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Skyworld #2
Skyworld: Volume Two
Every legend hides a lie… The queen of asuang and her legion have taken over the country. Alexandra Trese leads the resistance alongside Makabo, a tikbalang warrior and Kaio, a duwende trickster. Trapped in their epic battle is Andoy, a teenage boy tasked with uniting an army of tikbalang, engkanto, kapre and duwende against the asuang. But before he can lead them, he must first recover a mystical sword that was once part of the fabled Yamashita Treasure.
144 pages, Paperback
First published May 26, 2012
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June 28, 2012
Summer Komikon 2012 special
With this trade paperback, the Skyworld saga is complete. What was envisioned as a series of four graphic novels is collected in a two volume collection published by National Book Store. The first three chapters of the series were released intermittently in various Komikons but the fourth title was unpublished and can only be found in this collected edition. During its launch at Summer Komikon 2012, I got the two volume set and had it signed by the creators. Now, the remaining question: does the concluding chapter deliver as promised?
I’ve written reviews on the first three graphic novels and the first volume paperback, and rereading the story reminded that Skyworld is an interesting concept by Messrs. Ignacio and Sta. Maria. The duo re-imagined Philippine folklore and mythology for the twenty-first century as a post-apocalyptic Philippines ravaged by monsters with dialogue and captions by Ignacio and stellar art by Sta. Maria. They have meshed history and its myths to retell key events from the country’s past into new stories by revealing a secret history behind the Battle of Mactan, the Japanese Occupation and Rizal’s exile in Dapitan which served to flesh out the main story set in the modern era. The asuang hordes, led by its queen Rianka seek to send the Philippines into a dark age and reclaim their ancestral domain. But a scion of prophecy and his allies stand ready to thwart Rianka’s bloodlust laced dreams of conquest.
Did it end well? If you are a Trese fan, you will be delighted that the Philippines’ top supernatural police constant played a key role in the end game. Ignacio nails Alexandra Trese’s character. But where does that leave his own character Andoy the scion of the Skygod? He got overshadowed by one of his supporting cast. I love Trese, I’m a big fan, but this isn’t her book. But Trese is such a well developed character that she couldn’t help but turn Skyworld into an ancillary Trese adventure.
Ignacio and Sta. Maria have opened a veritable trove of stories they can spin off from Skyworld now that their initial foray into independent graphic comics has been completed. Their heady combination of Philippine alternate history, mythology and folklore created an interesting universe that bears revisiting again.
With this trade paperback, the Skyworld saga is complete. What was envisioned as a series of four graphic novels is collected in a two volume collection published by National Book Store. The first three chapters of the series were released intermittently in various Komikons but the fourth title was unpublished and can only be found in this collected edition. During its launch at Summer Komikon 2012, I got the two volume set and had it signed by the creators. Now, the remaining question: does the concluding chapter deliver as promised?
I’ve written reviews on the first three graphic novels and the first volume paperback, and rereading the story reminded that Skyworld is an interesting concept by Messrs. Ignacio and Sta. Maria. The duo re-imagined Philippine folklore and mythology for the twenty-first century as a post-apocalyptic Philippines ravaged by monsters with dialogue and captions by Ignacio and stellar art by Sta. Maria. They have meshed history and its myths to retell key events from the country’s past into new stories by revealing a secret history behind the Battle of Mactan, the Japanese Occupation and Rizal’s exile in Dapitan which served to flesh out the main story set in the modern era. The asuang hordes, led by its queen Rianka seek to send the Philippines into a dark age and reclaim their ancestral domain. But a scion of prophecy and his allies stand ready to thwart Rianka’s bloodlust laced dreams of conquest.
Did it end well? If you are a Trese fan, you will be delighted that the Philippines’ top supernatural police constant played a key role in the end game. Ignacio nails Alexandra Trese’s character. But where does that leave his own character Andoy the scion of the Skygod? He got overshadowed by one of his supporting cast. I love Trese, I’m a big fan, but this isn’t her book. But Trese is such a well developed character that she couldn’t help but turn Skyworld into an ancillary Trese adventure.
Ignacio and Sta. Maria have opened a veritable trove of stories they can spin off from Skyworld now that their initial foray into independent graphic comics has been completed. Their heady combination of Philippine alternate history, mythology and folklore created an interesting universe that bears revisiting again.
May 28, 2012
Book #41 for 2012: Finished the 2 books in one sitting last Sunday. Sabi ni Gerry Alanguilan sa introduction nya sa Skyworld Vol. 2, this comic book slaps you in the face like sledgehammer. On my end, it felt like being slapped in the face by a sledgehammer, punched by a pay loader and bludgeoned by a backhoe. Ganun katindi.
If you have set a limit in your book/comics shopping, please include Skyworld in your shopping list. I cannot stress that enough. Philippine myth peppered with national heroes and special guests, what's not to love? Grab them now! :)
(Plus may special roles sila Trese and Kambal. Eh I belong to the school of Trese. Enough said. :P)
If you have set a limit in your book/comics shopping, please include Skyworld in your shopping list. I cannot stress that enough. Philippine myth peppered with national heroes and special guests, what's not to love? Grab them now! :)
(Plus may special roles sila Trese and Kambal. Eh I belong to the school of Trese. Enough said. :P)
November 1, 2012
It's supposed to be BANGIS! but...
The Print! Why is it that the prints are misplaced? What about these lost pages? This will not give justice to the illustrator and to the writer of the comic book! URGH!
Huhuhuh, the lost pages will remain lost forever, I cannot figure now the other scenes from these lost panels. But if you think positively, these lost pages are like Yamashita Treasure, like legends meant to be hidden.
Like the creators tell us - Every legend tells a lie.
Skyworld is like the flagship project of Mervin Ignacio and Ian Sta. Maria that took ten years to complete. Faced with challenges of lost files, pencil sketches, boring office floors and creative minds - they crafted a mythology so twisted that you will be amazed on its references with history, with old Pinoy folklore, and with the realism of the Philippine Society.
I was in awe for the graphic novels became at par with those others citing folklore and old tales. I remember myself reading a manga (made by my favorite japanese artist CLAMP) named xxxHOLIC and asked why we Pinoys do not have this kind of goodread yet. And when Skyworld was introduced to the readers of this generation - WOW.
The current generation should have a copy of this book. Especially those who grew up with smartphones and internet in their hands, those who do not know the stories behind the Balete Tree, those tales behind the scientific explanation of Lunar Eclipse.
Story
This graphic novel is divided into four books, Apocrypha - with narration told in the perspective of the Prince-Tikbalang named Makabo; Testament - includes sentiments by Rianka, the Asuang-Queen; and Prodigal and Requiem - with all the actions and kidism entries made by the teenage protagonist named Andoy, who we believed possessed the bloodline of the great Skygod named Kaptan.
I am not to splurge spoilers for it messes up the enthusiasm of the future readers, but how the story evolved is like a typical protagonist-antagonist approach: told from tales before time and with a span of past to present, the antagonist escapes and is on a hunt for an immortal god-like-life. And the protagonist from the time before is different from the protagonist to be introduced in our time. After all, the protagonist is not a mythical being, but a mortal one. The guy who is crippled by fate and prays in the Quiapo church, hoping for a miracle.
How the story ended will give substance how legends live. And you will see how the creators made mention of how Budjette's black-and-white-comic-book awaken their inspiration to create such great plot. After all, it is the legend that brings out something to believe in.
Characters
The artists made a point to refer to some aid - some form of crossover, who will help the kid save the world. Note how these artists are greatly indebted with the living pinoy komiks legend Budjette Tan and they even asked for the assistance of Babaylan-mandirigma Alexandra Trese (WOOOOHHHOOOOOOO~! RAK EN ROL DUUUUUUDDDDE!); they even mentioned Kadasig - the guy in spartan slippers who does the karate moves and has an armory hidden in his body.
They even mentioned National Heroes in this book! YEYEYEYEYEYEY!!! :D
Sentiments
Except for the lost pages (Dear Alamat Komiks, may I have a copy of those lost pages? huhuhuh *CREYS*), the book is definitely an EXCELLENT READ.
True Rating: 5 Stars.
The Print! Why is it that the prints are misplaced? What about these lost pages? This will not give justice to the illustrator and to the writer of the comic book! URGH!
Huhuhuh, the lost pages will remain lost forever, I cannot figure now the other scenes from these lost panels. But if you think positively, these lost pages are like Yamashita Treasure, like legends meant to be hidden.
Like the creators tell us - Every legend tells a lie.
Skyworld is like the flagship project of Mervin Ignacio and Ian Sta. Maria that took ten years to complete. Faced with challenges of lost files, pencil sketches, boring office floors and creative minds - they crafted a mythology so twisted that you will be amazed on its references with history, with old Pinoy folklore, and with the realism of the Philippine Society.
I was in awe for the graphic novels became at par with those others citing folklore and old tales. I remember myself reading a manga (made by my favorite japanese artist CLAMP) named xxxHOLIC and asked why we Pinoys do not have this kind of goodread yet. And when Skyworld was introduced to the readers of this generation - WOW.
The current generation should have a copy of this book. Especially those who grew up with smartphones and internet in their hands, those who do not know the stories behind the Balete Tree, those tales behind the scientific explanation of Lunar Eclipse.
Story
This graphic novel is divided into four books, Apocrypha - with narration told in the perspective of the Prince-Tikbalang named Makabo; Testament - includes sentiments by Rianka, the Asuang-Queen; and Prodigal and Requiem - with all the actions and kidism entries made by the teenage protagonist named Andoy, who we believed possessed the bloodline of the great Skygod named Kaptan.
I am not to splurge spoilers for it messes up the enthusiasm of the future readers, but how the story evolved is like a typical protagonist-antagonist approach: told from tales before time and with a span of past to present, the antagonist escapes and is on a hunt for an immortal god-like-life. And the protagonist from the time before is different from the protagonist to be introduced in our time. After all, the protagonist is not a mythical being, but a mortal one. The guy who is crippled by fate and prays in the Quiapo church, hoping for a miracle.
How the story ended will give substance how legends live. And you will see how the creators made mention of how Budjette's black-and-white-comic-book awaken their inspiration to create such great plot. After all, it is the legend that brings out something to believe in.
Characters
The artists made a point to refer to some aid - some form of crossover, who will help the kid save the world. Note how these artists are greatly indebted with the living pinoy komiks legend Budjette Tan and they even asked for the assistance of Babaylan-mandirigma Alexandra Trese (WOOOOHHHOOOOOOO~! RAK EN ROL DUUUUUUDDDDE!); they even mentioned Kadasig - the guy in spartan slippers who does the karate moves and has an armory hidden in his body.
They even mentioned National Heroes in this book! YEYEYEYEYEYEY!!! :D
Sentiments
Except for the lost pages (Dear Alamat Komiks, may I have a copy of those lost pages? huhuhuh *CREYS*), the book is definitely an EXCELLENT READ.
True Rating: 5 Stars.
October 13, 2013
A lot better than the first volume. This includes the background story of the mythological characters in the first. I am not sure it is the right storytelling but for a non-comics fan like me, I would have liked the whole story if there were some background information about the characters right off the bat. But for the comics fans, I guess the adrenaline-packed actions in the first, even without the background story, could be a real treat already.
I particularly like the opening scene that is set during the World War II in the Philippines. The appearance of Rizal and Bonifacio fighting the Queen of the Asuangs, Rianka is also a sight to behold. I almost imagined that Ignacio would give the two Philippine national heroes a fighting chance by giving Rizal a magic pen or a swarm of gamu-gamo. Bonifacio's bolo was of course no-match to Rianka's deadly tentacles. Now, there is more reason for me to skip celebrating National Heroes Day every August 25th and I blame Ignacio for that. Kidding.
Just like the first volume, Ignacio (the storyteller) and Sta. Maria (illustrator) made me proud that there are these young people who like comics very much that they thought of incorporating our own mythology to their favorite literary genre. I mean we all know Greek, Roman and Norse mythology but sad to say, we are not very fond of our own. There were several authors who have done this but the way these two just did was amazing because the end product is something that is enjoyable to readers even those who are not avid comics fan.
The story seems not to have ended. It still feels bitin. I know that the young Andoy will still grow to adulthood and be a local superhero that we can look up to. Ignacio also made him the addressee of the best literary profound and prophetic line in the book (mouthed by god Kaptan):"People need stories, Andoy. It gives them something to hold on to... Something bigger than themselves to believe in. They need to have faith in something. Why shouldn't it be you?
So, here I am. Eagerly waiting for the next installment.
Well done, Mervin (Ignacio) and Ian (Sta. Maria)!
Thank you, Jzhun for gifting me this book during my birthday last year. You rock, pare!
I particularly like the opening scene that is set during the World War II in the Philippines. The appearance of Rizal and Bonifacio fighting the Queen of the Asuangs, Rianka is also a sight to behold. I almost imagined that Ignacio would give the two Philippine national heroes a fighting chance by giving Rizal a magic pen or a swarm of gamu-gamo. Bonifacio's bolo was of course no-match to Rianka's deadly tentacles. Now, there is more reason for me to skip celebrating National Heroes Day every August 25th and I blame Ignacio for that. Kidding.
Just like the first volume, Ignacio (the storyteller) and Sta. Maria (illustrator) made me proud that there are these young people who like comics very much that they thought of incorporating our own mythology to their favorite literary genre. I mean we all know Greek, Roman and Norse mythology but sad to say, we are not very fond of our own. There were several authors who have done this but the way these two just did was amazing because the end product is something that is enjoyable to readers even those who are not avid comics fan.
The story seems not to have ended. It still feels bitin. I know that the young Andoy will still grow to adulthood and be a local superhero that we can look up to. Ignacio also made him the addressee of the best literary profound and prophetic line in the book (mouthed by god Kaptan):"People need stories, Andoy. It gives them something to hold on to... Something bigger than themselves to believe in. They need to have faith in something. Why shouldn't it be you?
So, here I am. Eagerly waiting for the next installment.
Well done, Mervin (Ignacio) and Ian (Sta. Maria)!
Thank you, Jzhun for gifting me this book during my birthday last year. You rock, pare!
October 19, 2012
I loved Skyworld Volume 1 so I knew I was going to love Volume 2. Mervin Ignacio and Ian Sta. Maria did not disappoint.
I've noticed that the art has improved and has become more polished. The first volume, IMHO, was more raw and (to my untrained eyes) messier. I expected better art and I am very happy that they delivered.
The banter between the characters is funnier this time around (See page 42 for my favorite). I love that the characters curse like normal people would. Hah. My only issue with it is that the ending feels a tad bit rushed but I guess there's no way to go around it. Not too bad but could be better.
This is an excellent way to end the series and I hope there are more stories from this verse.
I've noticed that the art has improved and has become more polished. The first volume, IMHO, was more raw and (to my untrained eyes) messier. I expected better art and I am very happy that they delivered.
The banter between the characters is funnier this time around (See page 42 for my favorite). I love that the characters curse like normal people would. Hah. My only issue with it is that the ending feels a tad bit rushed but I guess there's no way to go around it. Not too bad but could be better.
This is an excellent way to end the series and I hope there are more stories from this verse.
February 10, 2013
I liked the first volume and I loved this one. It's put together very well. I'm not a history buff but the different spins on Philippine history was impressive. The fusion of myth, fantasy, and the often overdone good versus evil merited longer stops per page until the end. The post-apocalyptic (or in this case, the post-Bakunawa!) plot is itself an interesting area to flesh out; if not in a comic book, then in a dystopian novel, perhaps? It killed. This entire volume did. Well done, well done.
March 28, 2015
Nothing but sincere and heartfelt gratitude for the two who worked on this to make our myths come alive in the consciousness of the younger ones. Who would have thought that something like this can be created through by passionate minds? The story was great, the concept was great, and future Trese looked great.
One thing, though: where were the powerful exorcists? I believe even in the arrival of Roman Catholicism, the myths still flourished, in fact integrated into this new religion altogether.
One thing, though: where were the powerful exorcists? I believe even in the arrival of Roman Catholicism, the myths still flourished, in fact integrated into this new religion altogether.
June 27, 2015
I read this right after I read Volume 1. And here's what I thought immediately: How would I put down a comic book that features Filipino urban legends, Alexandra Trese, Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Tomoyuki Yamashita and Barack Obama, all with important roles in one of the greatest tales ever told in the country?
Well it's the KID in me that made me love these comic books.
Well it's the KID in me that made me love these comic books.
January 4, 2014
For a book that I have such a high interest with, I can't believe I let it sit right on my bookshelf looking so comfortable for months. This book is awesome!
I got introduced to the whole Skyworld mythos last year, when I was on vacation and saw it being endorsed in TV. I saw it a week after on National Bookstore and gave it a shot. The plot was interesting enough to have me flicking through its first volume's pages. It was an enjoyable read, that first volume was but it didn't really gave me a satisfying ending. Bitin eh.
Now I bought them together, these two volumes. I chose to save this last volume for later, and oh man do I not regret doing that! This volume basically concludes the whole mythos Mervin Ignacio and Ian Sta. Maria introduced me to. The conclusion to the tale of Andoy, the Maharlika saviour. I won't spoil you the plot for I want you to enjoy it the way that I did. I bet the first volume will be of interest to you, especially when you are a Filipino who loves stories about the past and the folk tales our grandparents used to tell us at night. But this volume though, all of those tales being tied up altogether and piece it into a much more great story. That is a hard thing to accomplish. These two guys did it. And having a few of our local comic book heroes like Alexandra Trese from the Trese Series and Kadasig from the Kadasig Series pop up in a few of their pages is a much more harder thing to do. Sewing every piece of character into one comic book, oh man, it's a total nerdgasm. Sir Mervin and Sir Ian, you guys are awesome! Thank you for introducing me to the whole Skyworld mythos. I look forward to the next volume and I wish the both of you luck.
As for you kids, you will miss one hell of a ride if you do not try this title. I recommend this book series to each one of you. It's damn well worth your money. Trust me on that. Cheers to our local comics! You guys are great. Alamat Comics, thank you very much.
I got introduced to the whole Skyworld mythos last year, when I was on vacation and saw it being endorsed in TV. I saw it a week after on National Bookstore and gave it a shot. The plot was interesting enough to have me flicking through its first volume's pages. It was an enjoyable read, that first volume was but it didn't really gave me a satisfying ending. Bitin eh.
Now I bought them together, these two volumes. I chose to save this last volume for later, and oh man do I not regret doing that! This volume basically concludes the whole mythos Mervin Ignacio and Ian Sta. Maria introduced me to. The conclusion to the tale of Andoy, the Maharlika saviour. I won't spoil you the plot for I want you to enjoy it the way that I did. I bet the first volume will be of interest to you, especially when you are a Filipino who loves stories about the past and the folk tales our grandparents used to tell us at night. But this volume though, all of those tales being tied up altogether and piece it into a much more great story. That is a hard thing to accomplish. These two guys did it. And having a few of our local comic book heroes like Alexandra Trese from the Trese Series and Kadasig from the Kadasig Series pop up in a few of their pages is a much more harder thing to do. Sewing every piece of character into one comic book, oh man, it's a total nerdgasm. Sir Mervin and Sir Ian, you guys are awesome! Thank you for introducing me to the whole Skyworld mythos. I look forward to the next volume and I wish the both of you luck.
As for you kids, you will miss one hell of a ride if you do not try this title. I recommend this book series to each one of you. It's damn well worth your money. Trust me on that. Cheers to our local comics! You guys are great. Alamat Comics, thank you very much.
December 21, 2013
the last chapter felt rushed for me. this was an epic that took place since the dawn of history, with the villain killing, manipulating, and virtually reigning from behind the scenes. she was ambitious, wily, formidable, and undeniably evil. her comeuppance was just begging to be served.
of course she was bound to lose, but the way she did wasn't as hard as it seemed, and all that background story didn't seem significant anymore. suddenly, all that preparation didn't seem important.
i loved the cameos. this book pays tribute to those iconic characters, and they work well in the story. the connection to certain parts of pinoy history was also a nice touch, giving it a sense of realism.
the legend that skyworld built its story on since book one is huge. perhaps it was too big a legend, thus making two books seem short to tell it all satisfyingly enough. i had wanted to know what would happen to maguayen, but i guess that's that's for future books to reveal (hopefully).
overall, nice effort. worth the read. :)
of course she was bound to lose, but the way she did wasn't as hard as it seemed, and all that background story didn't seem significant anymore. suddenly, all that preparation didn't seem important.
i loved the cameos. this book pays tribute to those iconic characters, and they work well in the story. the connection to certain parts of pinoy history was also a nice touch, giving it a sense of realism.
the legend that skyworld built its story on since book one is huge. perhaps it was too big a legend, thus making two books seem short to tell it all satisfyingly enough. i had wanted to know what would happen to maguayen, but i guess that's that's for future books to reveal (hopefully).
overall, nice effort. worth the read. :)
December 5, 2012
Salamat Jzhun! Ang bangis lang ng komiks na 'to!
June 26, 2020
SKYWORLD Vol. 1& 2 by Mervin Ignacio and Ian Sta. Maria.
.
"Your people need something better to believe in. Give it to them. Even if it is just a lie."
.
Skygod. Tikbalang prince. Queen of the Asuangs. Bakunawa. Lapu-Lapu. Magellan. Mactan. Trese. If these are not interesting enough characters to sway you into devouring this graphic novel, I don't know what else can.
.
Skyworld takes us back to our Philippine History class. Only this time, we would use a more unconventional lense as we see more of the fantastical myths of our grandparenta come to life.
.
We followed the slaughter of the Tikbalang tribe, and the sworn vengeance of the their prince against the Queen of the Asuangs, Rianka. We witnessed the betrayal that killed the Skygod and damned the beautiful Maguayen. And amidst all this is a young boy named Andoy who is said to be destined to be somebody bigger than he could ever imagined or wished for at all.
.
Fans of Trese and Philippine mythology in general, rejoiced at the success of this angsty, morbid and riveting adult fantasy.
.
The historical figures effortlessly graced every pages. Explaining why they all met tragic endings without an heir to continue their glorious battle.
.
I also like seeing Andoy struggle to grasp his destiny. It's not everyday you would be declared as The Maharlika and hear that you could be a superhero who could unite all the thousands islands and wield the mighty sword of an actual god. I felt his character development from zero to hero. Actual practical and emotional struggle of a crippled teenage boy who only prayed to survive another day of his miserable life in the streets and finding out about his inevitable adventures with a duwende and a Tikbalang.
.
I truly enjoyed every page, especially that high jumped of improvement in Ignacio's writing style and Sta. Maria's art! Makes me proud to be a Filipino, reading a world-class graphic novel by two brilliant Filipinos.
.
A 5-star! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Heard Volume 3 is on its way? I want more of this series!
.
#sciencefictionsummer2020 fave retelling of Philippine History
#allthebooksjune20 -dark reads
#readgushjun20 -tell me more, tell me more
#indiespired20 urban fantasy #bookstagram
.
"Your people need something better to believe in. Give it to them. Even if it is just a lie."
.
Skygod. Tikbalang prince. Queen of the Asuangs. Bakunawa. Lapu-Lapu. Magellan. Mactan. Trese. If these are not interesting enough characters to sway you into devouring this graphic novel, I don't know what else can.
.
Skyworld takes us back to our Philippine History class. Only this time, we would use a more unconventional lense as we see more of the fantastical myths of our grandparenta come to life.
.
We followed the slaughter of the Tikbalang tribe, and the sworn vengeance of the their prince against the Queen of the Asuangs, Rianka. We witnessed the betrayal that killed the Skygod and damned the beautiful Maguayen. And amidst all this is a young boy named Andoy who is said to be destined to be somebody bigger than he could ever imagined or wished for at all.
.
Fans of Trese and Philippine mythology in general, rejoiced at the success of this angsty, morbid and riveting adult fantasy.
.
The historical figures effortlessly graced every pages. Explaining why they all met tragic endings without an heir to continue their glorious battle.
.
I also like seeing Andoy struggle to grasp his destiny. It's not everyday you would be declared as The Maharlika and hear that you could be a superhero who could unite all the thousands islands and wield the mighty sword of an actual god. I felt his character development from zero to hero. Actual practical and emotional struggle of a crippled teenage boy who only prayed to survive another day of his miserable life in the streets and finding out about his inevitable adventures with a duwende and a Tikbalang.
.
I truly enjoyed every page, especially that high jumped of improvement in Ignacio's writing style and Sta. Maria's art! Makes me proud to be a Filipino, reading a world-class graphic novel by two brilliant Filipinos.
.
A 5-star! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Heard Volume 3 is on its way? I want more of this series!
.
#sciencefictionsummer2020 fave retelling of Philippine History
#allthebooksjune20 -dark reads
#readgushjun20 -tell me more, tell me more
#indiespired20 urban fantasy #bookstagram
November 13, 2016
5 stars!
'The world is filled with things you don't know about. Gods and demons still walk this land, but now they wear different masks. The secrets of your true history have been hidden and twisted through time. Much of what was learned by your ancestors ha already been lost. The wisdom of past ages, the honor of your bloodline, the ways of your warrior past--all these have faded from your people's memories.'
Ah how I wish there are more graphic novels like this that incorporates Philippine history, myths, legend and folklore into a seamless narrative. Skyworld's scope is epic, the story is engaging, the art is good and improved from volume to volume (the character designs, in particular, are fantastic) and the characters are badass. I love when a book puts me into research mode and I found myself googling Visayan deities while reading this to know more about Kaptan and Maguayen. If I have a niggle, it's that Andoy didn't have much of an origin story. I would've liked to see more of his life before his encounter with Kaptan. Among the heroes in this tale, my favorite hands down is Makabo the Tikbalang prince. He is the baddest badass of them all and I may or may not have a crush on him. Um. I wish they'd think about giving him a series of his own. He lived for centuries, after all, and mentored heroes through the ages. I bet he's got a lot of stories to tell. A bonus for Trese fans: she plays a substantial role in this series and it would be worth your time to check this out.
'The world is filled with things you don't know about. Gods and demons still walk this land, but now they wear different masks. The secrets of your true history have been hidden and twisted through time. Much of what was learned by your ancestors ha already been lost. The wisdom of past ages, the honor of your bloodline, the ways of your warrior past--all these have faded from your people's memories.'
Ah how I wish there are more graphic novels like this that incorporates Philippine history, myths, legend and folklore into a seamless narrative. Skyworld's scope is epic, the story is engaging, the art is good and improved from volume to volume (the character designs, in particular, are fantastic) and the characters are badass. I love when a book puts me into research mode and I found myself googling Visayan deities while reading this to know more about Kaptan and Maguayen. If I have a niggle, it's that Andoy didn't have much of an origin story. I would've liked to see more of his life before his encounter with Kaptan. Among the heroes in this tale, my favorite hands down is Makabo the Tikbalang prince. He is the baddest badass of them all and I may or may not have a crush on him. Um. I wish they'd think about giving him a series of his own. He lived for centuries, after all, and mentored heroes through the ages. I bet he's got a lot of stories to tell. A bonus for Trese fans: she plays a substantial role in this series and it would be worth your time to check this out.
June 8, 2019
Every legend hides a lie. Indeed.
And Trese rocks in whatever media she appears in.
And Trese rocks in whatever media she appears in.
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.
July 8, 2012
That was epic. The story was a bit too dark for my taste but that doesn't diminish the quality of the book. If these two guys are the future of Philippine Komiks, then we have an exciting future ahead of us.
It says in the endnotes that it took them a total of 10 years to finish the whole project. I guess it was worth the wait. You can actually see the improvement in the art from the first chapter to the fourth.
I can't wait to see what Ignacio and Sta. Maria do next in the field of comics. (I just hope it doesn't take another ten years.)
It says in the endnotes that it took them a total of 10 years to finish the whole project. I guess it was worth the wait. You can actually see the improvement in the art from the first chapter to the fourth.
I can't wait to see what Ignacio and Sta. Maria do next in the field of comics. (I just hope it doesn't take another ten years.)
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"
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"
September 13, 2015
One of the Philippine's finest graphic novel that tackles very well our culture, from our legends up to our history. Skyworld takes us to a journey wherein stories we had heard and read from our childhood are revisited and re-imagined. Ignacio and Sta. Maria has indeed created a masterpiece that will be among those that will be cited if your looking for a great Philippine comic book.
More of my review at:
http://onemantra.blogspot.com/2015/07...
More of my review at:
http://onemantra.blogspot.com/2015/07...
January 2, 2013
Better art and a riveting story. One of the best reads I've had at the start of 2013. :)
April 18, 2013
The best word to describe it? Bitin! It left me asking for more.
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