#2: Drawing from Heritage—Why St. Malo Needed to Be Told
- messedcomics
- 18 hours ago
- 2 min read
The research for St. Malo was about digging up history, but the act of creation was about filling it with life, humor, and heart.
I literally wrote chapters 3 and 4 of the St. Malo comic book scripts in the lively cafes of New Orleans. The spirit of the place infused the work, bringing characters like Ulan and the hunters to life. Ideas that make me laugh, like Ramil’s strange obsession with feet, and cultural nuances, like the dwuende Tragus preferring their homeland’s bagoong to the New World’s, sprung forth from this environment.
And then there are the moments that truly transcend: My heart skipped a beat when I wrote the scene where Heherson and the harvesters perform the “Shrimp Dance”. These moments of cultural pride, community, and shared experience are the bedrock of the entire series.
The Craving for Reflection
My personal drive for this project runs deep. Growing up Filipino American in Union City, Pennsylvania, I craved stories that mirrored my own reality. The faces on screen, in comics, and in books rarely reflected the brown skin I saw in the mirror.
This absence wasn't just a minor oversight; it sent a clear, painful message: Asian Pacific American narratives weren't central to the universe of storytelling. We were relegated to the sidelines, if we were present at all.
Claiming Our Stories
That’s precisely why it’s crucial for creators like myself to draw inspiration directly from our heritage. We have the power to shape a new landscape where Asian Pacific Americans aren't just supporting characters—they are the heroes of their own journeys.
Telling the story of St. Malo is an act of empowerment. These stories not only affirm and uplift our communities, but they also serve as bridges, fostering empathy and understanding between cultures. By sharing our experiences—our history, our humor, our struggles, and our triumphs—we remind the world that we, too, deserve to be seen and celebrated in all our humanity. The legacy of the first Filipinos in St. Malo deserves to be read, seen, and remembered.
Artwork by Feriowind.
To purchase St. Malo, visit Creative Mussel's Cryptid Corner on
