There has been a huge surge of interest in Filipino pop culture – part of a larger cultural momentum sweeping across the globe. From film, television, and comedy to Michelin-starred kitchens, fashion runways and concert halls, Filipino creativity is captivating audiences far beyond the archipelago. Nowhere was this more evident than at the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con, where Filipino and Filipino-American creators took center stage.
Founded in 1970, San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) has grown from a niche comic book gathering into one of the world’s premier pop culture events, attracting over 130,000 visitors annually. Focused initially on comics and sci-fi, it now spans film, gaming, and global storytelling, serving as a launchpad for major franchises and independent creators alike.
Wired to this ton of energy and tapping into this true thirst for Filipino pop culture is Angelo Mendez, founder of Hot Tropiks, a California-based publisher and distributor dedicated to amplifying Filipino storytelling through komiks, literature, and cultural merchandise. Angelo is proud of his deep roots in the Bicol Region. His father’s family hails from Baao and his beloved mother is from Naga City.
From Startup Hustle to Comic-Con Spotlight
Mendez’s journey began not in the pages of a comic book, but in the digital world. As a co-founder of Kumu Live, the Filipino livestreaming app, he was already deeply invested in connecting the diaspora through media. But his passion for storytelling and cultural preservation led him to launch Hot Tropiks in 2024, starting with a modest booth at WonderCon. Fast-forward to 2025, and Hot Tropiks returned to Comic-Con with a full slate of original releases, merch collaborations, and a growing fanbase hungry for Filipino narratives.
“This Comic-Con felt like a turning point,” Mendez shared. “We saw firsthand how much space there is for bold, original stories from the Philippines and the tropiks.”
Komiks That Speak to Myth, Horror, Crime, and Identity
Hot Tropiks’ booth at SDCC was a vibrant showcase of Filipino creativity. Among the standout titles:
- Amboys #1 by Sigmund Torre and Angelo Mendez – A gritty, satirical series following Fil-Am friends navigating Manila’s underworld. Think Archie meets noir in Southeast Asia.
- Maloles: The Reckoning Vol. 1 by Ebony Soy – A dark fantasy rooted in reimagined Philippine folklore, exploring divine realms and buried truths.
- Mythica Obscura by Karl Gaverza – A visual compendium of Filipino spirits and mythological creatures, blending art and anthropology.
- Maharlika Vol. 1 & 2 by Rexy Dorado and John Ray Bumanglag – A sci-fi epic set in a futuristic Philippines, where politics, rebellion, and power armor collide.
- Lunatics by Russell Molina and Ace Enriquez – A quiet crime story about redemption and memory, penned by one of the Philippines’ most respected literary voices.
These works do not just entertain—they interrogate identity, history, and the supernatural through a uniquely Filipino lens. Hot Tropiks also debuted a merch collaboration with Arnold Arre, celebrating his iconic graphic novel The Mythology Class, which helped define modern Filipino komiks.
The Hot Tropiks booth attracted amazing talents and personalities from the comic book genre both from the US and the Philippines:
- Jim Lee – President, Publisher, and Chief Creative Officer of DC Comics; award-winning Korean-born American comic book artist, writer, editor, and publisher.
- Manix Abrera – Superstar Filipino comic book illustrator; creator of Kikomachine Komix and DC Comics’ Batman: The Knight variant, and the artist behind Thunder Cats covers
- Andrew Drilon – New York City based Filipino comic book writer and illustrator, currently working on DC Comics projects and his own comic series; recipient of Neil Galman Philippine Graphic/Fiction Award
- Randy Ribay – San Francisco based author of Avatar, The Last Airbender: The Reckoning of Roku; two-time National Book Award nominee; co-winner of the Michael L. Printz award.
A Global Audience for Local Stories
The response at Comic-Con was Hot Tropiks’ biggest milestone yet. Fans lined up for signings, snapped up limited-edition releases, and joined the Adobo Times mailing list to stay connected. Mendez and his team were joined by creators like Nathan Cayanan, a DC Comics Milestone Initiative fellow, and Russell Molina, whose quiet crime narratives continue to resonate across generations.
Hot Tropiks isn’t just selling books—it’s building a movement. By curating stories that span horror, mythology, crime, and diaspora identity, the company is redefining what Filipino literature can be in the global market.
What’s Next?
With upcoming pop-up events, international publishing updates, and new releases on the horizon, Hot Tropiks is poised to become a cultural force. For Mendez, it’s about more than business—it’s about legacy.
“We’re not just publishing books. We’re preserving stories, honoring our roots, and creating space for the next generation of Filipino creators.”
– Angelo Mendez, founder, Hot Tropiks
The header features a collage of book cover artwork of recent best sellers. Check out their new releases.
All photos featured from the Hot Tropiks FB page.