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Skyworld #1
Skyworld: Volume One
Every legend hides a lie
A murdered Skygod
re-emerges in modern-day Manila.
A Tikbalang prince plots vengeance
for the death of his father.
And the Queen of the Asuang
unleashes the mythical Bakunawa
upon the streets of the city.
Caught in their age-old struggle is Andoy.
a crippled orphan that discovers
he is the fulfillment of a prophecy
dating back to Lapu-Lapu himself
A murdered Skygod
re-emerges in modern-day Manila.
A Tikbalang prince plots vengeance
for the death of his father.
And the Queen of the Asuang
unleashes the mythical Bakunawa
upon the streets of the city.
Caught in their age-old struggle is Andoy.
a crippled orphan that discovers
he is the fulfillment of a prophecy
dating back to Lapu-Lapu himself
139 pages, Paperback
First published May 26, 2012
5 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 19, 2012
Summer Komikon 2012 special
Summer Komikon 2012 saw the launch of Mervin Ignacio and Ian Sta. Maria’s Skyworld as a two-volume trade paperback collection from National Bookstore which collected the graphic novel series originally self-published by the duo. I have the first three graphic novels, which were released in previous Komikons and of which I have done reviews here. A fourth one was unpublished but is included in the second volume of the collection.
The first volume collected Apocrypha and Testament and the trade paperback has some subtle differences from the original self-published releases. The new edition has an introduction from acclaimed local author David Hontiveros and the pages are now fully inked. In the original graphic novel, Apocrypha had uninked pages and went with the full pencils treatment. The later releases were fully inked and the trade paperback now has a unified appearance. But I preferred the pencils as Sta. Maria penciled his pages tightly and rendered intricate details which became obscured when he inked it.
Since much of Apocrypha was a flashback story, it actually made the collection a better reading experience than the original because what were once two books was now within one cover. The emphasis in the first graphic novel was on characterization and world building, thus hampering the reader who wanted to dive into the main story and action that Testament had in spades. In the collection, the reader had the best both worlds, as the introduction flowed into the modern day setting and action seamlessly.
Trese fans would enjoy this book as an extension of the Trese universe. The supernatural police consultant has an important supporting role here and Trese creator Budjette Tan is credited as editor, so Trese purists would be satisfied that their favorite character is voiced authentically.
Summer Komikon 2012 saw the launch of Mervin Ignacio and Ian Sta. Maria’s Skyworld as a two-volume trade paperback collection from National Bookstore which collected the graphic novel series originally self-published by the duo. I have the first three graphic novels, which were released in previous Komikons and of which I have done reviews here. A fourth one was unpublished but is included in the second volume of the collection.
The first volume collected Apocrypha and Testament and the trade paperback has some subtle differences from the original self-published releases. The new edition has an introduction from acclaimed local author David Hontiveros and the pages are now fully inked. In the original graphic novel, Apocrypha had uninked pages and went with the full pencils treatment. The later releases were fully inked and the trade paperback now has a unified appearance. But I preferred the pencils as Sta. Maria penciled his pages tightly and rendered intricate details which became obscured when he inked it.
Since much of Apocrypha was a flashback story, it actually made the collection a better reading experience than the original because what were once two books was now within one cover. The emphasis in the first graphic novel was on characterization and world building, thus hampering the reader who wanted to dive into the main story and action that Testament had in spades. In the collection, the reader had the best both worlds, as the introduction flowed into the modern day setting and action seamlessly.
Trese fans would enjoy this book as an extension of the Trese universe. The supernatural police consultant has an important supporting role here and Trese creator Budjette Tan is credited as editor, so Trese purists would be satisfied that their favorite character is voiced authentically.
October 13, 2013
I am rating this first volume (composed of Book 1: Apocrypha and Book 2: Testament) as if I have not read its second volume. The reason is that the second volume has the background of the story. I would have liked this first volume if parts of that background were somehow captured into the narration.
My favorite part in this book is the sudden appearance of Trese, the balding heroine of the Budjette Tan's famous series. When I was reading that part last night, I got excited because I was not expecting it. The kambal fighting the monsters with long tongues atop the Malate building brought me back why I liked the series Trese: it's the fantastic infusion of Philippine mythology in the story. All Pinoy comics aficionado should try reading Trese as well as this 2-volume Skyworld duo to see how rich our mythology and what could be done with it to make a fantasy-horror story a lot more interesting.
The illustration for me is too crowded probably in Sta. Maria's (illustrator) effort to make the frames more interesting and action-pumped. That plus the black-and-white mediocre art, I guess, made me lose interest several times while reading. If the frames are crowded, I thought that details should be interesting enough for you to pay attention and look into the nooks and crannies of the page. However, the pictures are dark and so full of shadowy lines that almost triggered my migraine attack.
The only saving points in Sta. Maria's art are the several pictures of bare-breasted well-endowed women particularly Bakunawa. Forget about Trese. Her receding hairline is something I do not want to see because I always sigh in disbelief whenever I see my image on the mirror every morning.
Thank you to my friend Jayson for gifting me this 2-volume piece of art during my birthday celebration last year. Jzhun, even if I rated this with 2 stars, you know that I love you man.
My favorite part in this book is the sudden appearance of Trese, the balding heroine of the Budjette Tan's famous series. When I was reading that part last night, I got excited because I was not expecting it. The kambal fighting the monsters with long tongues atop the Malate building brought me back why I liked the series Trese: it's the fantastic infusion of Philippine mythology in the story. All Pinoy comics aficionado should try reading Trese as well as this 2-volume Skyworld duo to see how rich our mythology and what could be done with it to make a fantasy-horror story a lot more interesting.
The illustration for me is too crowded probably in Sta. Maria's (illustrator) effort to make the frames more interesting and action-pumped. That plus the black-and-white mediocre art, I guess, made me lose interest several times while reading. If the frames are crowded, I thought that details should be interesting enough for you to pay attention and look into the nooks and crannies of the page. However, the pictures are dark and so full of shadowy lines that almost triggered my migraine attack.
The only saving points in Sta. Maria's art are the several pictures of bare-breasted well-endowed women particularly Bakunawa. Forget about Trese. Her receding hairline is something I do not want to see because I always sigh in disbelief whenever I see my image on the mirror every morning.
Thank you to my friend Jayson for gifting me this 2-volume piece of art during my birthday celebration last year. Jzhun, even if I rated this with 2 stars, you know that I love you man.
February 3, 2013
I am a big fan of Philippine mythological stories and I believe its richness greatly deserves the spotlight. This is why I really enjoyed reading the first volume of Skyworld. The historical spin was very interesting; a small part of me considered the possibility of the supernatural spin happening during the historic battle of Mactan between Philippine and Spanish forces. Who knows, right? :)
The queen of aswangs, Rianka, was an effective antagonist. However, while I knew why she had to exact that kind of revenge, the motivation was a bit all over the place. Her anger and vindictiveness could have used more depth. I still liked her a lot, anyway.
In truth, I felt that kind of need for more depth in most of the characters. While I do not have problems with too many things happening to many characters at the same time, it could have used more thorough polishing.
The cameo of my favorite supernatural detective Alexandra Trese and the Kambal is one of my favorites in this volume.
I'm very excited to jump to Skyworld volume 2 to read more about their adventures, particularly of Andoy, the modern-day cripple boy, who fulfilled the prophecy set during the time of Magellan.
Overall, I really liked this book. If the pages were in color, my heart will jump for joy. It's that well-illustrated.
The queen of aswangs, Rianka, was an effective antagonist. However, while I knew why she had to exact that kind of revenge, the motivation was a bit all over the place. Her anger and vindictiveness could have used more depth. I still liked her a lot, anyway.
In truth, I felt that kind of need for more depth in most of the characters. While I do not have problems with too many things happening to many characters at the same time, it could have used more thorough polishing.
The cameo of my favorite supernatural detective Alexandra Trese and the Kambal is one of my favorites in this volume.
I'm very excited to jump to Skyworld volume 2 to read more about their adventures, particularly of Andoy, the modern-day cripple boy, who fulfilled the prophecy set during the time of Magellan.
Overall, I really liked this book. If the pages were in color, my heart will jump for joy. It's that well-illustrated.
June 27, 2015
If this is adapted into a motion picture, then it will be the most ambitious fantasy flick the Philippine movie industry will ever produce. I wish some producers would consider the idea. But I doubt it's going to happen because of the problem of marketability. But if there's one director who could pull it off, it would be Erik Matti, the creator of "Tiktik" and "On The Job".
Enough of the crap.
I re-read this last night and it was a right decision. I enjoyed it now more than the first time I read it. What I did differently this time, I took time looking at the illustrations drawn in every frame and I found it helpful to appreciate the whole book more. The artwork is visually entertaining and is perfectly matched to the plot and characters. This comic book has the intricacy of a high fantasy. Mixing some significant Philippine historical events with the story and the appearance of Trese gave an extra appeal to the whole book. Like Gerry Alanguilan, I was proud reading this masterwork of Mervin Ignacio and Ian Sta. Maria. I just hope to meet them in person so I can have them sign my copies.
Enough of the crap.
I re-read this last night and it was a right decision. I enjoyed it now more than the first time I read it. What I did differently this time, I took time looking at the illustrations drawn in every frame and I found it helpful to appreciate the whole book more. The artwork is visually entertaining and is perfectly matched to the plot and characters. This comic book has the intricacy of a high fantasy. Mixing some significant Philippine historical events with the story and the appearance of Trese gave an extra appeal to the whole book. Like Gerry Alanguilan, I was proud reading this masterwork of Mervin Ignacio and Ian Sta. Maria. I just hope to meet them in person so I can have them sign my copies.
November 7, 2013
Initial thoughts:
1. I'm not so much of a fan of comic books but I thought of picking this one up as a support to the Filipino talents that created Skyworld.
2. I think the premise of the story is very promising. Another reason why I bought this is it explores the local folklore of the Philippines.
3. The downside is that the plot is under-explored, and the characters tend to fall flat.
4. The sketches went a little inconsistent when it got a little light or blurry in one or two of its episodes.
5. I think it's unnecessary that they divided the story into two volumes. They would've bound both volumes up, knowing that each volume doesn't take up too much number of pages.
In conclusion: I hope more Filipinos create stories that explore the roots that shape the identity of the Filipino people.
1. I'm not so much of a fan of comic books but I thought of picking this one up as a support to the Filipino talents that created Skyworld.
2. I think the premise of the story is very promising. Another reason why I bought this is it explores the local folklore of the Philippines.
3. The downside is that the plot is under-explored, and the characters tend to fall flat.
4. The sketches went a little inconsistent when it got a little light or blurry in one or two of its episodes.
5. I think it's unnecessary that they divided the story into two volumes. They would've bound both volumes up, knowing that each volume doesn't take up too much number of pages.
In conclusion: I hope more Filipinos create stories that explore the roots that shape the identity of the Filipino people.
December 22, 2014
Nice story. Brilliant of them remaking the Battle of Mactan that way. I'd secretly rooted for Rianka, but she was so darn talkative and it annoyed me. But I think that has something to do with the writing. Writing was somewhat cringe-worthy, but the graphics were fantastic.
Oh look -- Trese's here. I still don't like her anywhere near Skyworld because I can't help comparing both works with her around (and Skyworld is much better, in my opinion, there I said it). But she brought the Kambal with her so I forgive her for crossing over.
I was wondering though why there were enough butts and boobs for the female characters, but only a butt crack and no dick scenes for the male characters.
Oh look -- Trese's here. I still don't like her anywhere near Skyworld because I can't help comparing both works with her around (and Skyworld is much better, in my opinion, there I said it). But she brought the Kambal with her so I forgive her for crossing over.
I was wondering though why there were enough butts and boobs for the female characters, but only a butt crack and no dick scenes for the male characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2012
Yeah, we should have these kind of komiks to impart to our generations.
I am glad that Ian Sta. Maria and Mervin Ignacio braved all the challenges to release this book. Not only as an experimental story - but the comics portrayed as their flagship project.
And there is a cross-over from our famous babaylan-mandirigma: Alexandra Trese.
I LIKE! :D
I am glad that Ian Sta. Maria and Mervin Ignacio braved all the challenges to release this book. Not only as an experimental story - but the comics portrayed as their flagship project.
And there is a cross-over from our famous babaylan-mandirigma: Alexandra Trese.
I LIKE! :D
May 28, 2013
Exciting plot. Great artwork. Impressive, just impressive. The way how mythology and folklore and Philippine history were all connected in this book was just very well written. This is by far one of the best Philippine literary piece i have ever read. Not to mention, it's a graphic novel, a genre of literature I'm mostly engrossed. This book makes me proud of being a Filipino.
July 21, 2013
This proves to be another successful attempt at bringing back our awe for the myths of old, and with the fight between the Aswang and the combined efforts of the human race (Trese crossover!) and the Tikbalang, it is really worth reading.
May 28, 2012
Book #40 for 2012: I have not felt this excitement and passion for the longest time. Skyworld Vol. 1 sent my heart racing and wanting for more.
(Please refer to my Skyworld Vol. 2 Review as well)
(Please refer to my Skyworld Vol. 2 Review as well)
October 27, 2013
The plot was really building up. Its good, I look forward to the sequels. However, the layout of the art is messy. I hope they fix that up.
July 23, 2022
(MAY MGA SPOILER)
Bilang taong hindi masyadong marunong magpost ng tungkol sa komiks, e, gusto kong umpisahan itong review sa pagsasabing maganda at isang madugong mundo ang nilikha ni Mervin Ignacio at Ian Sta. Maria. Hindi ko inaasahan kung saan ako dadalhin ng komiks dahil pinakita sa akin ang mundo ng Skyworld sa POV ng mahahalagang tauhan sa kuwento. Sa POV ni Andoy, ni Makabo, ni Kaptan at Rianka.
Marami akong minahal na eksena sa maikling panahon na binasa ko ang komiks. Una na rito ang setting na pinaka-sentro ng lahat, isang siyudad sa kabilang-bahagi ng mga ulap, walang iba kundi ang Skyworld. Isang lugar kung saan naninirahan ang mga bathalang nalimutan. Ikalawa ang pagre-retell ng digmaan sa Mactan kung saan ipinakitang may mga kasamang higante si Lapu-Lapu nang kalabanin si Magellan. Dito ipinakita ang dalawa sa pinakamahalagang bagay sa kuwento. Ang kwintas at ang kontrabida ng Skyworld, si Rianka. Na pupunta sa ikatlong bagay na nagustuhan ko sa komiks, dito iba ang mga aswang dahil hindi lamang sila masasamang nilalang ng dilim, kaaway din nila ang mga tikbalang at ang pinakamaganda sa kanilang kakayahan ay kaya nilang gayahin ang anyo ng sinuman o anumang kainin. Kapangyarihan iyon na talaga namang napakinabangan ng reyna ng mga aswang. Gustong-gusto ko rin sa komiks na binanggit si Maria Makiling pero binigyan ng twist nila Ian Sta. Maria at Mervin Ignacio ang kuwento sa ilang pahina lamang ng komiks. Maganda rin ang eksena ng pagpapalabas ng matagal nang nahihimlay na Bakunawa. May pagkakataon pa na lumabas si Alexandra Trese at kambal na ikinatuwa ko naman pero feeling ko ay magiging solido pa rin namang kuwento ang Skyworld kahit walang Trese at kambal na lumabas. Iyon lang. Maganda ang komiks. Naiinis ako ngayon kung bakit wala akong volume 2.
- - -
Napakagaganda rin pala ng drowing ni Ian Sta. Maria. Ramdam mo ang pagmamahal ng artist sa bawat pahina. Kailangan kong mabili ang dalawang libro niya sa summit media. Haha
Bilang taong hindi masyadong marunong magpost ng tungkol sa komiks, e, gusto kong umpisahan itong review sa pagsasabing maganda at isang madugong mundo ang nilikha ni Mervin Ignacio at Ian Sta. Maria. Hindi ko inaasahan kung saan ako dadalhin ng komiks dahil pinakita sa akin ang mundo ng Skyworld sa POV ng mahahalagang tauhan sa kuwento. Sa POV ni Andoy, ni Makabo, ni Kaptan at Rianka.
Marami akong minahal na eksena sa maikling panahon na binasa ko ang komiks. Una na rito ang setting na pinaka-sentro ng lahat, isang siyudad sa kabilang-bahagi ng mga ulap, walang iba kundi ang Skyworld. Isang lugar kung saan naninirahan ang mga bathalang nalimutan. Ikalawa ang pagre-retell ng digmaan sa Mactan kung saan ipinakitang may mga kasamang higante si Lapu-Lapu nang kalabanin si Magellan. Dito ipinakita ang dalawa sa pinakamahalagang bagay sa kuwento. Ang kwintas at ang kontrabida ng Skyworld, si Rianka. Na pupunta sa ikatlong bagay na nagustuhan ko sa komiks, dito iba ang mga aswang dahil hindi lamang sila masasamang nilalang ng dilim, kaaway din nila ang mga tikbalang at ang pinakamaganda sa kanilang kakayahan ay kaya nilang gayahin ang anyo ng sinuman o anumang kainin. Kapangyarihan iyon na talaga namang napakinabangan ng reyna ng mga aswang. Gustong-gusto ko rin sa komiks na binanggit si Maria Makiling pero binigyan ng twist nila Ian Sta. Maria at Mervin Ignacio ang kuwento sa ilang pahina lamang ng komiks. Maganda rin ang eksena ng pagpapalabas ng matagal nang nahihimlay na Bakunawa. May pagkakataon pa na lumabas si Alexandra Trese at kambal na ikinatuwa ko naman pero feeling ko ay magiging solido pa rin namang kuwento ang Skyworld kahit walang Trese at kambal na lumabas. Iyon lang. Maganda ang komiks. Naiinis ako ngayon kung bakit wala akong volume 2.
- - -
Napakagaganda rin pala ng drowing ni Ian Sta. Maria. Ramdam mo ang pagmamahal ng artist sa bawat pahina. Kailangan kong mabili ang dalawang libro niya sa summit media. Haha
November 12, 2016
5 stars!
So very good! I need more. On to volume 2.
So very good! I need more. On to volume 2.
June 15, 2015
The two books, Apocrypha and Testament, compiled in volume 1 of Skyworld were greatly told. This is a story that mixes both our Philippine mythology and history to give us a wonderful reading experience. Social commentaries, such as regarding the governance of our former President, was inserted with wit.
Skyworld is one among the Philippine comics that was done right in delivering a story of substance. One that deserves to be read by the current generation. This 1st volume can definitely rock Manila as asuangs take over the capital city of the country.
More of my review at:
http://onemantra.blogspot.com/2015/05...
Skyworld is one among the Philippine comics that was done right in delivering a story of substance. One that deserves to be read by the current generation. This 1st volume can definitely rock Manila as asuangs take over the capital city of the country.
More of my review at:
http://onemantra.blogspot.com/2015/05...
December 29, 2015
When I call this comic epic, I mean it in the traditional sense. The story is grand, spanning thousands of years of Philippine history, both real and imagined. The project of this comic is not unlike the Kojiki and Nihongi of Japan that infuses the country's history with it's mythology. In "Skyworld," Ignacio attempts to do the same, rewriting Philippine history and intertwining it with its folkloric narratives. The story tends to be melodramatic, but I think that too speaks to the culture from which these stories came.
September 24, 2012
I first heard of Skyworld from friend, he told me that if I liked Trese then I would definitely like this. So then I grabbed a copy of this book. With no regrets, I'm glad I bought this.
Definitely got captured with the illustrations. Surprising elements are everywhere in the book...
From Bathala to Aswangs. From the past to present. From the characters of this book to the characters of another "Popular-Aswang-Themed-Comics"
August 18, 2012
Not as fascinating and original as Arnold Arre's and Budgette Tan's works but it is still breathtaking and even enthralling. I am definitely going to purchase the next volume when it comes out of the market.
October 19, 2012
An excellent start to a wonderful series that tackles Filipino folklore and mythology! The art is gritty which fits the plot line perfectly. And it's always nice to see familiar, well-loved faces (Shout out to Alex and the Kambal!).
July 4, 2012
This was really, really good. You can tell that they're building up to something special here.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews