How I Started Being Into Comics


UGH #2 and UGH #3 by Hulyen
See, I wasn't really a fan of comics. One would occasionally see me inside bookstores, rummaging through shelves and racks trying to find novels I don't even get to read. But I never got anywhere near comics sections because again, I wasn't a fan of comics.

I came across a comic strip posted on Facebook one day. It was created by some girl named Hulyen and it was entitled “Practical Exam” and boy, I found it really hilarious. Obviously, I thought it was relatable. I mean, I’m sure everyone—if not all—experienced it back in our schooldays. I shared it, of course, and followed Hulyen’s page (and other social media accounts) so I could see more of her work.

"Practical Exam" comic strip from Haliya Publishing's Facebook page.
I think it was through Instagram how I found out about her zines called UGH. A store in Cubao Expo called UVLA Store had them up for grabs. So I went there on June 2017 to get my own copies of UGH but unfortunately, UGH #1 was out-of-stock. So I purchased UGH #2 and UGH #3 and asked the nice lady at the store to notify me whenever they already have the first zine available. She told me I could try to see if I could get UGH #1 through their upcoming Local Loca Pop-Up Fair at their store the following month. Said Hulyen would be there too, so I could have my UGH copies signed by the artist herself. She handed me a leaflet with the details of the event and I told her I was gonna be there.

Yup, that's her!
It was the 1st of July, 2017 and man, it was raining hard when I went to Cubao Expo with my sister Shiena. I was worried that the event might get cancelled due to the poor weather condition. But when we got to UVLA Store, the pop-up fair was on-going. It was awesome! That was the first time I’ve been to such event and I thought it would make me feel geeky but hell no, I was thrilled. I enjoyed booth hopping, checking out stuff sold by several creators.

The last booth I checked out was Hulyen’s. She had her UGH zines on display and other items too. I got myself some stickers and a shirt with the “Practical Exam” printed on it—of course! And I also had my UGH copies signed.


Hulyen signed my UGH and even drew me a portrait.

Though I was not able to get the UGH #1, I was still happy because I met the creator of my first comics. She then since became my favorite girl in the world. In fact, when Haliya Publishing finally published UGH Vol.1 (which, by the way, is a compilation of all three UGH zines), I bought it at the Komiket 2018 in February 2018 at Elements in Eton Centris. It was sad though because I wasn’t able to catch Hulyen at the event (because she was scheduled to be there later that afternoon and I had to go home to Bulacan) and I wasn’t able to have my new UGH Vol.1 signed. But that’s ok. Because I know I will still get my chance when I go to more comic conferences in the future.

Haul from Komiket 2018
I might also buy UGH Vol.1 (Second Edition) just for an addition to my collection.

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