Comics: Tuesday Mornings

Illustration and Story by: Hench Dulin

(4/5 ★★★★☆)

The Good:

The cute way of meeting someone with the help of Pollo the chicken paves the way of how the two characters cross paths.

The idea of a meet up for a breakfast meal, offered by a food truck that has a chicken running around to advertise, is such a cool and simple plot.

A food blogger meets chef meet cute story is such a joy to read.

This story has also made a great representation of the LGBQTIA+ community by having an inclusive "bear" type of character. The artist portrayed that not all boys love (BL) themed stories need to have characters that have a chiseled and well defined muscles. Sometimes, they may be on the plus size.

A nice easter egg can be seen of Komiket in this comic.

The Bad:

I guess the only bad thing here is that we don't know why they gave out free coffee refills during Tuesdays.

The Verdict:

Tuesday Mornings is a very simple meet cute love story that subtly represents a different demographic of BL. This representation does great as it shows the reality that not all queers have a six pack abs. Some only have one but is a great chef. Ultimately this comics is a win a for love.

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

Facebook Page: Henchman Draws

Twitter: @henchmandraws

Instagram: @henchmandraws

Comics: My Special Relationship with Art

Illustration and Story by: Gusstelier

(3/5 ★★★☆☆)

The Verdict:

This comic deals with an assessment of one's self for the past years. It takes a look at the soul of the artist on his relationship with his work.

This a nice reminder to all of us to never forget to pause and examine one's passion on how far we have improved ourselves.

It advises that the first step that must always be undertaken is to always practice your craft everyday for one to be a master of it.

"I can make my canvas my soul."

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

Instagram: @gusstelier

Twitter: @gusstelier

Facebook Page: Gusstelier

Comics: School Run ~ Issue 1

Macoy x Ardie Aquino Edition

Illustration and Story by: Macoy and Ardie Aquino

(4/5 ★★★★☆)

"In post-zombie apocalypse Philippines, life is good! Or at least as good as you can expect in a third-world country with 80's technology and an everpresent zombie plague. But as Maki and her friends will soon discover, just getting to school in the morning can be a real killer.

SCHOOL RUN is a tongue-in-cheek zombie story with everything you look for in the genre: humor, action, social commentary, and the undead munching on kids."

The Good:

After almost a decade, School Run is back as Macoy made a collaboration with Ardie Aquino.

This update is thrilling to see in so many ways. It now comes in color with the dialogues updated from Filipino to English.

The cover has been changed to show a crowd full of zombies with some of the main casts in it. Also within the hoard are the creators so one would find it amusing to try and guess which one are they among the zombies.

The previous panels and script originally drawn by Macoy has been given a new look by Ardie. The details that can be seen at the background of the characters are worth to look at. Knockoff logos of familiar companies and brands can be seen like Food Panda, Angkas, Skull Head, and Meralco. An added bonus was the additional signage stuck on a post promoting Ardie's Home Massage Service beside a Mackoy Plumber post.

The story describes of a post-zombie apocalypse world that occurs in the year 2035. It still gives a fun and fresh look of the Philippines with young children as the main characters.

The Bad:

One of the biggest concern with this post-zombie apocalypse version is the NZP or the anti plague medicine that everyone appears to be taking. The presence of this item, which was also present in the original version, leaves a lot of questions. It insinuates that by forgetting to take this pill will turn you into a zombie aside from the primary means of exposure to a contaminated blood or body fluids. It begs to question if the zombie virus was also airborne. It is also appalling that no new drug has been invented yet in order to increase the interval time for this medication be taken by the general population. The need to take a pill every 4 hours is going to be a tiresome chore because it means setting an alarm so you could wake up from your 6 to 8 hours of sleep just to take this anti plague pill.

The Verdict:

Zombie apocalypse themed stories is still a nice story to dwell on. This updated version is more child friendly in comparison to the original one. This can be seen as the head of one of the characters pop up at the back of the school bus. Looking at it in black and white back then gives a more chilling scenario in comparison to the current multicolored zombies in the series.

Most of the original fans would be pulled back to rediscover the story of Maki. I just hope we can finally see the ending of this series.

More of the creators' works can be seen at:

Ardie Aquino:

Instagram: @chikidoodledoo

Macoy:

Twitter: @komiksnimacoy

Comics: Man vs Ipis! ~ Volume 1

Illustration and Story by: AJ Bacar

Sskait Comics

(4/5 ★★★★★)

"The ipis your mom warned you about-

An ipis suddenly appeared

out of nowhere and

attacked the man...

Emotionally

Papatalo ba?? Of couse not."

The Good:

This short comic book neatly tells a comedic story of man against a cockroach (ipis) that lasted for 9 rounds. The art and story are superb.

The best panel would be the scene of the baby cockroach being calmed down by its mother to sleep as they face an inevitable death.

"K lang. Mas cute naman ang bunso." - Bunso Ipis

The Bad:

The first few panels were seen drawn using a thick brush. However, it eventually improved wherein most brush strokes do not use a thicker stroke compared to the earlier one.

The Verdict:

It is a short comic book that is highly entertaining that does well in both its art and storytelling.

Who knew that a dying scene of cockroaches can be an emotional moment.

"Kaka-kompyuter mo yan." - Mommy Ipis

More of Man vs Ipis can be seen at:

Facebook Page: Man vs Ipis

Twitter: @sskaitcomics

Instagram: @sskaitcomics

Comics: Tarantadong Kalbo ~ Volume 2

Illustration and Story by: Kevin Eric Raymundo

Komiket Inc.

(5/5 ★★★★★)

"Nagkagulo sa bakuna, nag-agawan ng itlog, nagkanaw ng dalgona, nagmahalan ang mga baboy, naghabulan ng jetski, nagtulungan sa mga pantry, at tumindig para sa bayan. Ito ang koleksyon ng mga komiks ni Tarantadong Kalbo sa unang parte ng 2021, ang sequel sa pinakamasagwang taon nating lahat."

The Good:

An update of the current sociopolitical events of the Philippines is presented in this 2nd book of Tarantadong Kalbo. Government response against the COVID-19 pandemic are best illustrated in the strips Distancing, 'La Pa, Variant, and Dance Shield Revolution. Even the public's perception of living with this virus are potrayed in Quick Group Pic and Conyo Mask [with Conyo Wings].

Trese's adaptation as a Netflix series was celebrated in several strips here such as Represent and Santelmo and Outta Nowhere.

The best editorial cartoons in this compilation is Saglit. This four panel strip will really knock at your heart.

The Bad:

This only captures half of the events that occurred in the year 2021. A 2nd book of 2021 compilation is expected to appear in the 3rd volume.

The Verdict:

Tarantadong Kalbo's comic strips show the Filipino life through the usage of 90s pop culture references to depict the drama in our everyday local politics.

An addition of quick news bites through Balitangero was amazing. On the other hand, Inuman Sessions: Historical Distortion provides us an educational material that discusses historical distortion and historical revisionism.

Tarantadong Kalbo Volume 2's best and most tearjerker work so far is the four panel Saglit that reflects the pandemic situation of the Philippines during the COVID-19 Delta Variant surge.

He can be seen at:

Facebook Page: Tarantadong Kalbo

Twitter: @KevinKalbo

 

Comics: Ang Jowa Kong Crosswise ~ Episode 4: Meet The Bestie

Illustration and Story by: Tsambolero (Raphael Unta)

(5/5 ★★★★★)

The Verdict:

Leonardo "Leo" Aurelio's best friend Sampaguita "Sammie" Rhose Catacutan gets to meet his boyfriend Thomas.

Laughter engulfs as the professional monster hunter meets the aswang. An exchange of funny tirades ensures as names such as "lumilipad na daga" (flying rat) and "angry lesbian dora" were shouted.

He can be seen at:

Twitter: @Tsambolero

More of Ang Jowa Kong Crosswise can be seen at:

Penlab: "Ang Jowa Kong Crosswise"

Comics: The Children of Bathala: Volume One of Five

Illustration and Story by: Arnold Arre

Nautilus Comics

(4/5 ★★★★)

"Twenty years after the events of The Mythology Class...

Bidding a pleasant farewell, Mrs. Enkanta left to continue her journey through time. Nicole and her friends' adventures into the realm of myth and magic were seemingly over.

However, things have not been peaceful over the past two decades: Lane has lost her telepathic powers; Kubin is weakening; Rey and Misha have mysteriously gone missing; and doubts about Enkanta's true purpose are growing.

As their friendships, once strong and binding, slowly fall apart, Nicole senses a dark spell affecting them all.

Convinced that those cherished days they shared in the Mythology Class are fading away, Nicole is unaware that a new band of visitors from the magical world of Ibalon have arrived. These beings hold the key to unlocking an ancient mystery; one that may reveal a frightening terror, but also open an enchanting new world for Nicole, her friends, and her daughter Princess Marilag."

The Good:

The story brings us back to the world of Mythology Class years after they fought off the engkantos. The story and illustrations remain superb.

A lot of references to various books, personalities and tales were made. The most thought provoking concept presented was the Bukidnon Skyworld introduced at a Ted talk.

The Bad:

This first volume among five has a slow pace in story telling.

Many conversations were written using either baybayin or another Filipino language. It would have been a great idea to have the translations of these conversations written somewhere at the end of the book for those who don't understand the language.

The Verdict:

Nicole and her other classmates under Datimbang are back years after their initial quest. The curse of the ancient once creeps in as the blood moon starts to settle in. All hopes that the dark anitos won't find them.

More of Nautilus Comics can be seen at:

Facebook Page: "Nautilus Comics"

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"

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"

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"

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

Comics: Extra Rice with Extra Tries

Illustration and Story by: Ardie Aquino
Ardie Aquino Comics
(3/5 ★★★☆☆)

The Plot:

We all have our own inner demons.

The Good:

The illustrations from Ardie are consistently great. He truly owns this weird chibi style of illustration.

The Bad:

The extra rice that was the title and main focus of the cover page illustration of this comic was not part of the main story. It only serves as an addition in the epilogue.

The Verdict:

This comic, as I percieve, is a motivational one. It tries to convey that no matter how much life scares us, even through our inner demons, we must always get out of bed and fight the day out.

Our dream serves as our refuge. A place to heal and regroup our thoughts on how to fight once we wake up again.

He can be seen at:

Facebook Page: Ardie Aquino

Comics: Sinigang: Kwento ng Lumbay

Illustration and Story by: Ardie Aquino

Ardie Aquino Comics

(3/5 ★★★☆☆)

The Plot:

A Filipino pork stew cooked to perfection with MeTube as a guide.

The Good:

The illustrations are becoming a trademark of Ardie Aquino's simple and neat artwork. It can be seen on how the ingredients were drawn.

The story is simple and could remind readers of memories of love and care through cooking.

The Bad:

Based on the flow of the story or recipe, an ingredient was missing from pages 1 and 5. Pepper was not included even though it was used on pages 12 and 13.

The Verdict:

Sinigang is a simple comic book that takes a look at our past. It gives that comforting feeling after engulfing a warm and delicious pork stew on a cold and rainy day.

The food brings beautiful memories as one savors each spoonful of pork stew. This is our Filipino dish  story equivalent to the Ratatouille dish of an American film.

He can be seen at:

Facebook Page: Ardie Aquino

Comics: The Graveyard Shift ~ Issue 1

Illustration and Story by: Chelsea Oleta

(4/5 ★★★★☆)

 "A little magic never hurt anyone."

The Good:

It has a nice cover. The illustrations were clean and neat to look at. Representation of the common skin tone of our people was represented well in this comic.

The Bad:

I know its a cliffhanger, but the last panel was not clear on whether the creature was a werewolf like monster or a lion like beast.

The Verdict:

Mayo, a witch or mangkukulam, is an interesting character. Her story of travel to the United States is one to look forward to. Hoping that the story of Maya the teenage mangkukulam impress us on the next issues.

She can be seen at:

Facebook Page: "Oletarts"
Tumblr: Oletarts
Twitter: @oletarts
Instagram: @oletarts

Comics: Suicide Squid

Story by: Lian Martecio

Illustration by: Albert Custodio

(2/5 ★★☆☆☆)

 "A group of inked creatures were trapped in an aquarium

after a boy fancied catching them in Gotham Sea-ty.

  His last catch was cunning JoeQueer who masterminded

an escape plan.

Makakapuslit kaya ang mga pusit?"

The Good:

This is a nice superhero satire themed comic. It plays a nice pun to the Suicide Squad team by having Gotham Sea-ty and a kid name Bruce along with his dog, Wayne.

The Bad:

It was just an average comic. Not that bad, but it was not that exciting though.

The Verdict:

Hats off to Martecio and Custodio for coming up with this witty and superhero satire filled comic.

Hoping to read more works from them.

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

Lian Martecio
Instagram: @lianxious

Albert Custodio
Instagram: @mandawyun

Comics: Si Janus Silang at Ang Labanang Manananggal-Mambabarang

Story by: Edgar Calabia Samar

Illustration by: Mervin Malonzo

Anino Comics
Haliya Publishing

(4/5 ★★★★☆)

The Plot:

Apat na buwan na si Janus sa mansiyon nina Manong Joey pero naroon pa rin ang sakit ng dilang-karayom ng manananggal sa puso niya dahil sa pagkawala ng mga mahal niya sa buhay at sapilitang paglayo kay Mica.

Simula ng Christmas break nang mawasak ang proteksiyon ng mansiyon laban sa Tiyanak at sa mga kampon nito. Hindi pa ito nangyayari kailan man. Matinding barang ba ito? Sa kabila nito, may mabuting balita naman si Renzo kay Janus na nagpapahiwatig na maaaring buhay pa ang Papa niya!

The Good:

The cover was a nice variation of the novel's cover. It pays homage to the original novel wherein the teenage Bagani twins were part of the cover.

The world building was amazing to be seen adapted to comic form for the 2nd chapter of this series. The illustration of creation of the world lifted from "Ang Saysay ng Matatandang Daigdig" makes one wish for the creation of that book.

The illustrations were great with some that were very memorable. The first is the two page spread showing Kuya Renzo, Mira, Janus and Miro enjoying the Christmas season. The second is the one where most readers where excited to see done by Malonzo. It is the home page of the TALA game. It was very great to look at and makes one wonder if this game could be really made. The concept feels at home due to the characters used in the game.

A couple of comics from Haliya Publishing and Anino Comics were neatly placed in the back ground as easter eggs in one scene.

The Bad:

Some parts of the book could have been omitted from this adaptation. Like the painting scene made by Mang Isyo. The transition of the story feels weird from the last scene of Mang Isyo leaving in search for Janus' father which then proceeds to show a page of Janus' diary at ESISA (Espejo School of Integrated Sciences and Arts) before ending with the painting scene to close the chapter 2 of the story.

The level of intensity of Bino's reappearance and deception didn't show that same intensity of tension it was originally told in the novel. This story is one, among the many great story telling points made by the writer in his novel. It was told with a high level of suspense and wonder as readers ponder to the unveiling of Janus' father's wherebouts.

The worst part of this adaptation would be the death scene of Janus' mother in the hands of the tiyanak. The scene of Janus discovering the tiyanak feasting on the internal organs of his mother was a striking imagery left by the first novel. That scene was what made other readers be frightened from reading this series.

"Siyempre hindi na, 'no! That's so like precolonial age..." - Miro

The Verdict:

Malonzo's adaptation of the second book of the Janus Silang series was executed better than the comic adaptation of the first book. He gave fans of the comic a new look of the series in its comic form and makes them wonder if an animated version could soon follow for this story.

A common reason to buy this book are the details in the cover. The name of the writer and story alone deserves our money, but add that this comic adaption was made by Malonzo would instantly drive people to purchase this book. Having those facts alone you would know that you're in good hands with this book.

Edgar Samar's exceptional writing and Mervin Malonzo's exquisite illustrations were really a good tandem for this comic book. Si Janus Silang at Ang Labanang Manananggal-Mambabarang the graphic novel definitely has a spot in our recommended comic books to be read.

"Gago. Putol ang katawan, may pakpak, lumilipad, anong hindi nakakatakot dun." - Janus

*This post is part of the PH Blog Tour of Janus Silang 2 the graphic novel
**Update as of 11/22/2019. Typo was omitted after rechecking the soft copy of the book received.

Comics: Itch

Illustration and Story by: Mich Cervantes
Rated: Ages 13+
(5/5 ★★★★★)

The Plot:

Aya Estrada a student in an all-girls schools is coming to terms with her adolescence. Her sexual curiosity is put at crossroads when she realizes that the environment she thrives in demonizes and shames this type of topics.

The Good:

The sexual awakening of adolescents were neatly told while maintaining this comic good to be read by ages 13 and up. The creator even came up with a fake porn url in order to maintain the story's age appropriateness.

The realities of slut-shaming done by students to their peers feels familiar to many people. In a society where religion plays a huge role in our culture, many of these questions regarding sexuality are mostly frowned upon, especially in a Catholic school. The most common defense uttered is abstinence, as mentioned by Aya's mother.

This comic also gives us a fresh look on the sexual awakening that occurs on girls because oftentimes it is the boys' sexual awakening that we are exposed to. No depiction of a girl admitting her curiosity about sex was uttered as blatant as seen in this comic.

The Bad:

None that the reviewer could see.

The Verdict:

Another great slice of life story that focuses on the sexual awakenings of girls during their puberty.

It does a good job of presenting realty instead of turning this into a very censored comic that deals about how girls tend to think and act on their curiosities on a certain age. It intelligently presents to use that curiosity about sex is normal and that abstinence is also normal. One does not have to pick any of the two and say that the one not chosen is abnormal.

Cervantes does an excellent work with this story. Just be careful with your pet bird, if left unnoticed it might get eaten by the kitten.

She can be seen at:
http://www.themichlife.tumblr.com

Comics: Walang Laman Ang Kahon

Illustration and Story by: Chocnut-san
(5/5 ★★★★★)

"Bago pa makarating sa akin ang balita, nakahanda na ang lahat.

Ang mga papeles, pamasahe, ang dormitoryong tutuluyan ko, at ang trabahong papasukan ko.

 Ako nalang daw ang kulang."

The Good:

The cover was well made. It gave that eerie feeling that this might turn out to be a suspense or horror story. It gives the vibe that something could be coming out of the box like the ones that was done in the movies The Ring and The Grudge.

The story revolves around Dino who leaves Tacloban in order to work in Manila. An emotional departure scene was shown in the airport similar to how our OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) leave our country.

The plot appears to touch on the loneliness that resides within Dina that could be a familiar feeling to anyone who had to leave their family for work.

The Bad:

It could have been a bit better if a few more details could have been explored on in order to know the condition Gina is experiencing. It would be nice if it at least it was hinted if what she is experiencing are just hallucinations due to stress, anxiety and even possibly trauma, due to the fact that she resides in Tacloban which suffered the most when Typhoon Haiyan struck, or if it was a paranormal thing.

The Verdict:

Walang Laman Ang Kahon presents itself to be a mystery suspense story about Dina's thoughts and feelings. She is aware that nothing is inside that box but with all the emotions that she had accumulated, it led her to believe it was her way back home.

This beautiful and creepy one-shot comic is an excellent horror story.

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

Facebook Page: "Chocnut-san"
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