MAHARLIKA, a sci-fi story set in the futuristic Philippines just launched its Volume 2 Collection last April 27, 2025, at the Manila Middle Ground, John Ray (the artist behind MAHARLIKA) sets inspired by the brutalist artform that what has been an architecture trend in the Philippines and incorporating futuristic and cyberpunk-like story.

Reimaru Files got to sit down with the duo behind MAHARLIKA Komiks, John Ray and Rexy Dorado for an interview about their design choices, the inspirations, and even some challenges faced in the local komiks scene.

“The concept that Rexy wrote it’s an empire, (basically) Southeast Asian Empire. When I was (doing) world-building (and) visualizing that world, I wanted something fresh and new, think of cyberpunk, but I would call it ‘tropical punk’ with a brutalist flavor.” John Ray said. Brutalism in architecture was a trend in the mid-20th century that emphasized expressive forms in terms of their materials, textures, and even construction. If you are familiar with the corporate offices that were so “1970s” or even “1980s,” those are the ones.

One of the remaining Brutalist buildings found in EDSA Southbound, San Juan, Metro Manila Source: Google Street View

MAHARLIKA is a sci-fi story set in the future Philippines but 100 years after winning at the hands of Spain. The story also has a theme of mecha and cyberpunk that is set in the aforementioned brutalist art style.  John Ray also said that MAHARLIKA’s inspiration in terms of design and lore is like “Mission Impossible meets Power Rangers.” MAHARLIKA has also given inspiration and homage to Katsuhiro Otomo (the manga artist behind AKIRA.) 

Rexy Dorado also thinks that marketing may be straightforward but not easy, especially in small industries including Filipino Komiks. It was something that the two had to carry as well aside from being just writers and artists since they had to do the marketing themselves. “… Especially in the Philippines where there’s practically almost no industry. There may be some small publications and arms for comics, but there are no comics companies so it’s been very small in terms of investment.”

MAHARLIKA sets one of the standards in the Modern Philippine Komiks scene and it’s becoming more promising as a trend goes on from fan cosplays, theories from fans, and even merch.

Maharlika Komiks Volume 1 and 2 are available in limited stock on Manila Middle Ground, Annex House Manila, and Comic Odyssey, so make sure you follow their social media accounts like Facebook Page and Instagram. You can also start reading Online (and other amazing creations from Rexy and John Ray) at https://maharlika.substack.com

Article by Nico Guarte