Comics: Josef Miggy & Yaya Karol ~ Super Secret Adventures

Inks and Pencils by: Rysa Antonio

Story by: Budjette Tan

Inks and Backgrounds by: Kajo Baldisimo

Alamat Comics

(5/5 ★★★★★)

The Plot:

Super Secret Adventures is about Josef Miggy and his nanny's, Yaya Karol, adventures. A story between a nanny and the child she watches over as they live out their "super powers" with still enough time to do all the household chores.

The Good:

The diary type of story telling looks great in the illustrations of Super Secret Adventures. The illustrations matches the story perfectly. Refraining from illustrating a very detailed background and by simply focusing on things that matter most to the story, it gives the required tone for this comic to be enjoyed by young readers.

The Bad:

The story does not explain itself much if what we're seeing are the lives of two humans with super powers or if they still belong to the imagination of the child. The scene wherein Josef hopes his parents would know that he is Kid Kilowattz and that he has been a big help in lowering their electricity bill are just some of the scenes that would arouse curiosity if the child indeed has super powers or not.

The Verdict:

Alamat Comics surprises us with this child oriented comic due to the light tone that was made to the illustrations. A story about a child and his nanny, Josef Miggy and Yaya Karol is sure to hit the hearts of most people, especially those whose love and care during their childhood years were filled up by their nannies.

Events: October Komiket 2015

Looks like October is no longer the month of Komikon for Komiket marks October 2015 to be theirs.

Events: Coffee Dreams at SM Southmall

A coffee art exhibit that features Rev Cruz's works are currently being held until September 30, 2015 at the event center of SM Southmall.

Events: Grandparents Day 2015 Exhibit at SM Southmall

SM Southmall conducted an exhibit in celebration of Grandparents' Day. It was named as Happy Groovy Grandparents Day.

Comics: Tonio Tikbalang ~ Volume 2

BIC0075
Illustration and Story by: Jake Vicente

Black Ink Comics

(5/5 ★★★★★)

"Ano sa tingin mo ang mga

problemang hinaharap ng mga

enkanto na nagpapanggap na

tao at ano ang dahilan kung

bakit nila ito ginagawa?

Sundan ang buhay-estudyante

ni Tonio, na isang batang

tikbalang, sa mundo ng mga

tao kasama ang kanyang

kaibigang kapre na si Kanto.

Isang babae ang nakasalubong

nila sa loob ng paaralan pero

iba ang pakiramdam ni Tonio sa

babaeng ito. Isa rin kaya siyang

enkanto?

Sa dami ng mga tao sa loob

ng paaralan, sino-sino kaya

ang mga enkantong

nagpapanggap lang na tao?"

The Plot:

The second volume of Tonio Tikbalang compiles chapters 4-6. The chapters are titled "Itanong mo sa Barbero", "Girl Next Classroom" and "Urband Legend" for chapters 4, 5 and 6 respectively. Chapters 4 and 5 deals with fun facts on our mythological creatures (kapres and sirenas). But in the end, all three chapters continues its job of giving stories that teaches on obedience and to not believe in a gossip unless it is proven to be true.

  

The Good:

Volume 2 of Tonio Tikbalang has an impressive look as a Filipino manga. The illustrations have improved in comparison to volume 1. Every space was adequately utilized.

Jake Vicente continues his great job in this 2nd volume of Tonio Tikbalang. The stories continue to impart good character to its readers while teaching some fun facts on our kapres and sirenas.

The Bad:

The cover looks more of a draft compared to the art inside. Both the front and back cover could use more of the art style done inside the comic book.

The Verdict:

Tonio Tikbalang's volume 2 shows how a Filipino manga would look like if it is bombarded with our locals (kapres and sirenas).

A few more of this volumes and Jake Vicente would have already given to us his own version of Doraemon stories. Instead of a bullied kid that has a cat, from the future, help him in everyday situations as they learn the basic lessons of life, Tonio Tikbalang differs in such that the Philippine mythological creatures are the ones who teaches us life's lessons on how to be a human who cares and shows respect to everyone.

A must read especially to school aged kids.

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

Facebook Page: "Estranger"

More of Black Ink Comics can be seen at:

Facebook Page: "Black Ink Comics"

Twitter: @BlackInkComics

Book Update: Halina Filipina by Arnold Arre Launch Date

The wait is nearly over, Halina Filipina has been officially announced to be released on the October Komiket 2015 at Elements Centris, Quezon City. It can be bought at its introductory price of Php. 350.

Halina Filipina follows the story of Halina Mitchell a Filipino-American who came to the Philippines for the very first time to meet her relatives. In here, she encounters Cris, a struggling film critic whose views reflects the modern Filipino society.

Brought to us by the National Book Award-winning author Arnold Arre, creator of The Mythology Class, Martial Law Babies, After Eden, Ang Mundo ni Andong Agimat and Trip to Tagaytay. He gives us a new story about friendship, understanding, and love; about finding one's identity and experiencing the joy of finally having a place to belong.

Halina Filipina is a 200 page black and white story told in English and Tagalog. It is suggested to be read by mature readers.

Events: Votation for the 2015 Filipino Readers' Choice Awards

The voting phase has already started and will last until September 25, 2015. Keep in mind that 1 vote per category only. You could also skip a category. Then, it's only 1 ballot per e-mail address. Multiple ballots using 1 e-mail address will not be counted.

The online ballot can be seen by clicking the link below:

http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2308869/Filipino-Readers-Choice-Awards-2015-Online-Ballot

Events: Asia Pop Comicon Manila

Be sure to prepare your wallets for one of the biggest conventions will be held this month. For 4 days, the geeks shall conquer Manila for the Asia Pop Comicon will occur at the World Trade Center, Metro Manila on September 17-20, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Events: Manila International Book Fair 2015

The biggest and longest book fair of the country is back. The countdown for the 36th Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) is almost over for it will be held on September 16-20, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

Book Update: Janus Silang Book 2 by Edgar Samar Launch Date

Our very own Filipino young adult series is back! Edgar Calabia Samar brings us the second book of the Janus Silang series during the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) 2015. It can be bought at the Adarna House's booth for a discounted price of Php. 150.

Janus Silang at ang Labanang Manananggal-Mambabarang continues the fight against the Tiyanak of Tabon cave. The search for Tala intensifies as Janus realizes that the online game that he plays is actually based on reality and a strong creature exists among us. Secretly using his army of dark creatures in order to find Tala as well.

The continuation of the epic battle will soon be in your hands on the 36th MIBF that will be held on September 16-20, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

Events: Books & Brews: A Coffee & Book Fair

A coffee and book bazaar is currently brewing in Quezon City. This is currently happening at the Atrium, Eastwood Mall that starts from 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. It will end on September 12, 2015.

Various activities will be held such as coffee art displays, various workshops, coffee tasting and a coloring activity.

Meganon Comics is a participant of this event and they will be launching their first Meganon Comics Coloring book there.

Filipino ReaderCon will also be present. They will be seen at the event on September 12 (Saturday) for their activity "Blind Date-with-a Book!" It's a book swap activity that let's you swap your book (it must be in good, swappable condition) for a mystery book with clues on them in exchange.

OMF Literature is also said to be present as seen from the Facebook pictures of Filipino ReaderCon.

The schedule of some activities can be seen below:

In need of some coffee for an energy boost? Or do you prefer to relax by coloring? Make your way to the event to get that needed energy boost and/or relaxation.

More information about Books & Brews can be seen at:

Facebook Event Page: "Books & Brews - Selling / Coloring Activity"

Guides: Free Passes to the 36th Manila International Book Fair

The 36th Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) is just around the corner. A lot of preparations should be in place for us book lovers.

For first time attendees, the first question that always comes to the mind is if there's an entrance fee for this event? If there is, how much is it?

Well to answer that question. Yes, there's an entrance fee for the MIBF event. The prices are really cheap to encourage you to go in and unleash the book worm in you. Entrance fee is Php. 20 and a discounted price of Php. 15 for students and senior citizens are also available.

But if you want to be the first in line on a book launch or a book signing event, I guess you don't want to trouble yourself by lining up, in order to buy the entrance ticket.

One Mantra gives you an easier life by presenting to you the different publishers and groups who will spare you some time by giving away those entrance tickets for free.

1. OMF Literature

https://www.facebook.com/omfliterature/photos/gm.848570381905056/1003529443002543/?type=1

This can be downloaded and printed (colored or not, whatever size you want, and as many pieces as you want).

It can also be gotten on any Metro Manila branches (Boni, Greenbelt 1, Pergola, Il Terrazo). A special surprise can be seen at the lower right corner at the back of those tickets.

2. Adarna House

https://adarnahouse.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/freemibftix2015.pdf

This can be downloaded and printed. An addition is the raffle stab that comes with it. Just fill them out and drop it at the Adarna House booth for a chance to win an exclusive 35th anniversary shirt.

3. Meganon Comics and Komiket

This can only be gotten by purchasing any Meganon Comics on events that they will be partaking; such as Southside Collective, 2nd Sikat Pinoy National Art & Fashion Fair and Indieket 2015.

If you had attended the Easter Komiket 2015, you also had the chance to get the free MIBF 2015 ticket.

4. National Book Store

Free entrance passes could be gotten at the customer service of National Book Store (NBS). The schedule of events to be held at the NBS booth on MIBF 2015 could be seen at the back of the pass to guide you on that day.

Get those free passes now and see you at the 36th Manila International Book Fair on September 16-20, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

Book Update: News Hardcore! by Manix Abrera Launch Date

 

Manix Abrera, creator of the Kikomachine Komix, has officially announced on Facebook the upcoming release of his new comic book, News Hardcore! Hukbong Sandatahan ng Kahaggardan!

Events: Finalist of the 34th National Book Awards

The list is out and the National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Manila Critics Circle (MCC) has announced the finalists for the 34th National Book Awards for books published in 2014. The decision for the Language Studies Category (Special prize by Komiksyon sa Wikang Filipino) will be announced along with the list of winners this month, September 2015.