In the heart of Metro Manila, a vibrant comics scene is emerging, driven by creators who weave personal and cultural narratives into fantastical worlds. One such artist, Maria Mediarito, has captured attention with her Webtoon Originals comic, “Katlaya Rising.” Through this series, Mediarito explores themes of identity, queerness, and societal expectations, delivering a distinctly Filipino take on the fantasy genre that resonates with readers both locally and internationally.
A Heroine Like No Other
At the center of “Katlaya Rising” is Katlaya De los Kalye, a young woman who battles monsters in the stratified Pilipit Town. Armed with a balisong—a traditional Filipino butterfly knife—she fights infected beasts while navigating the personal struggles of her queer identity in a society that often rejects such unions. Mediarito’s heroine is not just a warrior but a symbol of resilience, embodying the challenges faced by many in the LGBTQIA+ community in the Philippines. “Being queer is integral to the work that I have” said Mediarito in an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, highlighting her intent to create a safe space for readers to see themselves as heroes. 
Crafting a Filipino Fantasy World
Mediarito’s Pilipit Town is a vivid blend of the familiar and the fantastical. The comic’s settings are steeped in Filipino culture, from tight eskenitas (alleys) lit by neon Baybayin signs to capiz shell windows adorning homes in Upper Pilipit Town. These details are deliberate, with Mediarito and her team of assistants—based in the Philippines—conducting field trips around Manila to study architecture and fuse traditional and modern elements into the comic’s backdrop. “It has to be Filipino” said Mediarito, emphasizing the importance of cultural authenticity in her storytelling.
The result is a world that feels lived-in, grounding the fantasy in a reality that Filipino readers recognize. Tricycle drivers rushing past pedestrians and the stark divide between Upper and Lower Pilipit Town reflect the socioeconomic disparities many face daily, adding depth to the narrative beyond mere monster-slaying.
Challenging Societal Norms
Beyond its visual richness, “Katlaya Rising” tackles heavy themes with unflinching honesty. Mediarito addresses gender roles, classism, and the societal pressure on Filipino women to bear children, regardless of personal choice. Katlaya’s own struggles with her identity mirror Mediarito’s experiences, as she recalls her high school years spent in denial and fear of judgment. “I was so in the closet and so afraid of people judging me” she admitted, reflecting on the distress of potential ostracism.
Mediarito also critiques the historical portrayal of queer characters in media, noting a shift from villainization to fetishization. Her goal is simpler yet profound: to depict queer characters as fully realized individuals. With multiple love interests in “Katlaya Rising,” she normalizes diverse relationships, allowing readers to connect with characters on a human level rather than through stereotypes.
A Personal Journey Through Art
Mediarito’s path to becoming a professional comic artist was shaped by mentorship and perseverance. Her high school art teacher, Sir Norman Ramirez, introduced her to comics, sharing his personal collection and teaching her the value of storytelling. This influence extended beyond craft to identity, as Mediarito grappled with self-acceptance. Encouragement from peers, including a pivotal nudge from her friend Ives to enter a Komiket competition in 2018, further propelled her career. Though she didn’t win, the recognition affirmed her potential.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed new challenges, drying up corporate design gigs and isolating creatives. Yet, Mediarito turned this hardship into opportunity, focusing on web comics like “Ghoul Crush” and eventually catching the eye of Webtoon editor Aria Villafranca. Their collaboration transformed a short story into the expansive world of “Katlaya Rising,” proving that comics can indeed take creators to unexpected places.
Amplifying Filipino Voices
The Filipino comics community, though tight-knit, faces hurdles in reaching global audiences due to the dominance of international publishers like Marvel and DC. Events like Komiket and Manila Comics Fair provide vital platforms, but Mediarito acknowledges the broader struggle. “We’re just a small archipelago in the middle of the ocean. For any one of us to achieve acclaim is a net good” she said, expressing pride in raising the profile of Filipino talent.
Her work also holds space for the queer community, offering representation that feels both personal and universal. As Mediarito reflects on the kind of artist she wants to be, her choice is clear: to create stories that resonate deeply, even if they seem niche. The success of other queer narratives—like Chappell Roan’s Grammy win for Best New Artist in 2025 or the global box office triumph of “Wicked”—suggests that personal stories can strike a powerful chord with wide audiences.
A Legacy of Resilience
Mediarito’s “Katlaya Rising” is more than a comic; it’s a testament to the power of art to confront societal norms and celebrate identity. Echoing the ancient Greek poet Sappho, whose fragments of love poetry endure millennia later, Mediarito’s work ensures that stories of sapphic Filipinos fighting monsters—and finding love—will be remembered. As her characters battle beasts in neon-lit alleys, they also fight for acceptance, inspiring readers to embrace their own truths in a world that often demands conformity.
