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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

#1

Comic by Tarantadong Kalbo showing a character humorously exiting a crowd, capturing life and humor in the scene.

tarantadongkalbo Report

Corvus
Community Member
1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yup, being an introvert is like this.

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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    #3

    Comic strip by Tarantadong Kalbo showing a person distracted by phone, tripping, then reacting in a humorous way.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    Vyxsin (she/her)
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Excellent way to capture the "expectation" vs "something bad is happening" feeling!

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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 by Tarantadong Kalbo showing life and humor through a touching scene between a grandmother, child, and mother.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    Keith Handly (Ike)
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Google Translate thinks this is Tagalog, and says "Are we going first or are you going to bless grandma?" I am guessing it actually means We are going, bless us grandma? As of 28 November 2025 50 PHP is .85 USD

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    #5

    Comic panels by Tarantadong Kalbo showing a child holding an adult's hand while navigating life with humor and nostalgia.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    sara fulmer
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I work in a department store with these. Constant entertainment

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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!"

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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.

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    #11

    Comic panels showing a person repeatedly awake at 6:59am then suddenly alert at 1:00pm, capturing humor and life moments.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    Sofia
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    wanna talk about when you felt asleep in a place and woke up in a totally differnt one?

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    #12

    Illustration of social media thumbs-up icons transforming into gun shapes, a comic by Tarantadong Kalbo capturing humor and life.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    WindySwede
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Were you planing on leaving? I didn't think so"

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    #13

    Comic illustration by Tarantadong Kalbo showing life moments with humor and nostalgia in a cozy home setting.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    AmyBcat
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ain't no one plucking out my silvers- I earned every lovely one!

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    #14

    Comic strip by Tarantadong Kalbo showing a character relaxing with milk and pointing at a starry night sky with a lion.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    Corvus
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "SFX" - hidden signature of the animation team. Some people tried to spread rumors it says "sеx" but it's clearly an "F."

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    #15

    Comic by Tarantadong Kalbo showing a humorous and nostalgic moment involving a character praying and a tooth plaque reaction.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    AmyBcat
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well. That brings back Catholic childhood...

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    #21

    Comic by Tarantadong Kalbo showing a nostalgic child watching TV with humor and emotional play on classic gaming consoles.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    Vyxsin (she/her)
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm older than this. We had to blow on video games to make them work!

    #22

    Comic strip by Tarantadong Kalbo showing a man reacting humorously to a mosquito bite on his arm.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    Corvus
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The better thing to do would be to apply heast to it - it breaks down the stuff that causes the irritation.

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    #25

    Two-panel comic by Tarantadong Kalbo showing empty wallet humor capturing life and nostalgia moments.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    Beth Wheeler
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You're so poor that even the dust bunnies are gone!

    #30

    Comic strip by Tarantadong Kalbo humorously depicting a character watching an infomercial and reacting with curiosity and surprise.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    Corvus
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These were pretty fun to watch back in the day, since they were something new and unfamiliar.

    #32

    Colorful Tarantadong Kalbo comic panels showing a character bathing and humorously reacting to hot water in everyday life.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    Zig Zag Wanderer
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Australia: "Is the water in this tap hot or cold?" "Yes!"

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    #38

    Comic by Tarantadong Kalbo showing a child sleeping and imagining a funny scene of a boy peeing in the dark.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    Sofia
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    everytime I dream to pee happens something that prevents me to... and usually then I wake up

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    #43

    Comic strip by Tarantadong Kalbo showing a humorous interaction between a hand and a phone in a pocket.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    Talis
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Definitely not a woman's pocket.

    #48

    Comic panels by Tarantadong Kalbo showing a boy watching a spinning roof ventilator transforming into a humorous royal figure.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    Stephanie Goadsby
    Community Member
    6 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's funny, I always thought of it as a spinning chefs hat.

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    #50

    Comic panels by Tarantadong Kalbo showing a student taking a test with humor and nostalgic emotions.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    WindySwede
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Never done a test like this. Well the only one was for the theory for drivers license.. 🤷‍♂️

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    #52

    Comic panel by Tarantadong Kalbo showing friends playfully interacting with a paper game capturing life and humor.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    Corvus
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We played the same thing, but with tanks. And there was one final HQ building that had to be hit 3 times.

    #55

    Comic by Tarantadong Kalbo showing a child falling asleep watching TV static and being carried by an adult, capturing humor and nostalgia.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    Zig Zag Wanderer
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The young child's teleporting machine.... I loved finding myself in bed like that 😁

    #60

    Comic panels showing kids playing with sago pearls, capturing humor and nostalgia in comics by Tarantadong Kalbo.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    Stephanie Goadsby
    Community Member
    6 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sago is a brand of First Nations cigarettes in Canada.

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    #66

    Comic by Tarantadong Kalbo showing a humorous moment with lice removal that captures life and nostalgia.

    tarantadongkalbo Report

    Zig Zag Wanderer
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Evil b'stards. When I went to school we all had a treatment in the shower once a month. Nobody got lice.

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