CB stands for comic books
Filipinos are some of the most talented people in the world. Any-one who says otherwise is dumb. Even in the world of comics, companies like Marvel and DC look to the Pearl of the Pacific for some of today’s biggest talents. Artists like Leinil Yu, Gerry Alanguilan, Carlo Pagulayan, and Harvey Tolibao have headlined chart-topping comics. It comes as no surprise that Marvel, with the help of National Book Store, brought its vice president for Creator and Content Development, CB Cebulski, to our shores to look for the next great Filipino comic book artist.
Over 200 aspiring artists submitted their portfolios to try their luck at becoming the “Next Comic Marvel” and from what we’ve heard, CB couldn’t be happier with the amount of talent he saw. From the 200, 34 were short-listed for a one-on-one interview with CB, and from there, only time will tell who among the 34 will get the chance to draw for Marvel.
On his last night before leaving Manila, we sat down with CB Cebulski to talk about his experience in the Philippines.
YOUNG STAR: How was your trip?
CB CEBULSKI: The trip was fantastic! I couldn’t have asked for more. I thought I knew what I was getting into but it was much more than I ever expected.
Besides being the talent scout of Marvel, you’re also a food blogger. What was your best meal during the whole trip?
I can’t pick just one but I loved the crispy pata!
We heard you had your first balut experience. Would you recommend it to other comic book people who might visit?
I think everyone should at least try it. It’s an experience that needs to be done but not so much enjoyed! (Laughs) It’s a part of the culture here and it’s something everyone who visits should partake of.
It seems like you had a great time. Any plans of coming back?
I’d love to come back! A part of that will depend on how successful the artists I short-listed are and if they’re able to take advantage of the opportunity they’ll get working for Marvel. If one or two really hit, and if Marvel, together with National Book Store, have any kind of success with this nationwide contest, then there’s no reason why I think there shouldn’t be a second wave of talent scouting.
Columnist Jiggy Cruz with C.B. Cebulski We’re keeping our fingers crossed for that. What about those artists who didn’t make the cut? Any advice you have for them?
You can’t give up. Sure, you can be disappointed but it’s just a bump on the road. It’s not that you’re a bad artist or I didn’t like what I saw in your portfolio, it’s that you didn’t exactly have what Marvel was looking for at this time. Times change and there are more books and opportunities. If Avengers Vs. X-Men hits, then there will be more books that will need artists, and the Philippines will be one of the first places we’ll come and look.
If there’s one person from Marvel who should go to the Philippines, who would you recommend us to?
That’s a good question. I’m trying to think of a guy who would enjoy the experience the most and I know many people would. I’ve talked to Mark Brooks (artist of Ultimate Spider-Man Annual) about coming and he’d be a great fit here. Brian Bendis (writer of Avengers and Ultimate Spider-Man) I think will really enjoy it here. I’m not sure he’d eat balut though. (Laughs)
We would love to have Bendis come over!
Yeah. I also think someone like Joe Quesada (former editor in chief and current chief creative officer of Marvel) or Axel Alonso (current editor in chief of Marvel). I do a lot of traveling and people at Marvel see the world through my eye. I’ve traveled a little bit with Joe and he was just amazed at being part of the experience and seeing how much Marvel was embraced outside of the United States. We’ve been together in Europe and next step for Joe would be to come and see the other side of the world here. I think he’d really enjoy it and I think he’ll get a lot out of it.
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Follow CB Cebulksi on twitter: @cbcebulski. Which comic book creator would you want to visit the Philippines? Send us your thoughts over at jiggyandjonty@gmail.com.
