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

Guides: Pre-sold Tickets for Summer Komikon 2016

As SummerLiga Komikon (SK) 2016 draws near, the pre-sold tickets are now available to be purchased.

Comic Odyssey, the official store partner of this event, will be selling those pre-sold tickets for Php. 100. It comes with a free Komikon bag.

An addition for avid collectors would be the unique limited designs of this pre-sold tickets. They bear designs from SK 2016 special guests namely; Andrew Villar, Reno Maniquis and Rod Espinosa.

Photo from Komikon

So get those tickets now from the nearest Comic Odyssey branch in your area before Summer Komikon 2016 begins on April 16, 2016 at the Bayanihan Center, Pasig City.

Comics: Komiks Galing Sa Aking Kaluluwa

Illustration and Story by: Andoyman

(5/5 ★★★★★)

The Good:

Andoyman gives us his 2nd comic strip compilation.

A lot of angry, funny and interesting thoughts were seen in this compilation. There's the interesting question regarding the sticks of the kwitis fireworks (wondering if anyone got injured from those sticks), strange thoughts regarding paper cuts and even the bizarre idea about hairy tongues.

It also included a strip that seems worthy to be printed out as an editorial picture. It is the image of PNoy, short for President Noynoy, cowering under the sheets of his bed as the fallen troops of SAF (Special Action Force) encircles him.

The Bad:

This was sadly only 12 pages long. It would have been great if all those images Andoyman posted on his Instagram account were included here.

The Verdict:

Andoyman's works and ideas are really bizarre, such that it does a really good job of entertaining us.

If these were really from his soul, one would just wonder out loud as to when would be the next time he'll let us take a peak of it once more.

Komiks Galing Sa Aking Kaluluwa should be in the collection, most especially, of a komiks lover.

He can be seen on:

Facebook Page: "Andoyman"
Twitter: @Andoyman
Instagram: Andoyman
Tumblr: Andoyman

http://www.andoyman.wordpress.com

Comics: Dive

Illustration and Story by: Ardie Aquino
Ardie Aquino Comics

(3/5 ★★★☆☆)

The Plot:

A diver. An angler fish. A mermaid.

Love blossoms even while diving at first sight.

The Good:

Great cover!

The illustration with its color just speaks of a possible haunting mystery that is about to happen.

The visuals were great. The expressive faces of the characters make up for the absence of dialogues.

The Bad:

The most intriguing part of this story is primarily the plot. Why would this man go diving in the first place? He doesn't appear to be a tourist or a fisherman since he isn't holding any fishing gear (unless he plans to manually grab a fish underwater). Then, there's this big question of why does he have to do this helmet diving. The very reason for his plunge into the water didn't make any sense.

The Verdict:

This vampire mermaid snake character story was an "okay" comic book. The illustrations were great. The cover would really get anyone's attention.

The main reason why I have difficulty liking this comic was due to the unexplained reason why the guy has to dive.

At the very least, we would appreciate the last illustration wherein it could really make the hair on your skin stand if you're in the diver's situation. You'd probably ask yourself "Why did I have to dive?" as soon you see the skulls underneath the throne you're sitting on.

Comics: The Garbage Artist

Illustration and Story by: Andrew Drilon

(5/5 ★★★★★)

"Nikka takes the things no one wants and makes art out of it... but this time, she may have made something else entirely..."

The Good:

The title alone would make a comiccon goer stop by to make a second look at this comic.

Then as you take in the entire picture of the cover, you'll get the sense of curiosity as to what might this be about while adoring the beautiful illustration.

As the story finishes up, you'll feel satisfied to have been luckily indulged in a great story that was poetically illustrated.

The Bad:

I'd love to see this work colored by the creator. Maybe the colors could further tell us more about the Lesspace and the Truniverse that GH-B or Gabby is talking about.

The Verdict:

Drilon will really surprise anyone if they found out that The Garbage Artist was done in less than 24 hours. This exceptional work would remind comic lovers of works published by Image Comics.

The comic creator's deep thoughts translated into this comic makes his works really worth buying from comic conventions.

"...sometimes you find the most amazing things in the trash." - Nikka

Free Digital Copy:

Studio Salimbal Comics: The Garbage Artist

Storylark.ph: The Garbage Artist

Book News: Arnold Arre's After Eden Appears on Summer Komikon 2016

Another of Arnold Arre's old works will resurface once more to be made available to this generation of komik lovers.

After Eden is back for a reprint / reboot or as Arre describes it as a 2016 edition. He mentioned on his Facebook account that the changes in this edition would only be minimal which will consist mainly of some dialogues, plot points and key scenes.

After Eden is among Arre's works that fans have long been clamoring for a reprint. After its appearance at the Summer Komikon, it would be Andong Agimat's turn to gather anticipation for a reprint.

No cover is available yet, but some scenes were posted online as we wait out for the relaunch on April 16 (Saturday) at the Summer Komikon 2016. This 2016 edition will be published by Nautilus Comics.

Comics: The Life and Death of Amorsolo Esperanza, Faith Healer of Talinhaga

Illustration and Story by: Elbert Or

(5/5 ★★★★★)

"A sprawling narrative about history and remembrance, faith and destiny, love and death."

The Good:

The story was amazing. It was really well written. Partnered with clean, simple and smooth illustrations, this comic book was worth it to be picked up, bought and read.

The Bad:

None that I could think of so far, given the circumstances of how this comic book was made.

The Verdict:

This has been a very entertaining comic book created in less than 24 hours. Given its autobiographical type of storytelling, the creator has managed to make Amorsolo Esperanza as realistic as possible through the inclusion of some bits of our Philippine history in the story, such as World War II, Martial Law, and EDSA People Power Revolution.

Ultimately, it manages to convey its story of faith and love through the eyes of the faith healer of Talinhaga.

The preview could be seen at:
Studio Salimbal Comics: The Life and Death of Amorsolo Esperanza

Comics: Beloved Engkantado Horrors ~ Issue 1

Illustration and Story by: Motzie Dapul
Project Bayani Imprint
(3/5 ★★★☆☆)

The Plot:

Rio Anderson, 4th heir to the Salvador clan, and Siglo, a tikbalang formerly controlled by a mad sorcerer, were suddenly attacked by a siyokoy tribe who seeks revenge for all the mahiwaga lives that has been lost brought about by the dark tikbalang. 

The Good:

If a growing romance between a human and a tikbalang isn't enough. We are presented with a same sex relationship scenario through the characters of Rio and Siglo.

This kind of relationship isn't touched by most comic book creators, especially comic book creators who tackle topics about our Philippine mythological creatures. This is definitely a new picture being presented to us.

The Bad:

The title was not quite clear on what we should be expecting. A love story? A scary story? Or a mix of a dark and scary kind of love story?

The illustrations could require some improvements. It was also part of the reason why the title isn't quite clear on what we should expect from the story. If it's really a dark story, I hope the atmosphere will illustrate that on the succeeding issues.

In addition, the illustrations need improvement with regards to Rio and the siyokoys. Rio's hair shading was inconsistent in comparison to Siglo, whose jacket was evidently shown all throughout the scenes. For the siyokoys, their appearance looked closer to a bird tribe rather than a water tribe. What I presume are scales on their torso and shoulders appear to look more like feathers. Their overall design would remind me more of birds rather than creatures with scales.

The Verdict:

This is still an interesting comic. A yaoi version of Trese's Alexandra Trese and Maliksi pairing.

With all the engkanto stories that we currently have, Dapul gives us a different take on our mythological creatures, as they embrace a forbidden love that remains to be a taboo in our society.

 

Documentaries: Creatures of Philippine Mythology Web Series

Directed and Produced by: Jordan Clark

The Aswang Project

High Banks Entertainment Ltd.

Here's some good news to those fascinated with the Philippine mythological creatures. A documentary web series that tackles these creatures is available to be viewed online.

Creatures of Philippine Mythology is a new web series directed and produced by Jordan Clark (director of The Aswang Phenomenon). It aims to tackle the origin, history and evolution of the Tikbalang, Kapre, Bakunawa, Diwata, Tiyanak and Manananggal.

Familiar personalities, who had effectively presented these creatures to the public in various ways, were interviewed for this documentary. You'll get to see Budjette Tan (creator of Trese comics), Yvette Tan (writer of Waking The Dead), Karl R. De Mesa (writer of News of the Shaman) and Peque Gallaga (director of Shake, Rattle & Roll) in this web series.

Great visuals, music and research are seen in this work. Don't worry since English subs are available. Check out this web series that is free to be viewed at The Aswang Project YouTube channel.

"If we want to truly define ourselves as a people, then I think we should know what did our ancestors believe in." - Budjette Tan

More of Creatures of Philippine Mythology can be seen at:

YouTube Channel: "The Aswang Project"

Facebook Page: "The Aswang Project"

http://www.aswangproject.com

Book News: Mervin Malonzo Reveals Upcoming Books

The creator of the 34th National Book Award for Graphic Literature in Filipino, Tabi Po ~ Volume 1, has posted on his Facebook account the titles of the books he has lined up for us.

The titles of the books are; Tabi Po ~ Isyu 3, Ang Supersibo 2, and Makina. The first 2 are the next volume of a series published by Visprint, Inc. and Anino Comics respectively. Meanwhile, the third book remains a mystery as to what could it be about and the publisher who will distribute it to us once this book is finished.

He also mentioned of a project that he has been working with Karl De Mesa (author of News of the Shaman, Report From the Abyss and Radiant Void Reportage). No further details if it is a comic book that they are working on or if Malonzo is going to do the book cover of Karl De Mesa's upcoming book.

Mervin Malonzo's works are definitely worth it. His wonderful paintings reduced down into a book is definitely unique among the current local comics that we see. A beautiful portrait placed on a book for all of us to enjoy everywhere.

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: Time First!

BIC 0034

Illustration and Story by: Kirejan Javier

Black Ink Comics

(4/5 ★★★★☆)

"Time first muna!!!

Ito ang karaniwang sinasabi ng mga Pinoy kapag gusto nilang mag-break habang naglalaro ng mga games. Ito din ang naging title ng Pinoy Manga na tungkol sa tatlong magkakaibigan at ang kanilang everyday gaming experiences. Ang mga jokes nito ay hango mula sa sariling karanasan ng author at mula sa mga popular references at ibang ideya na galing sa internet.

PRESS START"

The Good:

The cover was really a head-turner. Personally, it was the biggest factor that made me buy this comic book from Book Sale. The illustrations were really catchy to the eye. If its intention was to get the attention of gamers, as their primary audience, well it certainly got mine.

There were a lot of nods to different games that were placed here. It also included the different misconceptions and stereotypes thrown to gamers. Such were the illustration of a guy's version of shopping and the stereotypes towards female gamers.

The most truthful thing described would be the 6 gaming logics. Most gamers, if you would observe them closely while they are playing, have these habits.

The Bad:

The explanations for the references made in each topic was good for the first time. However, it becomes annoying after it was explained once again in the succeeding pages.

The Verdict:

Very Entertaining!

This comic strips compilation would make you realize the kind of gamer you are because it speaks from the experiences and passion of a gamer.

Time First! will loosen you up as you wait for that loading bar in your gadget to finish. Anyway, that game would wait for you to finish reading this short but entertaining comic book.

So, put down that console and read this comic book!

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

Facebook: "Kir Oh"

More of Black Ink Comics can be seen at:

Facebook Page: "Black Ink"

Twitter: @BlackInkComics