XXV: Silent Strips, Loud Legacy
A milestone exhibition of Manix Abrera tracing the humor, silence, and lived experiences behind one of the Philippines’ most influential comic storytellers.
Words Mian Centeno
Photos courtesy of Manix Abrera and Galerie Stephanie
November 24, 2025
For twenty-five years, Manix Abrera has remained a staple in contemporary Filipino comics, crafting universes where humor, societal observation, and quiet revelations coexist. This identity is visible in his milestone exhibition, XXV (Twenty-Five)—a reflective yet forward-looking showcase.
The exhibition celebrates the worlds and characters that have defined his career, from the Kikomachine Komix to the straightforwardly creative silent graphic novels. "This exhibition gathers fragments of my journey as a comic artist, author, and visual storyteller, tracing the evolution of the worlds and characters that have lived in the pages of Kikomachine Komix, News Hardcore, and my wordless graphic novels," writes Abrera.
Beyond local recognition, his wordless strips—often considered turning points in his career—expanded his reach globally, connecting minds through art and humor. “Sobrang nakakatuwa. Narealize ko na naeenjoy ko pa rin yung mga ginagawa ko, and may mga plans pa for the future.”
Alongside these works stand the icons that shaped an entire generation of readers: Bertong Badtrip, Terror Prof, and countless unnamed dreamers and wanderers. “Pinakanagulat ako na yung mga inimbento kong characters, nagkaroon sila ng sariling buhay,” says Abrera. Their resonance reflects the sharp relatability that has solidified Abrera's humor in the Philippine cultural landscape.
Despite the shifts in his visual language, one element remains constant: humor. It's an inheritance, he explains, inspired by his father, who's also a political cartoonist. Abrera believes in the strength of simplicity, especially in character design. He sees this straightforwardness as a bridge that connects readers to his art.
His message to readers is grounded in optimism. “Nakakatuwa dahil may mga nakikita akong mga batang creators na gumagawa rin ng comics,” he shared. “Ang saya-saya na buhay ang industry.”
Abrera hopes this growth continues to encourage artists to showcase Philippine culture through their works, offering a way to see even the mundane things in the most unique way.
In XXV, Manix Abrera honors not only his own journey, but the enduring power of comics—to connect, to challenge, and to remind that even the simplest line can hold an entire world.
