboration with close friend Gabe Dela Cruz.

Lumauig unleashes the Light of Heaven within him to save an old Enkanto sage running away from Crow-Men out to get him. He then gets picked up by a caravan of Enkantos mysteriously deep into human territory.

CHAPTER 3: THE LAST PRINCESS OF ILADNION

2008-06-03T13:44:00.000-07:00

Digmaang Salinlahi
Chapter 3: The Last Princess of Iladnion

Credits

Written by: Jon Zamar
Art by: Jhomar Soriano
Grays by: Jon Zamar, Armand Roy Canlas
Chapter art by: Melvin Calingo

Notes: First ever comics collaboration with super-illustrator, Manga Award winning Jhomar Soriano. I have been constantly blessed to collaborate with the best illustrators. I eventually went on to do a run of Ragnarok strips with him as well and letter over some of his fine manga work for Seven Seas Entertainment.

Introducing the other side of the Race War. The Enkantos collectively chose not to aid their old ally Handiong, one however sways the order and prepare to wage open war with Kaptan and his soldiers. With Sali, Heir of Iladnion they are ambushed by the Council forces. Their only refuge lies with the TreePeople of Dangal Kanlungan.

MISCELLANEOUS: SOURCE NOTES

2008-06-01T06:39:00.000-07:00

Digmaang Salinlahi
The Source Notes

Written by: Jon Zamar
Artwork by: Wenz Chua, Jhomar Soriano (Maniraia)
Tones by: Jon Zamar

Notes: These were included in a compilation book of the 1st 3 chapters.

CHAPTER 2: A WARRIOR RETURNS

2008-06-01T04:38:00.000-07:00

Digmaang Salinlahi
Chapter 2: A Warrior Returns

Credits

Written by: Jon Zamar
Pencils by: Gabe Dela Cruz
Inks by: Jon Zamar, Gabe Dela Cruz
Grays by: Jon Zamar
Chapter art by: Atan Talas

Notes: First ever comics collaboration with classmate Gabe Dela Cruz.

The arrival of one of the story's key characters. More will be revealed about him soon.

CHAPTER 1: DUTIES OF A SOLDIER

2008-05-17T18:48:00.001-07:00

Digmaang Salinlahi
Chapter 1: Duties of a Soldier

Credits

Written by: Jon Zamar
Pencils by: Wenz Chua
Inks by: Jon Zamar, Wenz Chua, Rhen Palo (additional 3 pages)
Grays / Colors by: Armand Roy Canlas, Sin Sobeira
Chapter art by: Atan Talas

Notes: First ever Digmaang Salinlahi comics chapter ever made. Initially released during the last C3 Con with a kick-ass Taga-ilog Cover, a file I have yet to find. My first comicbook work with the Cheese.

Young Judge/Knight Suleiman confronts his leader, Kaptan, about the pending judgment on his old mentor/friend, Handiong and his kingdom, Iladnion. Choices betwen allegiances will be made and sides between former allies would be drawn.

Nilad: Eve of Destruction

2008-05-14T05:33:00.000-07:00

Prologue: Chapter 2

MAEA: KAPITOLYO NG KONSEHO

A cityscape shot of a bustling ancient city patterned on Indian / Cambodian architecture.

Caption: Nilad, Sentro ng Konseho ng Maea.

Lunduyan ng kapangyarihan ng buong Konseho.

In the middle of the city a big structure with a sculpture of a huge fist stands proudly. Banners of the different kingdoms sway with the wind.

Caption: Ang Moog ng Kamaong Bato,

Punong Himpilan ng mga Ampay

The Head Speaker is preparing to adress the army gathered outside the Fortress. He is accompanied by Kaptan. The First Speaker looks elated, almost excited at what they are about to do. Kaptan is a grim picture, stone faced and rigid.

One of the Speaker's Umalohokan, his personal speaker guards, announce their presence as the two men step into a pulpit to address the waiting men.

Umalohokan: Magbigay Pugay! Naslen Mar, ating Punong Tagapagasalita! Pinagpala ng Bathala!

Magbigay Pugay! Kaptan Kamaong Banal, Punong Ampay at Katalona ng Lupa! Sugo ng Katarungan!

At the mention of the two leaders, the awaiting army shout out their respects. Weapons are raised and stomped on the ground as a sign of respect.

Mga Sundalo: Matulday! Mataldas! Karangalan sa Punong Tagapagsalita! Karangalan sa Punong Ampay!

The cheers of respect from the army seem to fill the First Speaker with drunken elation. He is grinning almost evil-like, his fingers twiddling together as if he cant wait no longer. Kaptan remains a step back from the speaker, still a vision of military coldness.

Naslen Mar: Handa na sila. Ngayon na ang simula ng ating panahon. Kailangan na lamang natin itong isa-kamay.

The sight of their respected First Speaker on top of the pulpit brings around a second round of cheers from the army. More stomping on the grounds and chest beating.

Mga Sundalo: KARANGALAN!!!!

Naslen Mar smiles once more then raises his hand to signal silence from the man. He is about to start his speech.

The captains order their soldiers to simmer down and stand in attention once more. Mechanical silence now fills the entire compound.

As he is stating his preamble, Naslen grips the railings of the pulpit, his knuckle turning white as he does so, he is giddy with excitement.

Naslen Mar: Matagal na panahon na rin ang nakalilipas na nagwalang kibo tayo sa pakiki-apid ng ating mga kapatid sa hilaga sa mga mapagpanggap na Enkanto.

Nagwalang kibo tayo habang tuloy nilang binabalak ang ating pagbagsak upang mapaghatian nila ng Kahilwayon ang ating mga lupain.

Aking mga kapatid sa kalayaan, ang panahon ng ating hindi pagkilos ay nagtatapos ngayon! Hindi na makakapayag ang Maea na abusuhin ng mga Maharlika ng mga lumang kaharian ang ating kabaitan. Lipas na ang panahon nila, ngayong araw na ito nagsisimula ang Panahon ng Maea!

The soldiers cheer on, as Naslen looks gleefully from high above.

Mga Sundalo: MAEA! MAEA!

Naslen is drunk with malicious happiness. He continues his tirades with a clenched fist to emphasize his points.

Naslen Mar: Nasa ating panig ang pagpapala ng Bathala! Nasa atin ang paninindigan ng ating mga mandirigmang Ninuno.

Ang tagumpay natin ay nasa harapan na natin, kailangan lamang nating ito'y abutin at hawakan sa sarili nating mga kamay!

Naslen now turns it down a bit. He checks for chinks in the armor of guilibility of his men. He checks if everyone present have any doubts that what they will do is in the right.

Naslen Mar: Maaring may pagaalinlangan ang iba sa inyo sa pakikidigma natin laban sa ating mga kalahi. Maaaring may mga pagdududang namumuo sa inyong mga isipan. Hayaan ninyong aking pawiin ang inyong mga alinlangan at duda. Ilabas ang bihag!

At his order two more Umaholohokan brings in a bound man. His clothes are in tatters yet signs of nobility are still evident. The man is still struggling with all his strenght. His eyes are aflamed with fury at the sight of Naslen. Kaptan shows signs of surprise but still keeps himself silent.

Man: SINUNGALING! ANO NA NAMANG HUNGKAG NA PALABAS ITO! IKAW ANG TUNAY NA SALOT SA ATING LAHI!

Naslen motion to his men to silence the raving man. One of the Umalohokan uses the blunt part of his spear to render the man unconcious.

Umalohokan: Manahimik ka!

SFX: KA-THUD!

Man: UGGH!

With the man incapacitated, Naslen turns back to the crowd. His face a mockery of sorrow to show that he did not really want to hurt any of his race.

Naslen Mar: Nasa harap ninyo ngayon ang Tagapagsalita ng Iladnion. Isang tuta ng Kahilwayon, isang manlilinlang. Bukas palad natin silang tinanggap bilang kasapi ng ating Konseho ngunit hindi sila buong loob sa kanilang pagsali. Isa lamang ito sa kanilang mga pakan upang mapalapit sa atin at tayo ay pabagsakin mula sa loob.

The man hearing it tries to struggle once more. This time breaking free and about to lunge at the First Speaker. He is summong tree roots to his command.

Man: KASINUNGALINGAN! LAHAT NG ITO'Y Ka.... URK

Kaptan has moved behind the man and has silently slipped his dagger in his back. As usual Kaptan's calm demeanor is untouched. He whispers something to the man.

Kaptan: Patawarin ka ng ating Ama, nawa'y pagpalain ka sa sunod mong buhay.

With that, the man slumps to the ground lifeless. Kaptan wipes the blood off his dagger. His eyes fixed upon the rattled Speaker.

Kaptan: Sigurado ka ba sa mga paratang mo?

Naslen: Ah... er... Ibig kong sabihin ay, oo lubos akong naniniwalang tama ang aking nalipon na intellihensya.

Naslen is aghast. He didnt expect the man to break free.

But as easily as he was taken back, he regains his composure as he realize he can use this to his advantage.

Naslen: Pinagdududahan mo ba ako Gat Kaptan?

Naslen lifts the man using his powers to manipulate air. And levitates him to the view of the men below him.

Naslen: Isang patunay sa kanilang masamang adhikain. Pinagtangkaan ang buhay ko ng Tagapagsalita. Palalayain ko na siya sana ngunit pinilit pa rin niyang tuparin ang utos ng mga Enkanto. Tsk.

Naslen then lowers the man down to the level of the army.

Naslen: Pagmasdan ninyo ang kaya nilang gawin upang tayo ay pabagsakin. Hihintayin pa ba nating mismo ang Maea ang pagtangkaan nilang kitlin ang buhay?

Naslen's smile is back in his face though he tries to hide it beneath a solemn guise.

Naslen: Isa lamang ang sagot sa kalapastanganang ito...

The camera pans on the Entire army, all awaiting the decision of their leader. (*This should be a spread and I'd like a lot of details.)

A worms eyeview shot of the fortress wall with the pulpit used by Naslen.

Closeup on the pulpit with Naslen standing in the foreground, in his background is Kaptan still silently observing, The dead speaker lying there in a pool of blood. The umalohokans standing guard.

Closeup on Naslen, a wickedness apparent in his face and the extreme feeling of a person that has got everything he planned for.

Closeup on his eyes.

Naslen: Digmaan.

And with that declaration the army once more erupt into bloodcurdling cheer.

From a another great structure far from the fortress of the Ampays but with a good view of what is happening. Several individuals are watching the debacle.

A women of apparent high rank speaks up.

Urduja: Nagsimula na. San tayo papanig?

The camera pans to reveal the rest of the remaining original Ampays of the council. Marikudo Bakulao, a big hulking Aeta. Pandaguan Karimlan, a man wrapped in shadows. Uak PandayDiwa, a mysterious looking man with weird features. Sulyap Matanglawin, the (assumed) blind warrior priest. Lanubong Bagsik, weapon master.

Uak is the one to answer Urduja's question.

Uak: Kung san tayo naniniwala...

Symbolic shot of the ampays separating ways with Marikudo at the center. Karimlan and Uak on the other side, Bagsik and Sulyap on the other.

End of Prologue Chapter 2

Breakdowns by Melvin Calingo aka Taga-Ilog

Credits

Written by: Jon Zamar
Art by: Renecarlo Cruz (pending)
Breakdowns by: Melvin Calingo

Notes: Undrawn script for another scene for the DS Zero anthology. Melvin Calingo of Seven Seas and Culture Crash fame was suppose to do this chapter and provided the illustration above, both coming from the first page. I've tapped old friend and classmate, Renecarlo Cruz, currently an art director for a local ad agency to illustrate this scene.

Iladnion: The Gears Turn

2008-05-12T18:16:00.000-07:00

Digmaang Salinlahi: Ang Pagikot ng Makinarya ng Digmaan

Credits

Written by: Jon Zamar
Breakdowns / Pencils by: Jhomar Soriano
Finishes / Inks by: Renie Palo
GrayTones by: Armand Roy Canlas

Notes: Unpublished scene supposed to be part of DS Zero. Our hero Suleiman is now a full pledge Ampay (judge/knight) and returns to Iladnion to warn his old mentor what the Council is planning.

SULEIMAN & SALI: TWO FACES OF A WAR

2008-05-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

Digmaang Salinlahi: Two Faces of a War

Credits

Written by: Jon Zamar
Pencils by: Gabriel Dela Cruz
Breakdowns, Inks & Grays by: Jon Zamar

Notes: Another contribution to the Fresh Comic Book Anthology, this time done with another of Digmaang Salinlahi's staple artists, Gabriel Dela Cruz.

Jumping to the future, we see a Suleiman, now a young man and a student at the Council's military school, and his betrothed Sali of the kingdom of Iladion, talking about their future and reminiscing about their first days at the academy.

Pursuing his dream, Suleiman opts to remain at the academy to become a full Knight / Judge like his father was during the First War. Sali on the other hand, still disgusted at how their respective kingdoms are treated as second class members of the council before they joined and even now, decides to return back home. With war brewing between the old kingdom Nobles and the Council, because of new policies and alliances, the lovers are separated for the first time since they were kids.

SULEIMAN'S DREAM

2008-05-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

Digmaang Salinlahi: A Kid's Dream

Credits

Story by: Jon Zamar
Pencils by: Wenz Chua
Inks by: Jon Zamar
Grays / Colors by: Sin Sobeira, Jon Zamar

Notes: Originally these 4 pages were supposed to be published for Culture Crash Comics issue 15.5 and were in full color. Heh. It didn't happen, the publication closed down exactly right after we finished the pages and an office accident which was pretty funny but I'm sure was downright painful.

The story is a basic introduction of Suleiman, a young noble who dreams of becoming a Council Knight/Judge, and a basic rundown on what he perceives as the penultimate perils of the land he calls home. The ending was rewritten as a promo piece to pimp what I thought would be a continuing published series.

The pages were eventually published in my independently produced comic book anthology Fresh, copies of which are still available in Comic Quest Megamall and SM North and Comic Odyssey in Robinson Galleria in Ortigas.

PROLOGUE

2008-05-09T09:02:00.001-07:00

*Click Images to Enlarge.

Digmaang Salinlahi: Prologue
Title: Ang Landas Tungong Digmaan

Credits:

Written by: Jon Zamar
Illustrated by: JM Valenzuela
Graywashes by: Erik Rabang, Robi Villagracia, Jon Zamar
Design/Layout by: Jon Zamar

Unpublished