Anthology: Kommunity 2017

Created by: Budjette Tan, Ian Sta. Maria, Carlorozy, D. Borja, Hulyen, Manix Abrera, Toto Madayag, Ardie Aquino, Asshulz (Mae Andre Arboleda), Richard Mercado, Gaby Taylo, Buhay Kolehiyo (Mod Ryan, Mod Ton, Mod Lirip, and Mod Japh), Lyndon Gregorio, Josel [Nicolas], Cy Vendivil, Reginald Abisado, Ivyree Rosario, Elbert Or, Juris Go, Mich Cervantes, Jess Guanco, and Arnold Arre

Edited by: Paolo Herras and Richard Mercado

Komiket Inc.

(4.05/5 ★★★★☆)

"From award-winning

comic book authors

and prolific art market

and convention regulars

to the names behind the

most shared comic pages

in social media.

Meet the creators in your

neighborhood."

The Good:

The anthology features insights on how Komiket feels in the eyes of a comic creator, an artist or even as a regular comic con goer. 4 out of the 19 stories tells about this Komiket experience.

However, the best story in this anthology did not tackle the comic con experience but rather brought us a slice of life story. Little Things PH by Reginald Abisado and Ivyree Rosario. A story about life, love and death. This short silent comic would give chills as it shows off the same first 10 minutes that the audience felt to Pixar's Up.

The Bad:

One would agree that this anthology does not have a single story subject or art form. However, it does not look good if within an anthology there exists a set of comic strips that has one story line who unfortunately uses different art styles. It is difficult to love the comic Buhay Kolehiyo since the art deviates from one artist to another. It is confusing to know if the characters that exists in the other panels are the same or not.

The Verdict:

This compilation houses some of the best spin off stories from their main character arcs like Kambal: La Calauera Catrina (The Elegant Skull). Anthologies really gives a surprise story which could be an explored material in the future such as the mention of "Luha ni Lucifer" in the Kikomachine Komix. But in the end, sometimes the best gags can be seen in the sketchy illustrations of a sketchy guard in the story Security.

"People are doors. Lives are rooms. And sometimes doors leave." - Josel

* Breakdown of Rating:

★☆☆☆☆ -

★★☆☆☆ -

★★★☆☆ - First Komiket Experience; The Other Gonzaga; Uy Si Crush; Buhay Kolehiyo; Beerkada; Jan Jan Comics; Your Secrets Aren't Safe Here

★★★★☆ - Comics Convention; Security; Josel; The Wave Queller

★★★★★ - Kambal: La Calauera Catrina (The Elegant Skull); Hunghang Flashbacks Goes to Komiket!; Kikomachine Komix; Libreng Komiks; Little Things PH; Little Questions; Other People; Salamin

Anthology: LGBTQ+ Kommunity 2019

Created by: Emiliana Kampilan, Betina Continuado, Ezjae Zemana, Matt Alea, Mich Cervantes, Nowhere Bear, Yanna Sta. Ana, Tristan Yuvienco, Tayla Pangilinan, CJ Reynaldo, Lauren Baldo, Brent Sabas, Electromilk, Nina Martinez, Landlee Mae, Bianca Maranan, G3 San Diego, BluBulan, Rini Geronimo, Cy Vendivil, Protacio De Guzman, Ardie Aquino, Andrew Drilon, Jap Mikel, and Japhers

Edited by: Paolo Herras and Richard Mercado

Komiket Inc.

(4.45/5 ★★★★☆)

"From award-winning

comic book authors

and prolific art market

and convention regulars

to the names behind the most shared

comic pages in social media

meet the LGBTQ+ creators in your

neighborhood."

The Good:

A wide range of stories and topics were neatly touched in this LGBTQIA+ themed comic anthology from Komiket.

An insight regarding the different spectrums were seen on gays, lesbians, transexuals and even asexuals were tackled to name a few. Common entries were related to the Pride March.

The best story would be Pula Ang Unang Kulay Bahaghari by Emilana Kampilan. The struggle of a farmer in obtaining her right to a piece of land that they have been using for generations were seen to be at a disadvantageous side for those who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community. All the misogony, bigotry and hatred were depicted.

Even the simple discrimination among men and women in terms of salary were evident. Kampilan also provides a footnote at the bottom of the comic to cite her references.

The Bad:

This is not a perfect 1st compilation from Komiket.

Minor problems were the layout done for the Agos story. The illustrations were seen to be a bit close to the spine of the book.

There were some stories that wasn't that engaging such as the Pusoy Dos story. The topic is a bit perplexing to understand on which spectrum of the LGBTQIA+ community the story wishes to dwell on.

The Verdict:

This is still a fine first from Komiket that compiles LGBTQIA+ content made by LGBTQIA+ creators. Stories that shows us that there's more to lesbians and gays. It showcases that within the rainbow exists trans and asexuals. The community is as diverse as one would stereotype it to be.

These are great stories that shows strength and pride in loving.

* Breakdown of Rating:

★☆☆☆☆ - Pusoy Dos

★★☆☆☆ -

★★★☆☆ - Agos, Well-wisher, Indak

★★★★☆ - Kublingtubi; Runner; Kwentong Tibo; The Garden

★★★★★ - Pula Ang Unang Kulay; Coming Out; Seen; Tago; Love Is Love; Unbroken; Walling; Love Transformed; We Are Two; The Fragile Mansion of Love; Bayugin; Love Conquers All

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

Anthology: Balik Tanaw

Illustration and Story by: Ardie Aquino

Ardie Aquino Comics

(4.167/5 ★★★★☆)

"Ang librong ito ay koleksyon ng mga komiks na nagawa ko noong 2015. Ito ay anim na kwento na tungkol sa paghanap ng kaligayahan, pagluto ng sinigang, pag-hingi ng extra rice, lihim ng kasama mo sa bahay, pagkain ng bawal at pagbalik tanaw sa buhay. Sana sa bawat paglipat mo ng pahina ay madama mo din ang mga emosyon na nadama ko noon."

The Good:

Ardie's craft really has improved. This could be seen from the changes that he made with the Extra Rice with Extra Tries story as an example. His illustrations also improved, if one would compare this 2020 version to the 2015 original.

Balik Tanaw is a new story included in this 2020 remastered edition of Ardie's 2015 comics.

The best story in this compilation is Ang Roomate Kong Aswang. It tells about the battle between a human and an aswang, which mostly centers on the aswang pictured as a bad roomie rather than his identity.

Reading beyond the surface of this story would give the picture that every person is different and unique. It could be due to gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality and even species. Despite these differences, what really matters is how a person interacts with others. Being angry to an individual does not need to be discriminatory but rather it could be plainly due to his or her awful demeanor towards others.

The Bad:

This anthology would have been better if the layout was improved. Some pages are hard to read due to the parts that are near to the spine of the book. This problem is already evident on the foreword page.

All stories exists in the same world except for Balik Tanaw and Hipon sa Hapon. It would have been interesting if they were connected in some way.

The story that didn't do well was the bonus story, Balik Tanaw. Its never ending story didn't work with me. If your future self went into your past to try to save your past self from doing the same steps, why on earth would you repeat the same things. It could have easily worked out by not helping the character find the crystal in order to prevent the same things from happening once again.

The Verdict:

Ardie's throwback to his previous works by creating an updated and better version of them is a good concept. It measures the growth you have achieved with your craft in doing so.

This anthology is a gateway to Ardie Aquino's weird and absurd ideas. Be sure not to miss it.

He can be seen at:

Facebook Page: Ardie Aquino

* Breakdown of Rating:

★☆☆☆☆ -

★★☆☆☆ - 

★★★☆☆ - Balik Tanaw

★★★★☆ - Burn Baby Burn, Sinigang: Kwento ng Lumbay, Extra Rice with Extra Tries

★★★★★ - Ang Roomate Kong Aswang, Hipon Sa Hapon

Essays: Looking Back 2 ~ Dirty Dancing

Written by: Ambeth R. Ocampo

Anvil Publishing

(2.577/5 ★★★☆☆)

"To a people who are blind to the lessons of the past, Ambeth R. Ocampo is the one-eyed king. Sure, he has his critics, but all the time, he is entertaining, fresh and bracing, not stodgy or stultifying like some academics with their voluminous footnotes and explanations.

He always makes historical figures come alive, blemishes and all, and with his curious eye, makes our heroes very human and not the mythic figures that we want to make of them. Ambeth makes history enjoyable reading while at the same time makes it anchor us to the past and therefore, and hopefully, prepares us for the future."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         - F. Sionil Jose, National Artist for Literature"

The Good:

Ambeth gives us his second compilation of essays pertaining to our history.

This compilation takes in the meaning of the names we have and of our business and streets. Perspectives on the 1966 Beatles concert here in Manila, and even the laws passed by the Revolutionary government that can give a surprise to some for its existence were written in this book. An example is the law on price-control measures and the law forbidding the whipping of school children because of the notion that it degrades their human personality.

One of the best entries is entitled "Aguinaldo Was No Puppet", which takes us thru the interview of Major Younghusband, a British officer. In his interview with the President of the Revolutionary Government, Aguinaldo emphatically declared  that he and his followers had fought for complete independence and that they would shed the last drop of their blood in securing it. It gives readers a different angle of how Aguinaldo think aside from the ones that we had come to learn of him of not fighting for complete independence for our country until it was already too late.

The second best entry pertains to the essays regarding the Beatles in Manila. The way the band was threatened at the Malacañang reflects the pre-dictatorial tendencies of the Marcos family that our nation would soon have to endure.

The Bad:

Although it is important to know the story behind the names of places, business, taxi cabs and the ones that we own, I think it is too much to have 8 essays worth of discussion regarding it in this compilation. It just prompts one to finish that essay at once or just skip ahead in order to be done with the essays on names.

The Verdict:

This second book of Looking Back takes us to another side of history. It opes more of the dirty little secrets that our ancestors have been dancing with us for a while.

The best that reflects how our history unfolds comes from a quote from the Beatles during their press-con here in Manila. They were asked of what they will be doing ten years from now.

"Why bother about ten years from now? We don't even know if we'll be around tomorrow!"

* Breakdown of Rating:
★☆☆☆☆ - 1, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 18, 19
★★☆☆☆ - 2, 8, 12, 20, 21
★★★☆☆ - 6, 7, 16, 22, 23, 26
★★★★☆ - 15, 17, 24, 25
★★★★★ - 3, 4, 5

Poems: From The Major Arcana

Written by: Ralph Semino Galán

University of Santo Tomas Publishing House

(3.875/5 ★★★☆☆)

(Cover by Wilfredo Offemaria)

"From poem to poem where a symbolic figure From the Major Arcana bears the oracle, Ralph Semino Galán speaks in simple diction rooted in our contemporary scene of the hidden poetry unraveling in word and in deed everywhere; Everyman then must read close and well the card he plays through all the peril and uncertainty of his days and works whereby he achieves wisdom, all dualities abolished, and the Self one with all Reality, visible and invisible." - Gemino H. Abad

The Good:

Each tarot card inspired poem did a different kind of reading for the reader.

Each card told different types of stories that pertains to different personalities and realities.

The best poem in this collection would be the Hermit card which symbolizes reflection. It talks about the unending cycle of ignorance that man chooses or fails to see immediately. Mainly it is failing to listen to the wisdom and warnings of the elders. The horrible past experiences that elders wished the youth would not suffer, tends to be ignored and ridiculed.

Alongside with the wonderful poems are the illustrations that have been made to each card. Each details within each pictures have been meticulously conceptualized so as to match the wordings of the poet. The most noteworthy illustrations are the Star and the Moon cards. They compliment each other and looks great to be displayed in one's house.

The Bad:

As with reading one's fortune, there will be a time wherein the cards' message is difficult to decipher.

The same goes to the High Priestess card. Its message of intuition is confusing to understand. The reflection that the card reveals can leave one in doubt as to how to get the idea being given by the lady who intends to keep quiet.

The Verdict:

As the reading of one's life is unveiled with each tarot card. Galán manages to portray the current problems and issues that face our society.

Combined with the wonderful art of Offemaria, the poet and the painter have managed to bring to life these tarot cards. Their message flows through the reader as one is expected to be able to achieve when dealing with tarot cards.

The experience brings back the reality of how tarot card readers interpret the cards we pick as we ask the questions that troubles our inner self.

* Breakdown of Rating:

★☆☆☆☆ -

★★☆☆☆ - High Priestess, Chariot, The Last Card

★★★☆☆ - Fool, Magician, Lovers, Hanged Man, Death, Temperance

★★★★☆ - Empress, Emperor, Tower, Moon, Sun, Judgement

★★★★★ - A Reading, Hierophant, Strength, Hermit, Wheel of Fortune, Justice, Devil, Star, World

Anthology: Buhay Ang Baston! ~ The 1st Philippine 24-Hour Comic Book Challenge

Created by: Jamie Bautista, Jonas Diego, Rex Espino, Jac Ting Lim and Elbert Or

Edited by: Jean Paul C. Zialcita and Niña Rica Marie L. Terol

Nautilus Comics

(4.4/5 ★★★★☆)

"Five Creators.

Twenty-Four Pages.

One Day.

"The creators whose work you see here should be applauded, not just for the stories they created but for their dedication. They chose not just to participate in culture by creating the comics but also to honor their culture and traditions with their topics. On top of all that, they chose to work against a clock, to create the risk of not just artistic failure but of failing to meet the 24 hour challenge. Even an artist who fails the challenge should be applauded for taking the risk, because it's only through taking risks that success can be found." - Nat Gertler, from the Foreword"

The Good:

The five stories did a great job of incorporating the Kali and/or Arnis in every story. We were given some good action sequences, a nearly silent comic, a love story, a revenge story and a cultural awareness themed story.

The best among the five would be Tiwalag by Elbert Or. Given the circumstance wherein this comic was made, under the pressure of 24 hours, it was really well executed. A very short insight of our history, a legend regarding a dragon and the bakunawa, and a critical view of the cultural identity of Filipinos was told very easily in 4 parts before weaving it all together to present to us a great story.

The Bad:

The story that didn't do well was the 1st story, Galera. The fight scenes of this story were great and very detailed compared to the action scenes of the other stories. However, the story might not get the interest much of the reader for reasons such as; what was the purpose of the octopus? Is it often sent by the sea princess or queen to attack people on land?

The Arnisadora story, whose dialogues were no longer finished being written due to time constraints, might have worked better if it was presented completely as a wordless comic book. The story would probably do better without the initial dialogues that had been written. A detailed illustration of the expressions of the characters might have been a better way of telling the story.

There was some bad editing regarding the placement of the 1st Snapshot segment in this anthology. Its placement destroys the climactic fight scenes of the Galera story.

A typo was also left uncorrected on the foreword of this anthology.

The Verdict:

Buhay Ang Baston proudly shows the results of the 1st Philippine 24-hour comic book challenge. It gives recognition to the artistic competency of the five challengers who emulated the Filipino martial arts of Kali and Arnis into their stories.

They further proved that fighting with sticks will always be an interesting story to tell.

"What we do is bring out things that have been waylaid over time. Stories that have been forgotten.

What we do is bring them out in the open, show people what we once were, what we still can be."

* Breakdown of Rating:

★☆☆☆☆ -

★★☆☆☆ - 

★★★☆☆ - Galera

★★★★☆ - Arnisadora

★★★★★ - Kali Island, Ang Huling Laban, Tiwalag

Essays: Looking Back

Written by: Ambeth R. Ocampo

Anvil Publishing

(4.296/5 ★★★★☆)

"Hindsight is the lowest form of intelligence - except for historians. In this handy collection of Ambeth Ocampo's "Looking Back" column pieces, the popular historian digs deep and looks back carefully at events, places and important people who make up the country's history."

The Good:

Ocampo's researches and studies on our Philippine history doesn't go to waste with this collection of essays he has written.

These small pieces of our history might not be the one eligible to be printed on our history textbooks, but they are still worth reading over and over.

He shares his different findings to us, such as the great bolero among our heroes, monai sizes and the gintong granda. His research also covers our language, as to how our knowledge of Spanish is not entirely Spanish but Mexican and the what-if's in the event Germany, Japan or Belgium took over our country after the end of the Spanish colonization.

The Bad:

This is still a collection of essays about history. Even though the author did his best to make each topic interesting, there would still be a few ones that you wouldn't bother to remember after reading it.

The Verdict:

A lot of Ocampo's essays was well written to make us continue reading his works even if the subject matter is all about history.

Looking Back takes us to a different perspective of our time. Wherein, we get to see a different aspect of MacArthur and Manuel Quezon, a new understanding of the word "La mierda" and a deeper appreciation of our heroes, most especially those whom we knew little about like Gregoria Nakpil.

This is recommended to be read to see beyond what Agoncillo has taught us in her textbooks.

* Breakdown of Rating:
★☆☆☆☆ -
★★☆☆☆ -
★★★☆☆ - 1, 4, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22
★★★★☆ - 3, 5, 17, 24, 26
★★★★★ - 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 23, 25, 27

Anthology: Kare-Kare Komiks Platter

Illustration and Story by: Andrew Drilon

Studio Salimbal

(3.85/5 ★★★☆☆)

"seasoned with time, marinated in love and slow-roasted in the fires of hell, this culinary smorgasboard has something for everyone."

The Good:

This is an interesting anthology from Studio Salimbal. Most of the stories gave off the vibe that Image Comics has been offering.

The best story would be The Love Eaters. It is a story about Halik and Yakap, a takaw-puso, and their unending journey to satisfy their hunger. Their love story was cut off when a cunning snake made them attack one another.

The Bad:

The I Had A Dream Last Night, You Were In It story was the least favorite of mine among the collection. I just don't get it, what does sacrificing one's life for hunger has got to do with the title of the story? It just doesn't seem to match correctly.

The Verdict:

Kare-Kare Komiks Platter is a nice meal that Drilon has served to us on the table. The art and story resembles works that are usually seen produced by the U.S. comic book publisher, Image Comics. 

Garnishing it up with a beautiful cover, this was a well cooked dish. I'll be getting second servings on Drilon's next platter. Maybe even a third or a fourth if it continues to surprise and satisfy my cravings of a good comic book.

More of Studio Salimbal can be seen at:

http://www.salimbalcomics.com

* Breakdown of Rating:
★☆☆☆☆ -
★★☆☆☆ - I Had A Dream Last Night, You Were In It
★★★☆☆ - Profound Thoughts For The Depths Of My Soul Which Illuminate Painful Universal Truths About The Human Condition
★★★★☆ - International Portal a.k.a. My Ex; Secret Heart
★★★★★ - The Love Eaters; A Love Story

Anthology: Lunatic

Created by: Mel Casipit, Kai Castillo, Maika Ezawa, Paolo Herras, JP Palabon, Tepai Pascual, Brent Sabas and Redg Vicenete

Meganon Comics

(3.75/5 ★★★☆☆)

(Cover by Redg Vicente)

"It's a Mad World.

During the full moon, energies are heightened,

releasing five crazy stories from eight deranged

and outright insane comic book creators.

Lunatic is the new normal."

Lunatic is the first anthology created by Meganon Comics. It contains 5 stories.

The Good:

Most stories did a good part of creating a story related to the title of the book. We were given stories that lean on foolishness due to man's desire, curiosity, need for wealth and by having a sense of false integrity.

The best story among the 5 would be Contestant by Ezawa and Casipit. For those who, at one point in time, have been watching our local noontime shows, the darker version of these noontime shows was vividly depicted to be a horrific scene. It's Fear Factor meets Survivor for the elimination rounds of this show! A player needs to go through all those crazy challenges in order to play for the jackpot round. It's one heck of an insanely twisted noontime show that they had let us watch.

The Bad:

The one that didn't do well was the last story, Ghost Parade. It started with a kid disturbed by loud noises which was later on said to be the sound of his own heart beat. The story ended a bit fast so that it just left me raising an eyebrow in confusion as I reached the last page. The conclusion was really confusing if the boy has just died or if he experienced astral travel.

Personally, it was a disappointment reading that story most especially since it served as the closing story of this anthology. The first story did absolutely great to the extent that I was expecting the last one to give the same chilling feeling towards the end of this anthology.

A small detail was also confusing regarding to the title of the 4th story. There's a discrepancy on the last letter of the second word. The chapter mentions it to be Hoodie Fernandes, however, upon checking the first page of that story, one would notice that it is titled as Hoodie Fernandez. This is just a small error that could be seen in this anthology.

The Verdict:

Lunatic is a good anthology that could send chills to your bones.

This first anthology by Meganon Comics has been a nice way to showcase the talents of different comic book creators through the crazy stories in this comic book.

Close that TV. Remove that mask. Loosen up your strings. Lunatic deserves to be read even by sane individuals. Trust me. The gong doesn't need to be played yet.

"Good people can do bad things.

It doesn't make them bad.

It only makes them

good people who do bad things."

More of Meganon Comics can be seen at:

Facebook Page: "Meganon Comics"

http://www.meganoncomics.com

* Breakdown of Rating:
★☆☆☆☆ -
★★☆☆☆ - Ghost Parade
★★★☆☆ - Hoodie Fernandes/z
★★★★☆ -
★★★★★ - Umbra, Strings, Contestant

Anthology: Wakasang Wasak

Story by: Carlos "Siege" Malvar

VISPRINT

(4.14/5 ★★★★☆)

(Cover by Kit Lapeña)

"What is the hiwaga that is in the dako paroon?

Created by the balintataw or of, like, OA na imagination?

I mean, what the fuck is a balintataw, anyway?

Here are three tales of wild,

wonderful women in wicked situations.

Why are men dying to be on The Kama ni Stella?

Why does Dindin have a bad feeling about

Ang Mutya ng San Isidro?

And who's the DJ in the place Where Angels Fear to Dance?

What are you waiting for?

Yes, you, holding this book at the bookstore?

Buy this now.

Ang magsoli nito sa shelf...

MAMAMATAY."

The Good:

Siege Malvar provides us with more than 3 stories in this anthology. He gave us around 7 short stories whose main characters were mostly women. From the story of the poor mother in the introduction up to the hilariously written vampire slaying witch at the post credit scenes, it has been a fun, hilarious and enjoyable ride reading Wakasang Wasak.

The best story, excluding the one in the introduction and the post credit scenes, was the Ang Kama Ni Stella story. For the Post Credit Scenes, the best one among the three was Sparkle, Bitch!

All the three main stories were written to entertain most of us and to penetrate the social awareness in some of us. These three stories that circulate around the lives of these three women imply different current social issues. The first story dwells on the prevalence and even the current accepted norm of casual sex. On the other hand, the second story leans more on the topic of the RH Bill (which has already been passed and is now a Law). The third story mixes a bit of the two underlying themes to give a story about unwanted pregnancy.

The cover of this anthology represents well the different stories enveloped in the book. The portrayal of the dark society that we live in, especially to women.

The Bad:

Other readers may be discouraged from finishing this anthology once they reach the second story. The usage of words and countless curses thrown everywhere may raise the eyebrow and be the cause of the return of this book back by "conservative" and "religious" readers.

If the only reason why you had picked up this anthology is because of the cover, due to the hint that it implies that the book is a horror story, rest assured that it would really disappoint you. But it has a nice surprise to those who are open-minded enough to realize the underlying themes that was written on it.

There are also some things in here that the editor and/or author has failed to notice which could get the attention of grammar nazis.

The Verdict:

A warning for Mature Readers would have been better if it was placed on the cover of this excellent work by Siege Malvar.

Stories full of H.P. Lovecraft's works, sorcery and the current young adult novel themes, Wakasang Wasak would have been fun to see if it was given its own movie adaptation to the likes of the Shake, Rattle and Roll movie franchise.

This has been a great first read of Malvar's books. It was overwhelming as Siege Malvar ended this book hilariously with Sparkle, Bitch!

"... what makes us monsters is our need to be saints."

More of the creator's works can be seen at:

Twitter: @whatsiegesaid

* Breakdown of Rating:

★☆☆☆☆ - 

★★☆☆☆ - 

★★★☆☆ - Where Angels Fear to Dance; The Other Woman's New Affair (Post Credit Scenes)

★★★★☆ - Ang Mutya ng San Isidro;  Run, Barbie, Run (Post Credit Scenes)

★★★★★ - Intro Story; Ang Kama Ni Stella; Sparkle, Bitch (Post Credit Scenes)

Anthology: Free Comic Book Day: Ang Pilipino Komiks sa Kasalukuyan ~ Blg. 003

Edited by: Norby Ela and Jon Zamar

Comic Odyssey

(3.28/5 ★★★☆☆)

(Cover by Gerry Alanguilan)

The Good:

This 3rd Filipino FCBD (Free Comic Book Day) give away from Comic Odyssey contains 18 comic samplers.

The top contributions in this issue for me are News Hardcore: The Phantom of the Office (Die!), Puso Negro, Crime Fighting Call Center Agents, Indie Evolution and Kubori Kikiam.

The local comic scene and the image of FCBD here in the Philippines were interestingly portrayed in some of the contributions. In Spacemando, it shows the long lines to be expected on comic book stores participating in FCBD and the correct attitude of falling in line and patiently waiting for your turn.

The second comic is Kubori Kikiam. It deals with Sandy (of Comic Odyssey) texting local comic creator/s, in this case Michael David, of submitting an entry for an upcoming issue for FCBD. It was hilarious as it was debated on how to turn a rated R comic into something acceptable to be read by kids.

The third comic is Indie Evolution that tackles the history of comics here in the Philippines. Witty names for some of the current rockstars in our local comic scene where introduced along with their famous works. These are Tresei Budjettorum, Elmerus Alanguilanae, Ando Arresis and Zsazsa Tarusch.

The Bad:

In this compilation, the one that I really didn't like was Jacara Zar. It was a weird first contribution for this anthology. It doesn't seem like a teaser for its own comic and instead looks like a fill in illustration for one page.

The Verdict:

This FCBD: Ang Pilipino Komiks sa Kasalukuyan ~ Blg. 003 is a great anthology that features a wide range of comics from our local comic scene. Both the front and back cover of this comic are sure to get anyone's attention since it was made by two of the famous comic creators of our generation, Gerry Alanguilan and Manix Abrera.

The best contribution of this anthology for me is Indie Evolution by Macoy. He reconstructs the history of comics here in the Philippines in a unique way. Incorporating comics with dinosaurs and evolution, Macoy has shared to us the story of Komiks with a really imaginative incorporation of the story of evolution of life here on earth combined with simple and entertaining illustrations.

I would say the comic teasers, samplers, back stories and all the other unique contributions from our local comic creators were good. FCBD: Ang Pilipino Komiks sa Kasalukuyan holds the spirit and dream of our comic industry. It shows how much has changed throughout the years. A lot of improvements are evident and an overflow of creativity still persists. It keeps our local comics alive as it slowly gains strength to stand on its own.

 (Back Cover by Manix Abrera)

* Contributors of Free Comic Book Day: Ang Pilipino Komiks sa Kasalukuyan ~ Blg. 003: Ed Tadeo, Aaron Felizmenio, Jon Zamar, Judd Abinuman, Freely Abrigo, Manix Abrera, Joanah Tinio-Calingo, JP Palabon, Nelz Yumul, Rommel Estanislao, Dr. Carlo Jose San Juan, AJ Bernardo, Noel Pascual, Macoy, Mel Casipit, Eric Luna Salazar, Melvin Calingo, Wan Mañanita, Kai Castillo, Gerry Alanguilan, Michael David

** Breakdown of Rating:

★☆☆☆☆ - Jacara Zar, Codename: Bathala

★★☆☆☆ - Gwapoman 2000: Hari ng Basatrip; Cresci Prophecies: Book of Arcen; Spacemando; Pasig

★★★☆☆ - Kapitan Tog: Wow!; Callous; Mukat; Manila Accounts 1081: Camp John Heist

★★★★☆ - Bruho Barbero; Comics by Eric Luna Salazar; Wasted

★★★★★ - News Hardcore: The Phantom of the Office (Die!); Puso Negro; Crime Fighting Call Center Agents; Indie Evolution; Kubori Kikiam

Anthology: Underpass

Summit Media
(4.25/5 ★★★★☆)

"You are invited to take a trip to the other side

and come face to face with your most horrible nightmares,

your deepest secrets, your greatest fears.

Follow the path down to the Underpass"

The Sim

Illustration and Story by: Gerry Alanguilan

"What do you do when you find a cellphone SIM CARD? Do you try to find the owner and try to return it? Do you keep it and use it for yourself? What do you do when you start receiving mysterious messages from the previous owner?"

The Good:

The first story gives the vibe like it can be a story for a horror movie anthology, such as the Shake, Rattle and Roll movies. The illustrations made by Alanguilan takes us back to the early drawings that were seen in Filipino komiks. These illustrations represent of those days wherein komiks were still being sold in the sari-sari stores.

The Bad:

The story bears a common plot. It gives off its slight shares of scares. If you had seen the Japanese movie called One Missed Call you will see the same elements are present except for the time of death.

Judas Kiss

Story by: Budjette Tan and David Hontiveros

Based on the short story by: David Hontiveros

Illustration by: Oliver Pulumbarit

"In a secluded house in the hills of Antipolo, Peter hides a secret. He has murdered his wife and brother and buried them in the garden. Peter is about to discover that the phantoms of his past hold an even more terrible secret."

The Good:

It is a great horror story for this anthology. A story that involves a mango tree and Judas' kiss would give you the chills. It was neatly written by the author.

The Bad:

Layout problems on some pages of this story can be seen. Thus, some of the texts can't be read.

Katumbas

Story by: David Hontiveros

Illustration by: Ian Sta. Maria

"When lost souls and wayward demons wreck havoc in our world, the Goddess of Death sends her immortal warrior to set things right. His name is Kadasig."

The Good:

Great story and illustrations for this short on Kadasig. The world of Kadasig made by Hontiveros was nicely illustrated by Sta. Maria. One of the coolest concept presented to us was Manduyapit. He is the grim reaper for the world of Kadasig. He rides on a cool skull laden jeepney and drives it as a way of fetching souls. Looking beyond these things would reveal his true image of a black hooded cloaked figure in a vessel that sails on a red river.

A nice promotional poster of Skyworld: Testament can be seen on one of the ads on the underpass.

The Bad:

It would have been nice if more information about Masakim, Ibu and Manduyapit were told. However, this is an anthology so that limits it, but it would be great to dwell upon them in the future stories.

The Clinic

Story by: Budjette Tan

Illustration by: Kajo Baldisimo

"Up-and-coming actress Lyn Reyes just found out she's pregnant. This unplanned development will ruin her career, or so says her manager. She agrees to have a very discreet operation at The Venus Clinic, where she discovers the darker side of showbiz."

The Good:

For some who don't know this duo, they are simply the ones responsible for the multi-awarded Trese books that has set a solid foot in the bookstores.

This is a rare treat to see their work in color. The story still persists in the Trese universe. Some references to Case 7 of the series was made pertaining to a dead body in Magna Mall.

Kajo Baldisimo gives us a wonderful two page spread showing a paranormal themed abortion. An abortion made by an aswang was nicely thought of and executed by the creators of this short story.

The Bad:

Trese should have known about this operation in one of her cases. It should have made it in one of her cases, most especially since it deals with an aswang.

The Verdict:

Underpass is one of the early anthologies made in order to get the attention of anyone who loves paranormal stories to explore the local comics.

The scariest story for me is Judas Kiss made by Hontiveros, Tan and Pulumbarit. It gives that creepy feeling of someone may be standing by your door while you sleep or resting on top of a branch while you take a shade from the sun. It draws fear due to the suspense given through expecting a terrifying event bound to happen any moment.

This anthology made up of 4 paranormal stories in comic form are greatly done. It is a nice stepping stone that gives us a view on how our local paranormal themed comics are shaped. Each one is crafted to suit the ride you may be looking for.

* Breakdown of Rating:

★☆☆☆☆ - 

★★☆☆☆ - 

★★★☆☆ - The Sim

★★★★☆ - Judas Kiss

★★★★★ - Katumbas; The Clinic

Anthology: Trese: Stories from the Diabolical ~ Volume 1

Story by: Budjette Tan

Illustration by: KaJo Baldisimo

VISPRINT
(5/5 ★★★★★)

 

This is one of the main reasons why I attended Aklatan 2013. It was one of the three books being launched by Visprint Publication. This is a treat that Budjette and KaJo has given to us in anticipation for the release of the 6th book of the Trese series.

Budjette, before starting his signing of the Trese books of fans, said a few words. He mentioned that this book, Trese: Stories from the Diabolical Volume 1, came about after receiving so many requests from the fans of the Trese series. They requested to have the stories that were put up in the website (www.diabolical13.blogspot.com) to be published in print after one story from the said website made its appearance in the Trese 6 Preview comic, which was released last Summer Komikon 2013. The story that was made part of the preview was "The Choir", which was also included in this book. The book contains 5 stories which are titled: "One Last Drink at the Diabolical", "The Usual Spot", "The Last Full Show", "The Choir", and "Coffee Black".

In here KaJo used a different style to illustrate some scenes in the story. As I had come to know, the artist used watercolor this time instead of having the usual sketching that he does for the Trese comics. He also did an interesting thing on the story "Coffee Black" in which the art is comparable to the abstract paintings you would usually see in coffee shops. The stories was written and edited really neatly by Budjette, knowing that there were some minor grammatical and typographical errors that can be seen on the ones uploaded on the website. These side stories, or as some would term them as supplemental stories for the Trese series, especially the story "One Last Drink at the Diabolical", are really nice to be read as they give us a wider perspective of the world of Trese. Since that story is clearly seen to be a prelude to the very first case of the Trese series. The end of that story signaled the beginning of the story "Case 1: At the Intersection of Balete and 13th Street". The other stories, even though they are not in direct correlation to any cases of the Trese stories that are published as of now, nevertheless are still equally good. The stories "The Usual Spot" and "Coffee Black" are short stories about love, in which I find the former story to have a more interesting love story. "The Last Full Show", on the other hand, tells of an interesting life being proposed to the elderly. This is by being able to have a moment to see a part of your life which you would like to reminisce before deciding if the experiences he or she had gone thru is already enough or satisfying. On the other hand, "The Choir" is a great Christmas story perfect for the coming Christmas season.

Overall, Budjette and Kajo gave us a treat by releasing this book. It really is a nice goodie while we await the release of the 6th book about the 6th child of the 6th child of Trese in the Winter Komikon 2013

More stories from the diabolical can be seen at:

www.diabolical13.blogspot.com

More of Trese at:

www.tresecomics.com

Facebook Page: "Trese Comics"