Book News: The Children of Bathala Volume 2 of 5 Launch

Nicole is back to continue the story in this 2nd volume of The Children of Bathala. The sequel series to Arnold Arre's award-winning graphic novel, The Mythology Class, will nearly be in your hands this November 2021.

No further updates regarding when the book will be open once again for orders after the pre-order link closed last November 6, 2021.

(Image from Instagram account of Arnold Arre)

"Idra's plan to hide Nicole and her friends from the Dark Anitos has failed. Now the evil Budniaan has arrived in this world with his army of undead warriors and twisted engkantos to hunt the former Mythology Class down.

With Rey and Misha on the other side of the globe and the group at odds over what course of action to take, they all realize they need to reunite and escape Budniaan's threat. A plan is formed to visit a location of past glories and race against time to uncover the secret of an ancient artifact that may lead them to safety in the spirit realm - the Skyworld.

Will this group of adventurers who are past their prime be able to escape to fight another day before they are found by a sinister enemy more powerful than any they have faced before?"

Comics: Ang Jowa Kong Crosswise ~ Episode 3: Hunger

Illustration and Story by: Tsambolero (Raphael Unta)

(5/5 ★★★★★)

The Verdict:

We got 7 panels for this NSFW episode.

This answers the question of how do they do the deed once Tomas is in his other form.

Tsambolero really gave us an interesting couple that is likeable. I just think we ought to know what Tomas hunted to eat for food

He can be seen at:

Twitter: @Tsambolero

More of Ang Jowa Kong Crosswise can be seen at:

Penlab: "Ang Jowa Kong Crosswise"

Book Update: Whatever Something Shadow Trese Book 8 Cover Preview

One cannot have too much Trese goodies this year. After posting the Trese vision board of stories and books last January 6, 2021, Budjette Tan finally laid out the title and cover of the 8th Trese book that had a working draft name of Whatever Something Shadow.

(Image from Instagram account of Budjette Tan)

Trese 8 is officially titled as Shadow Agents. An interesting image that consists of Madam and the Askaleros were shown here. Following the way the title of the previous Trese books were made, Trese 9 is bound to have a shadow on its name as well.

No release date as of writing was announced regarding this 8th Trese book that will be published by Avenida Books.

More information about the Avenida Edition of Trese books can be seen at:

Facebook Page: "Avenida Books"

Trese Books 2021 Update:

Book News: Trese's Book Releases for 2020 and 2021

Book News: Budjette Tan Reveals Upcoming Trese Books

Comics: Si Janus Silang at Ang Tiyanak ng Tabon

Adapted by: Carljoe Javier

Illustration by: Natasha Ringor

Anino Comics

(2/5 ★★☆☆☆)

"Ang akala ni Janus,

pangkaraniwang laro lang

ang TALA Online.

Sunod-sunod ang pagbabago sa buhay niya

matapos ang kahindik-hindik na pangyayari

sa RPG tournament na sinalihan niya.

Pero nang matuklasan niya

ang tunay na kaugnayan ng larong ito

sa alamat ng Tiyanak ng Tabon,

wala na siyang magawa

kundi ipagpatuloy ang paglalaro!"

The Good:

The cover of the book was wonderful. The layout was also neat. The smooth illustrations of the main story in contrast from the TALA online game was nice to be seen visualized in this book.

The Bad:

The story was poorly adapted from the source material. Several details have been omitted to give space due to the illustrations and restriction of the number of pages. An example was the huge trust that Janus immediately gives to a stranger he has just met online. It was also strange for Renzo to speak about the same experience of almost being taken away by a Tiyanak like creature just like what happened to Janus' father. It was peculiar since Janus never disclosed that information prior to Renzo's recounting of his experience.

The news report was also inconsistent. Initially it was reported that the deaths at the Malakas internet cafe shop was an addition to the total number of deaths of children who died after playing an online game. This is in contrast to Mang Joey's narrative to Janus as he tells him that the deaths that occurred at the Malakas internet cafe shop was not the first case since earlier cases were overshadowed by bigger news reports.

Further improvements to the illustrations are suggested. It would have been better to have 2 different art styles whenever the story focuses on the present and whenever it shifts back to the olden stories regarding the tales of Tiyanak and Tala.

The background also needs refinement. The sharpness of the edge of the corners of the house or the cabinet as an example doesn't quite work to be pleasant to the eyes. Also, the bird's eye view of a character looking up needs to be polished. The eyes of the character was drawn looking to be cross-eyed (exotropia) on page 46.

In some panels, the story and art does not convey the same message. Such is the moment wherein Janus is playing TALA  at home while Mang Joey and Renzo faces a Do-ol. The message of Mang Joey from the speech balloon doesn't match with what appears on Janus' cellphone. It also gives a misconception that Mang Joey has telepathy in contrast to cyberkinesis or technopathy that was explained in the novel.

The Verdict:

Janus Silang is a great young adult series created by Edgar Samar. However, this comic book adaptation does not seem to be at par with the novel.

It does not give enough hype for new readers to pick up the source material or the next book in the series if this is the starting book.

It's best to recommend the first novel to the new reader of the series before introducing them to this comic book adaptation.

Comics: Ang Jowa Kong Crosswise ~ Episode 2: Celebration

Illustration and Story by: Tsambolero (Raphael Unta)

(5/5 ★★★★★)

The Good:

The artist really did a great job illustrating the different emotions on his two main characters.

The Bad:

Still this is only 4 panels long.

The Verdict:

A romantic candle light dinner fills the mood of the two lovers. Tsambolero's art are really great to look at. I just hope he draws a longer story in his next episodes.

Just be mindful of what you are eating if it is allergic to your partner. You don't want to kill the love of your life.

He can be seen at:

Twitter: @Tsambolero

More of Ang Jowa Kong Crosswise can be seen at:

Penlab: "Ang Jowa Kong Crosswise"

Book News: Janus Silang Book 5 Launch

Edgar posts a photo on his social media, as he finishes proofreading the last book of the Janus Silang series.

The first book, Janus Silang at Ang Tiyanak ng Tabon, was first published in the year 2014.

Created by Edgar Calabia Samar, Janus Silang first saw the light of Santinakpan in 2014 under the roof of Adarna House. After 4 novels and 2 comic book adaptations, the final book of this series is waiting to tell the conclusion to the curse that first started at the Tabon cave.

The final book is expected to be released this November 2021.

The secrets of the Santinakpan will be revealed to us soon.

Comics: Tarantadong Kalbo ~ Volume 1

Illustration and Story by: Kevin Eric Raymundo

Komiket Inc.

(5/5 ★★★★★)

"Mula sa pagtapal ng repolyo hanggang

paglamon ng dolomite, ito ang koleksyon ng

mga komiks ni Tarantadong Kalbo sa taong 2020,

ang pinakamasagwang taon nating lahat."

The Good:

Tarantadong Kalbo comics is the equivalent of Pugad Baboy comics that currently floods our social media.

The present sociopolitical events of the Philippines can be seen in his comic strips. The plight of the poor during the current pandemic are portrayed on the strips Mahirap and Caramel Matapobre. The COVID-19 pandemic response of the country are seen through the strips Fus Ro Dammit, V.I.P., The Emperor, and Napakasuwerte.

The best strips in this compilation delves on topics such as depression in Ok, Not Ok. and fake news in Inuman Sessions: Fake News.

"Ang hindi mag-luv sa own wika are like parang worse pa sa hayop or stinky isda."

The Bad:

There are several comic strips wherein the context are a bit hard to grasp such as Buksan Ang Kwaderno.

The Verdict:

Joining the ranks of Pugad Baboy, Tarantadong Kalbo can be considered as part of the Filipino comics that has been of relevance to the society. It paints the current situation of an ordinary Filipino in this extraordinary times.

Even the sweetest and saddest stories are presented through the strips Tobleron and Tobleron (2).

"Yan talaga yung pinaka-ayaw ko sa lahat.

Ang mabuhay sa takot."

He can be seen at:

Facebook Page: Tarantadong Kalbo

Twitter: @KevinKalbo

More of Tarantadong Kalbo can be seen at:

Penlab: "Tarantadong Kalbo Book 1 Preview"

  

Comics: Ang Jowa Kong Crosswise ~ Episode 1: Hatid Na Kita!

Illustration and Story by: Tsambolero (Raphael Unta)

(5/5 ★★★★★)

"Ang Jowa Kong Crosswise follows the life and times of Tomas and Leo, who -- for all the world -- look like any other yuppie same-sex couple in their twenties. They, too, fight about all those domestic things long-term couples bicker about. But then again, Tomas and Leo are no ordinary couple, and it's not because they're gay. Tomas is a bloodthirsty, self-segmenting, folkoric creature of the night, while Leo is ... well, just Leo."

The Plot:

Late for work? Grab is still 10 minutes away? It looks like a job for Leo's crosswise partner.

The Good:

The story and art are really loveable to look at. The creator did a great job in this online comic.

The Bad:

The only bad thing is this is only 4 panels long.

The Verdict:

Tsambolero gives us a sweet and hilarious take on an interesting same-sex couple that involves different creatures, wherein their main focus is love. This episode ends with the lower half of Tomas still polishing the floor with a coconut husk.

The artist made an adorable couple in the image of Tomas and Leo where readers will keep on coming back for that 'kilig' feeling.

He can be seen at:

Twitter: @Tsambolero

More of Ang Jowa Kong Crosswise can be seen at:

Penlab: "Ang Jowa Kong Crosswise"

Anime News: Anime Adaptation of Trese on Netflix

After their humble origin as an ashcan comic, Trese has reached another milestone as the Netflix anime adaptation now presents a release date. Mark your calendars as Netflix drops Trese on its streaming platform on June 11, 2021.

The anime is based on the multi-award-winning Filipino graphic novel of the same name created by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo.

The first official announcement of this adaptation was made last 2018 at Netflix's "See What's Next Asia" event at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. It is produced by Jakarta and Singapore-based BASE Entertainment with Jay Olivia as the executive producer and director.

The series will have 6 episodes which will be released all at once. Part of the soundtrack of the series will be performed by UDD for the song Paagi.

As of writing, the trailer on the platform is dubbed in four languages namely: Filipino, English, Japanese and Spanish. On the other hand, the subtitles offered are: English, Filipino, Japanese, Spanish and Traditional Chinese.

The English language will be headed by the voice of Shay Mitchell as Alexandra Trese. Other voice artists are Griffin Puatu, Matt Yang King, Jon Jon Briones, Steve Blum, Carlos Alazraqui, Manny Jacinto, Eric Bauza, Darren Criss, Nicole Scherzinger, Lou Diamond Phillips, Dante Basco and Rodney To.

The Filipino language is amazingly headed by Liza Soberano as Alexandra Tresa. Other voice artists are Simon dela Cruz, Apollo Abraham, Christopher Carlo Caling, Eugene Adalia, Cheska Aguiluz, Christian Velarde, Bryan Encarnacion, Nica Rojo, Jo Anne Orobia-Chua, Jose Amado Santiago, Steve dela Cruz, Rene Tandoc, Steffi Graf Bontogon-Mola, RJ Celdran, Elyrey Martin and Steven Bontogon.

So mark that date on your gadgets as we are ushered back into the world of Trese, in its new anime form. Loosely wandering the streets of Metro Manila, our Philippine mythology creatures are constantly kept in check by Alexandra Trese who continues to fight for balance and peace. This will premier one day before our independence day.

"In Manila, where dark supernatural forces pervade the criminal underworld, it's up to Alexandra Trese to keep the peace - but there's a storm brewing."

Anthology: Trese ~ Book 1: Murder On Balete Drive

Story by: Budjette Tan

Illustration by: Kajo Baldisimo

Alamat Comics

Visprint, Inc.

(4.25/5 ★★★★☆)

"When the sun sets in the city of Manila,

don't you dare make a wrong turn

and end up in that dimly-lit side of the metro,

where aswang run the most-wanted kidnapping rings,

where kapre are the kingpins of crime,

and engkantos slip through the cracks

and steal your most precious possessions,

When crime takes a turn for the weird,

the police call Alexandra Trese."

The Good:

Trese is a great masterpiece done by an excellent writer and an incredible artist.

Who knew that our Filipino creatures would also adapt with the changing times. The best example among them is the Nuno sa Manhole.

There's a lot of great elements here but the best story, or case, would be the 4th case. Tan gave a wonderful homage to a well known Filipino superhero. The last panels of that case poetically ends with so much love and care.

The Bad:

No matter how incredible the story and art seems to be, it is a disservice to see how the layout was done. A reader cannot fully appreciate Kajo's illustrations. It is because some details of his art were at the edge of the panels which in turn were seen to be near the spine of the book.

The spell done on the 1st case, which was written in Baybayin like characters, could have been better if it was an actual word written in Baybayin.

A typo can also be seen on Case 3, in the scene where Oriol is in the bathtub.

The Verdict:

This comic is a gem that stands among the great number of komiks the Philippines has produced. The "Trese universe" presents to us fresh eyes of what our Philippine mythology creatures could be doing in our present time. An investigation of the paranormal world is unleashed in this cases.

Tan and Kajo paints the Philippine society as a society that has not changed despite the advancement in technology. Despite our history being slightly touched, such as the Bukidnon Massacre and the Great Binondo Fire, the same injustices and inequalities remains the same to this day.

This comic book is heading towards a great future. Trese shines brightly like the first star that you would see at night.

"But these aswang are the blood thirsty and stupid kind."

More information about the Trese comic can be seen at:

http://tresekomix.blogspot.com

 

* Breakdown of Rating:

★☆☆☆☆ -

★★☆☆☆ -

★★★☆☆ -

★★★★☆ - Case 1, Case 2, Case 3

★★★★★ - Case 4

Book News: Budjette Tan Reveals Upcoming Trese Books

Looks like fans of the comic book Trese are going to have a blast this year 2021, as we all wait for the release of its Netflix adaptation.

Tan teases us multiple times in his social media accounts regarding Trese books not yet released to the public.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Budjette Tan (@budjette)

In Tan's recent post in his Instagram account, all future Trese books that will be released by both Avenida, a local publisher, and Ablase, an international publisher.

Avenida is seen to have new edition of Trese Book 1: Murder In Balete Drive, Trese Bloodlines Volume 1 and Trese Postcard Book 1. Unreleased yet to the public are Trese Bloodlines Volume 2, Trese Postcard Book 2, new editions of Trese Books 2-7, and Trese Book 8, titled "Whatever Something Shadow".

Ablaze is seen here with the released international edition of Trese Book 1. Unreleased books yet are international editions of Trese Book 2: Unreported Murders and Trese Book 3: Mass Murder.

2021 is indeed a year for Trese books as they reach to a more global audience.