The SKYWORD Review

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.