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

Book News: Re-releasing School Run

A comic title will resurface once more, as the story of a group of school children fight for their lives in a zombie virus infected world. School Run was initially created by Macoy and lasted for 7 issues, School Run Part 7 titled as Casualties of War! was the last issue. The last issue was a total cliffhanger since no follow-up issues was released afterwards.

This surprise collaboration between Macoy and Ardie Aquino, creator of Random! Comics and Ang Roomate Kong Aswang!, makes it clear that they want to finish this story and want a new generation of comic-readers be exposed to this wonderful story crafted years ago.

No further details if this will follow the stories of Robert, Maki, Pipoy and the rest of the gang as they survive the zombie typhoon headed towards their school bus, or if it will be a fresh story that will just use the same concept.

This was set to be released at Summer Komikon 2020, but has been postponed at a later date.

Comics: Operasyon

Illustration and Story by: Macoy

(5/5 ★★★★★)

The Plot:
Before sunrise, an operation headed by D' Boss is being prepared.

Once everything is in place, Reyes then takes the shot.

The Good:
The cover of a rabbit holding a gun side by side with his shadow that appears to have been covered with blood is a great illustration to capture ones curiosity.

The story and illustrations were well made. Masking a serious topic thru the use of animals as the characters of the story were nicely thought over.

The Bad:
There was just one character whom I was curious to know what his role has been in this operation, which is the turtle. I just wonder if he's being portrayed as the head of the local police unit or the local government in the area.

The Verdict:
Operasyon is another well thought of comic book made by Macoy. He creatively touches upon the darker nature of some police operations that were carried out in our society. Wherein everything is delicately planned, staged and neatly executed so as to make it look like a legitimate police operation that resulted into an exchange of bullets between the police and the criminal group.

It presents one possible scenario behind the glamorous media reports regarding some of the big fish that was neutralized by the police as they carry out their mandate of peace and order.

The story visualizes another aspect of the police operations that was carried out for the sake of media publicity with a little bit of politics on the side.

"Bakit uupo sa driver's seat ng escort vehicle yung lider?! Gamitin mo nga'ng utak mo!" - D' Boss

He can be seen on:
Facebook Page: "Komiks Ni Macoy"
Twitter: @komiksnimacoy
http://www.mcoy.blogspot.com

Comics: Taal Volcano vs. Evil Space Paru-paro

Illustration and Story by: Macoy

(3/5 ★★★☆☆)

The Plot:

Deep below Taal volcano, sleeps a monster.

Awakened by noise pollution from tourists flocking Tagaytay city, he rises up through an elevator as he makes his way to the city.

That is until, an evil space paru-paro flutters on his way.

The Good:

The ridiculous premise of the appearance of both creatures makes it really entertaining. Combined with simple illustrations, this is a relaxing comic that can be enjoyed by all ages.

The story presents a reflection of our nation's current situation. Some of those that were seen are the boom of tourism in Tagaytay and the condition of the planes used by our air force.

The Bad:

The simple cover could be the reason for it to be ignored. Composed only of texts and the absence of illustrations would make it easily be ignored by comic goers in a convention.

The Verdict:

Taal Volcano Monster vs. Evil Space Paru-paro is a stand-alone comic that will surely entertain most readers.

Readers who grew up watching the 90s Japanese children shows, such as Power Rangers, will remember the battle scenes that took place.

This simple story presents to us an interesting theory of a monster that lives under the Taal volcano. A creature that could be used as a weapon in order to prevent the city from being attacked by evil space aliens.

He can be seen on:

Facebook Page: "Komiks Ni Macoy"

Twitter: @komiksnimacoy

http://www.mcoy.blogspot.com

Comics: School Run ~ Part 7: Casualties of War!

Illustration and Story by: Macoy
(5/5 ★★★★★)

We are left with a sad zombie bite mark on Maki's leg in the previous part of School Run. It gives the impression that even the lead character where the story of School Run began is not immune to the horror of dying in this zombie plaque.

In part 7 of School Run, the story continues with a sad fate to Eightball and the leader of the Black Squadron. The rescue mission for Eightball ended with a suicide. A human death to be more precise rather than die and reanimate into a zombie was picked as a better option. On the other hand, time shortens for Robert who got a zombie bite in his hand. A decision was then set by dividing the NZP, an anti-plaque drug that must be taken every 4 hours, between him and Maki, who is currently unconscious. Then, he covers her before leaving the area. His next action was to shout out loud while walking away from the scene in order to lessen the number of zombies surrounding Maki. This part ended with 3 deaths as Robert is finished off by a gunner who sees him to be halfway into transforming due to the zombie virus.

The cover of this part already says a lot regarding the events bound to happen to the characters, especially to Robert and Maki. This really is a sad turning point for this series as one major character dies and another one is awaiting the same fate, unless something could halt or reverse the effect of the virus inside Maki's body. Well there's going to be a lot of things that is still going to be told. Such as, what has happened to the rest of the group, and if Maki will ever make it to school in time before she gets a head shot. It would also be great if a side story of the Black Squadron is written like who and what they are.

School Run continues to be a great story told in a child like drawing. Even though that is the style of art done by the creator, this personally is still an envy. Since I wouldn't still be able to come up with this nice drawings, set aside the nice story telling.

"Die Human!" - Black Squadron

He can be seen on:

Facebook Page: "Komiks Ni Macoy"

Twitter: @komiksnimacoy

www.mcoy.blogspot.com

Comics: School Run ~ Part 6: Who are the Black Squadron?

Illustration and Story by: Macoy
(5/5 ★★★★★)

Previously, Robert and Maki got separated from the rest of the gang. As both of them looks for a way to escape the zombies, a team called the Black Squadron comes into action. When the team came to their rescue, only Maki was brought along since Robert refused to come with them. Determined on not leaving Robert behind, Maki causes the motorcycle she's riding with eightball, a member of the Black Squadron, to crash.

In part 6 of School Run, the story continues by Maki running back to Robert. She tells him that she's ready to die for a friend. Her small physique might not be able to prevent him from dying but she will rather be there and ready to die with him than to leave him alone. On the other hand, the Black Squadron soon discovers that a member of their team is missing. So with the leadership of the group, he goes back along with two other members to aid him in rescuing eightball. This part of School Run ends with a sad bite.

The story of the nature of loyalty among friendship is presented in this new installment of School Run. It shows that in times of need, a loyal friend will always be there to show up. The strength of friendship is tested as one willingly offers her life to also be in harm's way in the event that something bad might happen to her friend, which includes being attacked by a zombie. It is just sad as we, the readers, dawned on the realization that Maki will not survive this story since she had been bitten by a zombie. Damn. I was at least rooting that she'll survive somehow. I guess the rest of the School Run parts can give some hope for her character. :(

"Nangako lang ako sa sarili ko!

-- Na wala dapat sa ating mamamatay nang mag-isa!" - Maki

He can be seen on:
Facebook Page: "Komiks Ni Macoy"
Twitter: @komiksnimacoy
www.mcoy.blogspot.com
www.mcoy.deviantart.com

Comics: School Run ~ Parts 1-5

Illustrated and Story by: Macoy
(5/5 ★★★★★)

  

 

"In the post-zombie apocalypse, just getting to school in the morning can be a real killer. Welcome to the worst day in the lives of a school bus full of children" - Macoy

This is how Macoy introduces the first part of School Run on his blog. Creatively done even though the artwork is simple, a style that can be seen among his other works, I guess it fits the story since the main characters in the story are kids. With that style it gives the impression that this is just a simple comic book with a simple story, but just read further and you'll see that despite the simplicity of the illustration, its the story conveyed that gives the most impact. One might just wonder it to be a typical zombie apocalypse thing in which they had taken over the world, well you're right. But there's a slight difference, this is due to the Filipino culture that has been infused in the story. Quoting from Part 1, Maki (the main character) goes on sighing, "Signal #1 laaang? Sayang!". This is a common reaction most of us had when we were kids. This we really can relate since when we were kids, the only time we would constantly watch the news or listen to the radio, is for announcements of suspension of classes. Another thing, well one of my favorite lines from the series so far is from Part 3, wherein Popy said "Ganito naman parati sa pelikula, eh. Laging unang namamatay... "ubo" .... yung MATABA." Hehe.

Overall, i'd say this is one of the great goodies that I had gotten by chancing upon my luck on finding a good work of an artist by randomly buying comics during Komikon 2011. Can't wait for the next installment of School Run and other works that will be released by Macoy.

Info: Operasyon, Taal Volcano Monster vs. Evil Space Paru-paro and Ang Maskot are some of his other works.

Note: Images were taken from the artist's webpages

He can be seen on:
Facebook Page: "Komiks Ni Macoy"
Twitter: @komiksnimacoy
www.mcoy.blogspot.com
www.mc0y.deviantart.com