Comics: Elmer ~ Issue 1

Illustration and Story by: Gerry Alanguilan

Rated: 17+ Only

Genre: Anthropomorphic / Drama / Fantasy

Komikero Publishing
SLG Publishing
(5/5 ★★★★★)

"Elmer is a window into a world where chickens have suddenly acquired the intelligence and consciousness of humans, where they can now consider themselves a race no different than browns, black or whites. Recognizing themselves to be sentient, the inexplicably evolved chickens push to attain rights for themselves as the newest members of the human race.

Elmer tells the story of a family of chickens who lives and struggles to survive in a suddenly complicated and dangerous world." 

The Good:

This 1st issue of Elmer begins with the everyday getting-out-of-bed sickness that most of us have.

We follow Jake Gallo, as he orients us to the current situation of the world after chickens emerged as a new race that is at par with the humans due to their newly acquired intelligence and consciousness.

The plot was wonderful. The dialogues may have been hilarious to read but questions regarding the norms of the society were placed with ease.

I think what was great in this comic was how the illustrations were carried out. Alanguilan is really a gifted artist who skillfully shows to us chickens full of emotions. He doesn't need to add an eyebrow to show anger. The facial features already gives the tone of that character.

There was a great splash page in this issue. The illustration of a rooster and his chick enjoying the sunset over a can of beer was delightful to look at. An enlarged and framed illustration of that scene would be great to hang in the house.

The Bad:
With the removal of the tasty chicken dish that we have been accustomed to, ducks now replaces that scene. However, it really seems fucked up to see a chicken eating a roasted duck on some panels. It seems too much for me to accept that part of reality.

The Verdict:
Humans at par with the chickens? Who would have thought of that kind of reality in an alternate universe. Recognizing them to be at par with our level of intelligence and consciousness seems to be a crazy idea. It would also lead us to kissing goodbye on eating our favorite fried chicken since it would then be considered as a crime of murder and as an act of cannibalism.

This 1st issue of Elmer was an enjoyable read. An alternate world where chickens could possibly be your employer is interesting. Even the idea that a nation would later on elect their first (and definitely not the last) chicken president/prime minister of their country would put all into confusion.

Alanguilan tells us to take a peek to experience this other worldly possibility that after all the fight for equality in terms of religion, race, color and sexual orientation comes the fight for chicken equality.

"Aw, dad... this isn't another one of those "oh, you're LUCKY you didn't have to peck dry corn and uncooked rice off the dirt!" kind of thing is it?" - Jake Gallo

Free Digital Copy:
ComiXology: Elmer #1
KOMIKERO DOT COM: Elmer01.cbr

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