Every Legend Hides A Lie. That's the tagline for Mervin Ignacio and Ian Sta. Maria's SKYWORLD. A book that aims to twist legend and history to reveal an unknown truth.
Let's start with Book 1. APOCRYPHA feels like prologue, an introduction to the SKYWORLD universe. Here we are introduced to a tikbalang named Makabo and his quest to avenge his father by slaying the asuang named Rianka. We are also introduced to the SkyLord named Kaptan, a god who by the end of the book has fallen. Though we get to see the bloody battle, we don't exactly see its outcome and how this SkyLord fell and survived.
Cover of Skyworld: Testament (art by Ian Sta. Maria)
The second book entitled TESTAMENT starts with a history lesson pertaining to the battle of Mactan. They say that Antonio Pigafetta wrote two versions of history, the one we know now and the one that tells the truth. This second installment reads better. Not only does most of the story take place in the present with Rianka summoning a great beast, there is also a huge battle sequence that not only involves Makabo but also guest stars Alexandra Trese and the Kambal.
So if you're like me and enjoy reading new takes on existing mythology and history, you have to get this one. My only reservation (small one, really) about this book is the art. Although it's one of the better drawn comic books out there, the pages look too plain for my taste. And after seeing what Ian Sta. Maria can do on UNDERPASS, I feel that this book would be much better if it was in full color.
Next on this KOMIKON review list is Summit Media's UNDERPASS. This graphic anthology actually compiles four horror stories.
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The first one called SIM is written and drawn by renowned komikero Gerry Alanguilan. It's about a man who finds a lost SIM card and then gets a mysterious call from its previous owner. I thought I knew how this one ends. I was wrong.
The second tale called JUDAS KISS is drawn by Oliver Pulumbarit from a story by David Hontiveros. It's a twisted tale that involves sex, betrayal and murder. You might want to keep this one away from the young kids.
The third story is written by David Hontiveros and drawn by Ian Sta. Maria. It's called KATUMBAS and showcases Kadasig, an immortal warrior whose job is to send evil spirits to the underworld(?) like some sort of reaper. This tale is my favorite art-wise. Ian Sta. Maria's action sequences and photo-manipulated backgrounds form one hell of a combination. Eye Candy!
The last tale is my favorite of the four. It's called THE CLINIC and it's from the powerhouse duo of Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo. Yep, the guys who gave us TRESE. The story is about an up-and-coming actress who just found out that she's pregnant. And since this is Budjette and Kajo were talking about, of course there's going to be a twist. And a shout out to one of TRESE's cases!
And there you have it. Four brilliant horror stories from four brilliant creative teams. Go get a copy now!
Ooh, Ooh-oooh, Ooh-oooh / Everybody's tellin' all / Baring their souls / Just go on the Ricky Lake Show / Shoo-bi-doop-doop, why? / Last night I turned the TV on / You were booed off stage / Singing your famous love song / Why? / And tell me who makes the rules / Shoulda been born on the Milky Way / Don't wanna belong to the world today / Oh, life's a bitch and then you die / Shoulda been born on the Milky Way / I can't believe what I heard today / Oh yeah, life's a bitch and then you die / Shoo-bi-doop-bam / And meanwhile I got the magazines / Telling me, selling me lies / On how I could be the perfect 10 / Shoo-bi-doop-doop, why? / And my boyfriend left just the other day / He's all messed up / Is he straight or is he gay / Shoo-bi-doop-doop, why? / So tell me who makes the rules? / Shoulda been born on the Milky Way / Don't wanna belong to the world today / Oh, life's a bitch and then you die / Shoulda been born on the Milky Way / I can't believe what I heard today / Oh yeah, life's a bitch and then you die / And if I fall... / If I fall... oh-oh / Shoulda been born on the Milky Way / Don't wanna belong to the world today / Oh, life's a bitch and then you die / Shoulda been born on the Milky Way / I can't believe what I heard today / Oh yeah, life's a bitch and then you die / Shoulda been born on the Milky Way / Don't wanna belong to the world today / Oh, life's a bitch and then you die / Shoulda been born on the Milky Way / I can't believe what I heard today / Oh yeah, life's a bitch and then you die / Shoulda been born on the Milky Way / Don't wanna belong to the world today / Oh, life's a bitch and then you die / Shoulda been born on the Milky Way / I can't believe what I heard today
Cover of Skyworld: Testament (art by Ian Sta. Maria)