Wilbert Ross is building a Filipino superhero universe of his own
They say when one door closes, a window opens. But for Wilbert Ross, a closed door is an invitation to build his own entrance.
The singer-actor and author would rather knock down a wall than wait for an opportunity. And in the world of Filipino comics, he’s doing just that.
PhilSTAR L!fe caught up with the multi-hyphenate at the Manila International Book Fair at SMX Convention Center Manila on Sept. 12, where he introduced his "Adlikhain Hero Verse" to fans and comics enthusiasts. His latest creative venture began with a role he didn’t get.
From a missed superhero role to his own Hero Verse
While nursing the disappointment of not landing the part of a Pinoy superhero he had dreamt of playing, Wilbert toyed with the idea of creating his own character. What started as a what-if eventually became a passion project, with comic artist Kapumax and 8Letters Bookstore and Publishing helping bring his superheroes to life.
“Out of frustration, sabi ko sa sarili ko, okay sige, gagawa na lang ako ng sa akin. It’s always redirection, Hindi siya rejection. It gives me a reason to discover myself,” he said.
Enter Atleta, his first superhero character and an ode to five of the Philippines’ most iconic athletes: Manny Pacquiao, Efren “Bata” Reyes, Lydia De Vega, Eugene Torre, and Hidilyn Diaz.
Atleta draws on the distinct skills of each sports legend—or, in this case, their superpowers. Think Pacquiao’s punching power, Reyes’ precision, De Vega’s speed, Torre’s intellect, and Diaz’s physical strength.
With two comic books and an illustrated novel, plus four more books in the works for Atleta, Wilbert’s superhero universe is only getting started. He has since created five more characters under the Adlikhain Hero Verse, a name that combines likha (creation) and adhikain (purpose).
“I mixed likha na may adhikain. Hindi siya simple story. Meron siyang adhikain. Meron siyang purpose,” he explained.
The superhero universe is not Wilbert’s first foray into books. Last year, he made his debut as a novelist with Pagbilang Kong Tatlo, an idea he had since 2018, that puts a deadly spin on traditional Filipino games. He launched the book at the MIBF in 2025, making this year’s return to the fair a fitting one—this time, with an entire superhero universe in tow.
His second character, Binhi, was born out of fans’ demand for Atleta to have a partner, although the two have yet to meet in his Hero Verse. Gifted with powers by the God of the Forest, Binhi is tasked with saving humanity from what Wilbert calls a “world reset”—a plague of natural disasters and calamities.
The idea came to him during the height of flash floods in Cebu caused by Typhoon Tino in November 2025. True to Wilbert’s vision of a hero with purpose, Binhi becomes more powerful as more trees are planted.
Karpintero, his third superhero, fights for the rights of ordinary workers.
More heroes are set to join the universe next year: Daluyong, the protector of the sea; E-boy, a “nepo baby” who advocates for responsible use of technology and AI; and Gatilyo, a former assassin who uses real skills—not superpowers—to fight human trafficking.
Bringing Pinoy comics back into the mainstream
For someone who often connects with fans through social media, Wilbert understands the power of building anticipation. He sees comics as a visual way to introduce his characters before they make their way into bigger stories.
“Mas madali siyang matapos. It’s a way to introduce the character and to build anticipation and excitement sa mga tao. Kasi hindi talaga madaling isulat ‘yung story or book lalo na I’m doing a lot of things,” he said.
There’s also a bigger goal: getting a younger generation interested in reading again.
“Wala nang question sa skills ng Filipino writers. May mga Wattpad readers pa rin naman. ‘Yung sa akin, it’s a good way na visuals muna through comics. You’ll get excited. You’re gonna be interested to read the story.”
For Wilbert, comics can be an entry point. The visuals draw readers in, while the stories give them a reason to stay.
His ultimate dream is to see his characters adapted into films or series. He knows it’s a long shot, but he already has a few artists in mind: perennial partner Bea Binene for Binhi and fellow Viva star Gab Lagman for Karpintero.
“That’s the ultimate goal if ever. Pero for now gusto ko lang munang makilala ng mga tao, lalo na ng mga bata, ang comics ko, mga superheroes ko at ibalik ‘yung hype ng comics sa mainstream. Maybe I can be the bridge sa mainstream and indie comics ngayon.”
It’s an ambitious goal, but one that fits Wilbert’s creative outlook. His superheroes carry stories that matter—from environmental protection to workers’ rights, responsible technology, and the fight against human trafficking.
Creativity over convention
With Love You Lots, his limited series on Viva One with Bea Binene, recently wrapped and an adaptation of Pee Mak now filming, Wilbert has plenty on his plate. Add a growing music career and the Adlikhain Hero Verse, and there’s no shortage of creative pursuits.
But he doesn’t want the process to feel like a routine.
“Ayoko siyang gawing trabaho, ‘yung pagsusulat. ‘Yun ang gusto ko in my life, ‘yung creative freedom.”
He may have started with a superhero role that got away, but this time, he’s building a whole universe.
