INSIDER: MUTED COLORS + BLOTS Inc.

Apart from taking care of this blog, there are several projects that we have in our hands.  Ice Cream Indie has not only proved to the Bacolodnons that WE CAN DO IT, but also open up a chance, an opportunity for other artists to be a part of this company.   Of course, the company does not accept artists immediately.  As I recall, Oya (Kouyuki-Kun Yelo) requires a proposal and several studies of the art to be published.

A Study of SALATAN by Offbeat

Ice Cream Indie is known for its 'manga'-style art and yes, it did start with a fondness for the art style.  But the company doesn't close its door to other styles.  One of the upcoming projects that will be running under the ICI banner is a project created by Vivi Villegas.  The working title of this project: THE DATU, illustrated by Offbeat (MUTED COLORS), Offhand (MUTED COLORS), Jay Wong (BLOTS Inc.) and guided by Shin Oe (BLOTS Inc.).   

This project is scheduled to be released this November 2011 and will be having its debut in the Komikon Awards Event.  The Bacolod Readers will have to wait till after the event for the distribution in the region.   

So what's THE DATU about?  

Vivi Villegas explained that this project was created to remind the younger generation that we, Filipinos do have our own Mythology and that they are, if not more...as interesting as those of the Greeks.  But Villegas said that unlike all the 'ALAMAT' that were made to entertain the children  years back, she opted to create her own yet still stay true to the very nature of the deities. 

The artists actually met each other in another project that was delayed and because of the time they spent with each other, they decided to do this project while waiting for the first one to begin.  

A Study of SULAYMAN by Offbeat

THE DATU is based on several Filipino Legends and will be using the 'HILIGAYNON' language I heard.  It's going to be one of the firsts!  The story centers around the Visayan Islands mainly because it is the birthplace of the artists and the writer that created it.

"For the younger generation to forget our legends, it's a sad thing.  We need to rekindle the fire that is dying out."  Vivi said.  "You can just imagine to what lengths the Japanese do to their legends just to keep them alive.  Samurai X and most of their anime series and mangas were based on these stories.  A good friend of mine even told me, why not make Rizal 6 ft. tall with cool hair?  HAHAHAH!  Now that's a great idea!"

It's true that as artists it is one of our duties to nurture the culture that is 'us.'  Indeed, it can not only be seen in Japan but also around the world.  Vivi said it's not enough that we draw good and we write interesting stories.  She believes that in every story we write, in every stroke of our brushes...we must give out a part of who we are.  

What then will happen now that all cultures are basically clashing and mashing together?

A Study of PANAY from Offhand

"Most people will then be tempted to embrace other cultures.  It's normal...really.  But then again, let's try to keep Ours living.  I don't deny the fact that I read manga and adore the Japanese culture."  Vivi laughed.  "But I always make it a point to remember who I am...thus, I always want to put in Filipino traces in the stories I write."  

 

When asked about the story, Vivi told me she doesn't want to give any hints of what the story is about.  She'd rather have the readers find out for themselves.  THE DATU will be produced by ICI and will be in stores by November 2011.  I've attached some studies that were made for this project.  

See ya around,

Shin Oe

A Study of Princesa Manai-a by Shin Oe

A Study of Sumakwel by Offbeat

A scene from the 1st release. A study by Offhand