Story by: Edgar Calabia Samar
Illustration by: Mervin Malonzo
Anino Comics
Haliya Publishing
(4/5 ★★★★☆)
The Plot:
Apat na buwan na si Janus sa mansiyon nina Manong Joey pero naroon pa rin ang sakit ng dilang-karayom ng manananggal sa puso niya dahil sa pagkawala ng mga mahal niya sa buhay at sapilitang paglayo kay Mica.
Simula ng Christmas break nang mawasak ang proteksiyon ng mansiyon laban sa Tiyanak at sa mga kampon nito. Hindi pa ito nangyayari kailan man. Matinding barang ba ito? Sa kabila nito, may mabuting balita naman si Renzo kay Janus na nagpapahiwatig na maaaring buhay pa ang Papa niya!
The Good:
The cover was a nice variation of the novel's cover. It pays homage to the original novel wherein the teenage Bagani twins were part of the cover.
The world building was amazing to be seen adapted to comic form for the 2nd chapter of this series. The illustration of creation of the world lifted from "Ang Saysay ng Matatandang Daigdig" makes one wish for the creation of that book.
The illustrations were great with some that were very memorable. The first is the two page spread showing Kuya Renzo, Mira, Janus and Miro enjoying the Christmas season. The second is the one where most readers where excited to see done by Malonzo. It is the home page of the TALA game. It was very great to look at and makes one wonder if this game could be really made. The concept feels at home due to the characters used in the game.
A couple of comics from Haliya Publishing and Anino Comics were neatly placed in the back ground as easter eggs in one scene.
The Bad:
Some parts of the book could have been omitted from this adaptation. Like the painting scene made by Mang Isyo. The transition of the story feels weird from the last scene of Mang Isyo leaving in search for Janus' father which then proceeds to show a page of Janus' diary at ESISA (Espejo School of Integrated Sciences and Arts) before ending with the painting scene to close the chapter 2 of the story.
The level of intensity of Bino's reappearance and deception didn't show that same intensity of tension it was originally told in the novel. This story is one, among the many great story telling points made by the writer in his novel. It was told with a high level of suspense and wonder as readers ponder to the unveiling of Janus' father's wherebouts.
The worst part of this adaptation would be the death scene of Janus' mother in the hands of the tiyanak. The scene of Janus discovering the tiyanak feasting on the internal organs of his mother was a striking imagery left by the first novel. That scene was what made other readers be frightened from reading this series.
"Siyempre hindi na, 'no! That's so like precolonial age..." - Miro
The Verdict:
Malonzo's adaptation of the second book of the Janus Silang series was executed better than the comic adaptation of the first book. He gave fans of the comic a new look of the series in its comic form and makes them wonder if an animated version could soon follow for this story.
A common reason to buy this book are the details in the cover. The name of the writer and story alone deserves our money, but add that this comic adaption was made by Malonzo would instantly drive people to purchase this book. Having those facts alone you would know that you're in good hands with this book.
Edgar Samar's exceptional writing and Mervin Malonzo's exquisite illustrations were really a good tandem for this comic book. Si Janus Silang at Ang Labanang Manananggal-Mambabarang the graphic novel definitely has a spot in our recommended comic books to be read.
"
Gago. Putol ang katawan, may pakpak, lumilipad, anong hindi nakakatakot dun." - Janus
*This post is part of the PH Blog Tour of Janus Silang 2 the graphic novel
**Update as of 11/22/2019. Typo was omitted after rechecking the soft copy of the book received.
