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: 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: Callous Comics ~ Take Two Spoonfuls of Sunny Side!

Illustrated and Story by: Carlo Jose San Juan, M.D.

Feathers and Tar Productions

(4/5 ★★★★☆)

"Dr. Rianne Nicah, Cal Duck, and the rest of the "Callous Comics" gang return in their second comic strip compilation, "Take Two Spoonfuls of the Sunny Side!"

The Good:

The illustrations were still great, with all of the comic strips fully colored.

There were a lot of truths behind some of those comic strips such as equating productivity on one's free day to having a movie marathon.

Most of the strips were really entertaining even for a comic reader who is not in the medical field.

The compilation ended neatly with the bonus story line entitled "Movie Mess".

The Bad:

The only thing that didn't work out for this comic strip compilation was the cover. The drawing of Rianne and Cal did not just do well for me. Mostly because of the difference in the style that was done to their surroundings.

The Verdict:

The second compilation of Callous Comics continues to be very entertaining. It continues to let readers have a peak on the lives of young doctors. Such as what could they be possibly be doing when they are not in the hospital, thoughts on kids wanting to also become a doctor someday and how most doctors love and/or need coffee most of the time.

The Movie Mess was a nice story to end this compilation on a sunny side.

More of Callous Comics can be seen at:
http://www.callouscomics.com
Facebook Page: "Callous Comics"
Twitter: @callouscomics

  

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: 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

Comics: Palitaw Komiks

Illustration and Story by: Andoyman
(4/5 ★★★★☆)

The Plot:

Inspired by the works of Pol Medina Jr. and Manix Abrera, everyday problems, such as election, job interviews and pimples, are laid out by Andoyman in this comic strip compilation.

The Good:

Early on, you will recognize where Andoyman got his inspiration for some of the comic strips here in Palitaw Komiks. The "Isplork" sound already gives you the image of tigidig patrol from Manix Abrera's Die! Die, Evil! Die! (Kikomachine Komiks #3).

The best insight and illustration of reality from the comic strips is the one about the celebration of Earth Hour. It is shown how enthusiastic the people are in saving mother earth only to leave the venue full of trash. A movement that does not fulfill much its goal due to the actions of its participants.

An addition towards the end of the compilation is an entry piece for a contest entitled "Run Justice Run." It looks great and could work well as an illustration for an editorial.

The Bad:

I'm just curious as to why this compilation was called "Palitaw Komiks". No mention or illustration about the dessert appears on any of the comic strip.

The Verdict:

This is an entertaining comic strip compilation from Andoyman. We get to see who his idols are in making comics.

Palitaw Komiks is a fun read. All 23 comic strips are bound to give you a lot of mixed reactions. It ranges from grossness, weirdness and laughter. It will surely make you wonder why this author has a thing for having good stories be filled with "tigyawat" and "kulangot".

He can be seen on:

Facebook Page: "Andoyman"

http://www.andoyman.wordpress.com

Comics: Callous ~ The Comic Strip Series: Chocolate Chip Wishes and Caffeine Dreams

Illustrated and Story by: Carlo Jose San Juan, M.D.

Feathers and Tar Productions
(3/5 ★★★☆☆)

"Dr. Rianne Nicah is a struggling new physician who braves the world with her guardian duck, Cal Duck!"

The Plot:

Hospital life with ducks as your guardian is the center of the Callous comics. Different topics from the expected hospital humor up to Star Wars is seen in this compilation. However, it is the insights of Cal Duck on life which gives the biggest lesson from this comics.

"No task is too small to not chase perfection and excellence!" - Cal Duck

The Good:

Common misconception on some things are mentioned in this comic book. Such as the thought of eating foods with burned sugar like creme brulees, caramelized fruits and toasted sugar. This is due to the advise of the doctor that fat is produced in the body from unburned fat. Therefore, the patient only ate sugar that were burned. Another scene is wherein Dr. Rianne does an evil laugh because it relieves stress.

The illustrations and story are nicely done. Even those comic strips that are co-authored by another individual are great to be read.

The Bad:

The explanation as to the reason for the existence of the guardian ducks were not mentioned much in the comic strips. It would be a bit nicer if a comic strip showing Cal Duck being assigned to Rianne was seen.

In the middle of the compilation, more black and white comic strips were seen. It would seem nicer if all of the black and white comic strips were presented first before the fully colored ones were shown.

"I find rest days such a waste when all I do is rest!" - Dr. Rianne Nicah

The Verdict:

This first compilation of Callous comics was an enjoyable one. It's like reading one of those comics in the Sunday newspaper. It is simple, easy to understand and funny. Those 3 are the basics things that are usually present to keep any reader engaged in continuing to read more.

The life lessons from Cal Duck that can be read will really strike the mind as one reads more quacks from Callous comics.

"Remember the past and work for the future...

But never forget to live today!" - Cal Duck

More of Callous Comics can be seen at:

http://www.callouscomics.com

Facebook Page: "Callous Comics"

Twitter: @callouscomics

 

Comics: Pugad Baboy 23

Illustrated and Story by: Pol Medina Jr.
(3/5 ★★★☆☆)

Pugad Baboy is one of the famous comics known in our generation. It is known for discussing current events that occur in our country and even in other nations. This comic compilation features topics such as the 2010 National Elections, inflation, gun usage in the Philippines, the Reproductive Health Bill (RH Bill), and Pres. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino.

This 23rd comic compilation is a manifestation of how long Pugad Baboy has been around to give light humor on some of the big issues that our society face. For the printing it may have been overlooked since pages 48 and 49 were printed again on pages 50 and 51. Overall, this is just a minor error in the layout process before printing.

This is one comic compilation that can't be ignored especially since it was made by one of the country's well known comic strip artist.

"Yang batas kasi e parang bibliya. Maraming interpretasyon 'yan.

Kaya nga kung umasta at magsalita ang abugado

at evangelist e parehong-pareho." - Tomas Sabaybunot