John Ray
@thejohnrayPronouns: he/him
Location: Taguig City, Philippines
Occupation: Komiks Artist
Media: Digital
Dream Projects: A full length animated film or series based on our ongoing komiks series Maharlika.
Born and raised in Baguio, John Ray is a komiks artist lurking in Taguig. Jumping ship from a decade of advertising, he now lovingly crafts stories about the Filipinos’ place in the past and future. Along with writer Rexy Dorado, John Ray is slowly building the alternate history and sci-fi komiks series Maharlika. They recently launched the independent komiks publishing brand called RAYGUN under Santelmo House. John Ray is also the co-founder of Manila Middle Ground, a creative retail and events space located at Comuna Bldg. in Makati. Outside of work, he enjoys bagnet, coffee, and being in the service of his cats Musashi and Maru.
Maharlika
Digital, 2023
In illustrating komiks, translating the script to panels is daunting, challenging and still remains my favorite part. Reading and rereading the dialogues and captions while simultaneously playing the scenes like a movie in my head relaxes and pressures me at the same time. The satisfaction from starting from blank pages until I finish the whole book is undoubtedly euphoric.
Barriers
Digital, 2021
TM
Digital, 2025