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Comics have the power to make us laugh, reflect, and see our everyday lives through a new lens. In this post, we take a closer look at the work of Kevin Eric Raymundo, better known as Tarantadong Kalbo, the artist from the Philippines, whose distinctive style blends humor, nostalgia, and powerful social commentary. 

If you’re curious to discover his work and find out more about Kevin himself, scroll down because we spoke with the artist to learn more about the stories behind his comics and the journey that shaped his voice.

More info: Instagram | Facebook | x.com | tiktok.com

Discover more in 50 Hilarious And Heartfelt Comics That Might Make You See Everyday Life Differently

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#1

Comic panel showing a heartfelt moment between a grandmother and grandchild with a red stamp, representing everyday life.

tarantadongkalbo Report

Bored Panda talked to the artist about how his journey into comics began and what led him to start creating his own stories. As he shared: "My artistic journey began the moment I first picked up a pencil, a passion for doodling that has never faded. For 16 years, I channeled this creativity into the animation industry, working my way up from animator to Animation Director. While the experience was invaluable, burnout led me to make a necessary pivot. I have now shifted my focus entirely to creating my own comics. My work is heavily inspired by classic strips like Calvin and Hobbes, Peanuts and Archie, modern favorites such as Strange Planet and Sarah’s Scribbles, and the sheer wit of The Far Side. I am thrilled to finally be writing and illustrating stories drawn directly from my own life and perspective."

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    #2

    Comic panels showing a child holding a woman's hand, imagining stepping over lava in a relatable everyday life comic.

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    #3

    Comic panels showing a green character standing out in a crowd and then glowing as they step away, illustrating everyday life differently.

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    We also discussed how his artistic voice has evolved over the years and how his focus has changed with time and experience. He explained: "My comic work started light, mostly slice-of-life humor and timely memes. But when the pandemic exposed critical failures in governance, my focus shifted. My platform became a tool for change. Today, I create serious social commentary to amplify the voices of the marginalized and demand accountability. My art is no longer just a hobby; it is a commitment to calling for change."

    #4

    Comic panels showing a person distracted by phone, almost tripping, then surprised in a fast-moving, colorful scene in hilarious everyday life comics.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    #5

    Comic panels showing a child turning off the light and running up stairs, escaping from reaching dark hands in a humorous everyday life comic.

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    When asked about where his ideas and inspiration come from, Kevin pointed to the power of ordinary moments and personal memories. In his words: "My inspiration comes from everywhere, but especially from the quiet, mundane moments we all share but rarely notice. I love observing those everyday truths! Alongside this, I am deeply motivated by the desire to see my community thrive and by the warmth of childhood memories I want to forever preserve. TK is where all these threads meet. Think of it as a carefully curated trail mix: a little bit of heart, a little bit of hope, and a lot of life experience!"

    #6

    Comic shows a man struggling to select his birth year on a date form, depicting a funny and heartfelt everyday life moment.

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    #7

    Comic panel of a person folding and stretching paper strips, illustrating a playful everyday life comic moment.

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    Finally, we explored what he hopes audiences take away from his work and why his comics resonate so widely. As he reflected: "You never know what will resonate, but for me, it is always the most simple and authentic stories that cut through. I primarily share small, nostalgic snippets of my childhood. It is genuinely surprising to discover that the games I played or the simple things I did as a kid in my home are the same experiences kids had in Brazil, Indonesia, and Mexico. It turns out a kid is a kid, no matter where they are. For me, being able to share these simple snippets and connect on that level is the ultimate reward as a comic artist."

    Kevin’s work has been widely recognized, earning honors such as the National Book Award for Graphic Literature 2020 (Tarantadong Kalbo Vol. 1), National Children’s Book Awards Kids’ Choice (Baby TK), and the Good Design Award 2022 in both the Philippines and Japan for Tumindig.

    #8

    A comic showing a person creating abstract art on a computer, illustrating hilarious and heartfelt everyday life moments.

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    #9

    Comic strip depicting everyday life moments with a person awake at 6:59 am then suddenly at 1:00 pm.

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    #10

    Comic panels showing a heartwarming everyday life scene with detailed close-ups, featuring hilarious and heartfelt moments.

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    #11

    Comic panels show a man walking, surprised by a talking foot, in a hilarious everyday life comic strip.

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    #12

    Two kids create a glowing star shape with matches and liquid in a colorful and heartwarming comic style.

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    #13

    Cartoon showing a boy with a remote and batteries, illustrating a humorous everyday life comic scene.

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    #14

    Comic panels showing a man curing a mosquito bite with a fingernail, illustrating a hilarious and heartfelt everyday life moment.

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    #15

    Comic panels showing a baby in blue pants holding milk, pointing at a starry sky with a lion on a cliff, funny everyday life comic.

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    #16

    Comic strip showing a boy receiving communion, followed by a funny animated plaque inside a mouth, illustrating hilarious and heartfelt comics.

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    #17

    Comic strip of a child spotting a spider, slowly trying to remove it, and accidentally splashing water in this everyday life comic.

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    #18

    Boy watching nostalgic comics on TV, reacting emotionally to scenes showing classic and heartfelt everyday life moments.

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    #19

    Comic strip showing a black balloon with text popping to reveal the word dictator, a humorous take on everyday life comics.

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    #20

    Black and white comic showing a boy drawing with Death comforting him, reflecting heartfelt everyday life moments.

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    #21

    Comic strip showing a humorous home appliance infomercial with a skeptical boy watching, highlighting hilarious and heartfelt comics.

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    #22

    Comic showing a person scrolling on phone, struggling with bright screen glare in a relatable everyday life moment.

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    #23

    Comic panels showing a person opening a soda bottle, pouring it, removing the cap’s ring, and tasting soda from the ring cap.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    #24

    Cartoon of a child manipulating a green spiral object, illustrating a funny and heartfelt everyday life comic.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    #25

    Comic panel showing kids drawing a pen balancing act in a notebook, featured in hilarious and heartfelt comics about life.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    #26

    Comic illustration of a person using a wearable device strap, showcasing heartfelt and hilarious comics about everyday life.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    #27

    Comic strip showing a person inserting a coin into a pay-per-minute shower, highlighting everyday life humor and insights.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    #28

    Comic strip showing a boy using a rubber band to keep his sock up, illustrating everyday life humor and perspective.

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    #29

    Two characters in a comic sharing popsicles in a humorous and heartfelt everyday life moment.

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    #30

    Child playing hide and seek with a blue curtain in a humorous everyday life comic illustration.

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    #31

    Cartoon comic tutorial showing how to make finger claws with chopsticks and rubber bands, illustrating hilarious everyday life humor.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    #32

    Comic strip showing a boy using a flower to create a bubble wand in a hilarious and heartfelt everyday life moment.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

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    #33

    Comic showing everyday life moments with a boy, family, and a sewing machine decorated with pink ribbons.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    #34

    Comic strip showing two characters using a chart to hilariously create faces, highlighting everyday life comics humor and charm.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    #35

    Comic strip showing a character humorously using a pencil eraser in everyday life situations, illustrating hilarious comics.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    #36

    Two people excitedly viewing a comic with stick figure drawings, illustrating a humorous take on everyday life.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    #37

    Comic showing a phone in a pocket reacting humorously to a hand, illustrating hilarious and heartfelt everyday life moments.

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    #38

    Classroom comic panel showing students reacting to a drawing project in a humorous and heartfelt style.

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    #39

    Comic panels showing a girl diving into a small pool while a boy watches in surprise, depicting everyday life humor.

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    #40

    Comic panels showing a boy imagining a spinning roof turbine turning into a royal crown in a humorous everyday life comic.

    tarantadongkalbo Report