What do you think?
Rate this book
After Lambana: Myth and Magic in Manila
Immerse yourself in a fantasy world of Filipino myth, magic, and supernatural suspense!
Lambana—the realm of supernatural fairies known as Diwata—has fallen, and the Magic Prohibition Act has been enacted. To add to his troubles, there’s something wrong with Conrad’s heart and only magic can prolong his life. He teams up with Ignacio, a well-connected friend who promises to hook him up with the Diwata and their magical treatments—a quest that’s not only risky but highly illegal!
On the shadowy, noir-tinged streets of Manila, multiple realities co-exist and intertwine as the two friends seek a cure for the magical malady. Slinky sirens and roaming wraith-like spirits populate a parallel world ruled by corruption and greed, which Conrad must enter to find the cure he seeks. He has little idea of the creatures he will encounter and the truths to be revealed along the way. Will Lambana spill its secrets and provide the healing balm Conrad needs? Or will he perish in the process?
Fans of Neil Gaiman, Emil Ferris and Charles Burns will love this new graphic novel!
Lambana—the realm of supernatural fairies known as Diwata—has fallen, and the Magic Prohibition Act has been enacted. To add to his troubles, there’s something wrong with Conrad’s heart and only magic can prolong his life. He teams up with Ignacio, a well-connected friend who promises to hook him up with the Diwata and their magical treatments—a quest that’s not only risky but highly illegal!
On the shadowy, noir-tinged streets of Manila, multiple realities co-exist and intertwine as the two friends seek a cure for the magical malady. Slinky sirens and roaming wraith-like spirits populate a parallel world ruled by corruption and greed, which Conrad must enter to find the cure he seeks. He has little idea of the creatures he will encounter and the truths to be revealed along the way. Will Lambana spill its secrets and provide the healing balm Conrad needs? Or will he perish in the process?
Fans of Neil Gaiman, Emil Ferris and Charles Burns will love this new graphic novel!
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 10, 2022
17 people are currently reading
808 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Victoria
40 books339 followersEliza Victoria is the author of several books including the Philippine National Book Award-winning Dwellers, the novel Wounded Little Gods, the graphic novel After Lambana (a collaboration with Mervin Malonzo), and the science fiction novel-in-stories, Nightfall. Her fiction and poetry have appeared in several publications, most recently in LONTAR: The Journal of Southeast Asian Speculative Fiction, The Best Asian Speculative Fiction, The Dark Magazine, The Apex Book of World SF Volume 5, Fireside Fiction, and Future SF. She has won prizes in the Philippines’ top literary awards, including the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. Her one-act plays (written in Filipino) have been staged at the Virgin LabFest at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
June 15, 2025
This book is hard to pin down, and you get the feeling reading it, that that's on purpose. It's a nice slice of urban fantasy, playing around with magic and magical creatures in a large city, and doorways to other realities. That might sound twee, but it's everything but.
I couldn't get much of a grasp on the story, shifting about as much as the world itself is shifting. The art follows: some panels are beautiful, others look kind of.. off, so sketchy it looks unfinished. That said, the colourist has done an excellent job, beautifully creating mood.
I get the feeling this is a book for a very specific audience, and they'll love it.
(Thanks to Tuttle Publishing for providing me with an ARC through Edelweiss)
I couldn't get much of a grasp on the story, shifting about as much as the world itself is shifting. The art follows: some panels are beautiful, others look kind of.. off, so sketchy it looks unfinished. That said, the colourist has done an excellent job, beautifully creating mood.
I get the feeling this is a book for a very specific audience, and they'll love it.
(Thanks to Tuttle Publishing for providing me with an ARC through Edelweiss)
October 10, 2017
I always hold a high regard for Mervin Malonzo's work ever since Tabi Po. His art work in Tabi Po, Ang Subersibo and now After Lambana are always high in quality, and IMHO one of the best contemporary local Filipino comic artists. His art can be best described as immersive, where readers are being brought in to the story itself, be it the Spanish era of Tabi Po and Ang Subersibo or the phosphorescent city nightlife in After Lambana.
This is my first time reading a work written by Eliza Victoria. I'm really impressed how she seamlessly interspersed traditional folklore in the modern setting, sprinkling the world with diwata (fairies) dust, magic, and fairy wings. I just wished that there is more exposition about what has really happened between the diwata and the humans. The end part I think was a bit rushed (considering that the first two acts were perfectly paced) that I ended reading it with some thoughts in my mind left unexplained. Eliza Victoria definitely has to write a sequel!
The clever use of color contrast makes After Lambana a unique visual treat.
The story may not be After Lambana's strongest weapon, but just being there with Ignacio and Conrad as the truth unfolds is very satisfying. The tone of the story is definitely reminiscent of Murakami's After Dark, added with tiny bits of plot elements from Harry Potter, X-men and Gaiman's Sandman.
After Lambana is a definite must-read by all those who are seeking for high-quality Filipino comics.
This is my first time reading a work written by Eliza Victoria. I'm really impressed how she seamlessly interspersed traditional folklore in the modern setting, sprinkling the world with diwata (fairies) dust, magic, and fairy wings. I just wished that there is more exposition about what has really happened between the diwata and the humans. The end part I think was a bit rushed (considering that the first two acts were perfectly paced) that I ended reading it with some thoughts in my mind left unexplained. Eliza Victoria definitely has to write a sequel!
The clever use of color contrast makes After Lambana a unique visual treat.
The story may not be After Lambana's strongest weapon, but just being there with Ignacio and Conrad as the truth unfolds is very satisfying. The tone of the story is definitely reminiscent of Murakami's After Dark, added with tiny bits of plot elements from Harry Potter, X-men and Gaiman's Sandman.
After Lambana is a definite must-read by all those who are seeking for high-quality Filipino comics.
April 9, 2021
The pages of my copy is falling apart so 3 stars. Just kidding.
Aesthetically pleasing and somehow, immersive, After Lambana gives us an almost quiet story yet screaming with intensity and dread. It is a modern tale between the diwatas, sirenas, and humans that gives a familiar and surreal vibe while reading the book.
I don't have any idea where the story is going at first but it is fine, really, since I like being surprised. But I'm mildy disappointed when I've connected the dots and learned what this book is all about. It lacks of narrative, in my opinion, and the substantial background story of what really happens between the humans and the diwatas, between the sirenas and the diwatas.
Overall, the story is exquisite in form and in show and tell. It has a magic on its own that engage the reader in the realm of Philippine myth and the mundane and confusing city of the modern world.
Aesthetically pleasing and somehow, immersive, After Lambana gives us an almost quiet story yet screaming with intensity and dread. It is a modern tale between the diwatas, sirenas, and humans that gives a familiar and surreal vibe while reading the book.
I don't have any idea where the story is going at first but it is fine, really, since I like being surprised. But I'm mildy disappointed when I've connected the dots and learned what this book is all about. It lacks of narrative, in my opinion, and the substantial background story of what really happens between the humans and the diwatas, between the sirenas and the diwatas.
Overall, the story is exquisite in form and in show and tell. It has a magic on its own that engage the reader in the realm of Philippine myth and the mundane and confusing city of the modern world.
February 3, 2017
After finishing this book, I went to the afterword, which I am wont to after enjoying a satisfying volume. The afterword is written by the artist, Mervin Malonzo, who has made it a point to include an afterword and bonus conceptual sketches to help the reader cool down after an engaging read. In this case, this reader needed the after to decompress after visiting four realms of different hues and tones of a 24 hour story done in 196 pages.
In the afterword, the artist revealed that writer Eliza Victoria approached him to collaborate on her first graphic novel. This is also a first for Malonzo; his first complete story in a single volume. Readers of his work would now that his opus, Tabi Po, is an ongoing series.
The story revolves around the Conrad and his magical heart ailment; told in the backdrop of the fall of the magical realm Lambana and the oppression of its survivors by mundane human society. With the use of magic outlawed, its survivors are essentially refugees and they live the niches of the human world, hiding their origins lest they be incarcerated for being what they are. The writer has crafted a multilayered world with its own history and politics play an important role this sttory.
The artist experiments with different color palettes and integrated it into his storytelling. Malonzo is a relative newcomer, with the likes of Tan and Baldisimo, Manix Abrera and Arre dominating the Philippine comics scene in the last couple of years. With Tabi Po and After Lambana, the artist is showing the world that he is capable of beautiful artwork and engaging storytelling at the same time. This is my bet for every local graphic novel award for works released in 2016. It is that good.
In the afterword, the artist revealed that writer Eliza Victoria approached him to collaborate on her first graphic novel. This is also a first for Malonzo; his first complete story in a single volume. Readers of his work would now that his opus, Tabi Po, is an ongoing series.
The story revolves around the Conrad and his magical heart ailment; told in the backdrop of the fall of the magical realm Lambana and the oppression of its survivors by mundane human society. With the use of magic outlawed, its survivors are essentially refugees and they live the niches of the human world, hiding their origins lest they be incarcerated for being what they are. The writer has crafted a multilayered world with its own history and politics play an important role this sttory.
The artist experiments with different color palettes and integrated it into his storytelling. Malonzo is a relative newcomer, with the likes of Tan and Baldisimo, Manix Abrera and Arre dominating the Philippine comics scene in the last couple of years. With Tabi Po and After Lambana, the artist is showing the world that he is capable of beautiful artwork and engaging storytelling at the same time. This is my bet for every local graphic novel award for works released in 2016. It is that good.
January 30, 2023
An unusual graphic novel about colonialism, magic, disease, secrets...
January 17, 2017
After Lambana feels rather like "After Dark" meets "Neverwhere." Two almost-strangers meet and spend a night pursuing an elusive cure, the search for which leads both to discover certain truths about their pasts.
Overall, the book's project--a surreal, one-night fantasy mystery--is a solid one, that dares something different in both its story and its art. The experiment finds limited success. Narrative focus is weak, but while the conclusion is less than satisfying, the story is well-paced and interesting enough while it lasts. Grammatical lapses, however, prove a recurring distraction. The hazy narrative finds its visual counterpart in slipshod art, whose supposedly definitive colors fail to elevate its infirm line art.
Overall, the book's project--a surreal, one-night fantasy mystery--is a solid one, that dares something different in both its story and its art. The experiment finds limited success. Narrative focus is weak, but while the conclusion is less than satisfying, the story is well-paced and interesting enough while it lasts. Grammatical lapses, however, prove a recurring distraction. The hazy narrative finds its visual counterpart in slipshod art, whose supposedly definitive colors fail to elevate its infirm line art.
November 29, 2020
Although After Lambana's vibrant world was superbly built, I feel like Conrad and Ignacio's story scratched only its surface. The ending felt a bit rushed or lacking.
November 9, 2017
Interesting concept + lovely artwork. I feel like the story should've been expanded more because it felt...a bit lacking in the end. I also had issues with some of the grammar errors, but what annoyed me the most was the font for the diwata language. It's unreadable in some parts, which is a big no-no for me in a graphic novel. I wish they had focused more on the plot content than visual effects (like said font becoming unreadable during a time of conflict because the artist put layer upon layer of text).
June 15, 2025
I was torn between giving this a 3 and a 4. The art and texture of the story feels rich and there’s a sense of tension and urgency that had me invested.
Unfortunately the plot moved very quickly and I wish we had a bit more background or connective tissue, and characters being drawn similarly made a moment where three beings changed into other things was confusing instead of illuminating.
Overall I enjoyed it but I wish it had a few tweaks to make it more readable and understandable.
Unfortunately the plot moved very quickly and I wish we had a bit more background or connective tissue, and characters being drawn similarly made a moment where three beings changed into other things was confusing instead of illuminating.
Overall I enjoyed it but I wish it had a few tweaks to make it more readable and understandable.
April 14, 2022
Hindi na nalalagas ang pages ng new edition from Tuttle so I'm giving it now 4.5 stars! Charot.
Love is lovelier the second time around for this book. I think I was fully enlightened this time about the story. Parang na-gets ko na lahat. Even the subtle ones. Really liked it!
Love is lovelier the second time around for this book. I think I was fully enlightened this time about the story. Parang na-gets ko na lahat. Even the subtle ones. Really liked it!
September 15, 2019
I need more books from this world!
February 15, 2025
Neat Filipino mythology and really cool illustration style. The story was a bit choppy and I didn't completely follow everything, though.
February 1, 2022
This urban fantasy takes place in a Manila where magic exists and mythological creatures live. The story follows two young men as they travel around the city. The two seem to be new and casual friends. One is an ordinary human (Conrad) though with a terminal illness that seems not of this world, and the other is an expat from the magic realm (Ignacio) who’s going to great efforts to help Conrad. The hook is the question of why this casual acquaintance seems so important to the too-cool-for-school Ignacio. Conrad seems to be along for the ride as a distraction in his last hours, but Ignacio has an objective – benighted as it may be. The story unfolds to reveal what’s really happening and to offer backstory.
I love works that incorporate mythology and folklore, and think it’s a wise move for writers of speculative fiction because there’s such a rich and engaging field of stories and characters / creatures – all ripe for the picking. This is particularly true of a mythology, such as that of the Philippines, that isn’t widely known and, thus, offers a whole slate of creatures and alternate worlds with which most readers aren’t familiar. In this book, Filipino mythology is most prominently seen via the “Sirena,” which bear some resemblance to Greek Sirens – except being in the form of mermaids (though able to walk on legs under certain conditions.) I think more could have been done with Filipino Mythology, though there are a few other magic elements in the book that may or may not have mythological origins.
In found this to be a compelling story, and the art was colorful, while still capturing a little noir feel for late night Manila. If you’re interested in speculative fiction graphic novels, this one is worth investigating.
I love works that incorporate mythology and folklore, and think it’s a wise move for writers of speculative fiction because there’s such a rich and engaging field of stories and characters / creatures – all ripe for the picking. This is particularly true of a mythology, such as that of the Philippines, that isn’t widely known and, thus, offers a whole slate of creatures and alternate worlds with which most readers aren’t familiar. In this book, Filipino mythology is most prominently seen via the “Sirena,” which bear some resemblance to Greek Sirens – except being in the form of mermaids (though able to walk on legs under certain conditions.) I think more could have been done with Filipino Mythology, though there are a few other magic elements in the book that may or may not have mythological origins.
In found this to be a compelling story, and the art was colorful, while still capturing a little noir feel for late night Manila. If you’re interested in speculative fiction graphic novels, this one is worth investigating.
February 6, 2022
(Full disclosure: I received a free e-ARC for review through Edelweiss.)
Set in Manila and unfolding over the course of a single night, AFTER LAMBANA tells the story of two near-strangers, Ignacio and Conrad, who come together in search of a cure for a magical disease.
In this fantasy world - based on Filipino myth - diwata (nature spirits or faeries) and humans once existed side by side. But after the fall of the diwata's realm (Lambana), its door was forever closed to earth, and humans passed the Magic Prohibition Act to strip all remaining diwata of their power. Around the same time, mysterious diseases began plaguing humans. People like Conrad became afflicted with the disease rose, a flower that would bud on one's internal organs and blossom into sure death if allowed to take root. Ironically, only the diwata's magic can offer any sort of relief.
As Igancio and Conrad prowl through back alleys, illicit market stalls, and cloaked basements, they also discover more about themselves, each other, and the many conspiracies that link them irrevocably.
AFTER LAMBANA is an enjoyable - if sometimes confusing - read. The cross/double-cross, super-secret spy stuff kind of lost me at the end, but the journey is nothing if not enchanting and aesthetically pleasing. The story has a dark noir vibe that contrasts nicely with the art's bright, vibrant colors.
Set in Manila and unfolding over the course of a single night, AFTER LAMBANA tells the story of two near-strangers, Ignacio and Conrad, who come together in search of a cure for a magical disease.
In this fantasy world - based on Filipino myth - diwata (nature spirits or faeries) and humans once existed side by side. But after the fall of the diwata's realm (Lambana), its door was forever closed to earth, and humans passed the Magic Prohibition Act to strip all remaining diwata of their power. Around the same time, mysterious diseases began plaguing humans. People like Conrad became afflicted with the disease rose, a flower that would bud on one's internal organs and blossom into sure death if allowed to take root. Ironically, only the diwata's magic can offer any sort of relief.
As Igancio and Conrad prowl through back alleys, illicit market stalls, and cloaked basements, they also discover more about themselves, each other, and the many conspiracies that link them irrevocably.
AFTER LAMBANA is an enjoyable - if sometimes confusing - read. The cross/double-cross, super-secret spy stuff kind of lost me at the end, but the journey is nothing if not enchanting and aesthetically pleasing. The story has a dark noir vibe that contrasts nicely with the art's bright, vibrant colors.
August 13, 2022
I think After Lambana is a worthy addition to the collection of graphic novels and other works of fiction that take a noir-ish approach to portraying Manila. And the way it enfolded the supernatural into everyday life was really good too!
However, I found the narrative a little too all over the place and lacking in some kind of anchoring. I appreciate storylines that aren't chronological, with bits and pieces of the past being revealed. And while I do think After Lambana did manage to do that, I just think it could have been done better. With full appreciation of the fact that I'm not an artist so I can't truly know what level of work goes into a graphic novel, I think this would have been a lot better if it had been a bit longer and had delved a little bit more into the back story side of things.
Still, this is a great offering from Eliza Victoria and Mervin Malonzo and is definitely something to check out for those looking to get into Filipin komiks! It's got the trademark "woah, I didn't see that coming and yet it makes so much sense" factor that Eliza Victoria's plot twists do, and Mervin Malonzo's art is one hell of an immersive experience.
However, I found the narrative a little too all over the place and lacking in some kind of anchoring. I appreciate storylines that aren't chronological, with bits and pieces of the past being revealed. And while I do think After Lambana did manage to do that, I just think it could have been done better. With full appreciation of the fact that I'm not an artist so I can't truly know what level of work goes into a graphic novel, I think this would have been a lot better if it had been a bit longer and had delved a little bit more into the back story side of things.
Still, this is a great offering from Eliza Victoria and Mervin Malonzo and is definitely something to check out for those looking to get into Filipin komiks! It's got the trademark "woah, I didn't see that coming and yet it makes so much sense" factor that Eliza Victoria's plot twists do, and Mervin Malonzo's art is one hell of an immersive experience.
November 5, 2024
I don't what's happening with me and reading but I'm just reading. Maybe I appreciate books more, I'm softer on criticizing, or just I'm selecting them well but it's been back to back to back really, really great books. Like I can't believe this type of book exists!
Anyway, the world-building here is just magical. It's noir. It's the streets of Manila but it's magical, misty. You recognize the markers that make it distinctly Manila... and ultimately, Filipino. Then, the lore... the mythology. It's exciting to see it come to life. The art is just.. chef's kiss. It's giving Sandman by Neil Gaiman or maybe with my limited knowledge of graphic novel, it's also giving Saga. The way you're just looped into this world and it demands the reader to understand it, to give in immediately...
Honestly, requires a second reread. Finished in one sitting. I took a nap in the middle but yeah, amazing. Give her all the awards.
Anyway, the world-building here is just magical. It's noir. It's the streets of Manila but it's magical, misty. You recognize the markers that make it distinctly Manila... and ultimately, Filipino. Then, the lore... the mythology. It's exciting to see it come to life. The art is just.. chef's kiss. It's giving Sandman by Neil Gaiman or maybe with my limited knowledge of graphic novel, it's also giving Saga. The way you're just looped into this world and it demands the reader to understand it, to give in immediately...
Honestly, requires a second reread. Finished in one sitting. I took a nap in the middle but yeah, amazing. Give her all the awards.
December 31, 2019
Art is striking & haunting, world building is wow, can we have more of this mermaids & fairies, Filipino style?? Did take me a little while to understand plot (lol slowpoke × some blurry Diwata texts), but gripping. Quick but intense. Recommended to fantasy readers. (A couple of reader friends have also commented that this deserves a Netflix adaptation or something similar!)
Here are all the books I read in 2019! :)
Here are all the books I read in 2019! :)
August 14, 2022
A high two stars. Intriguing mythology and twisty plot, but for once I wish we had had more infodumps, because I was rather lost for the majority of the book. Unfortunately the drawing style really threw me, and half the time I couldn't tell who was speaking or who was on screen. Which made it difficult to care for our cast.
Only halfway through the book did I also realize that they were speaking a different language at times, as shown by pale blue speech bubbles.
An interesting read but fell rather flat to me.
Only halfway through the book did I also realize that they were speaking a different language at times, as shown by pale blue speech bubbles.
An interesting read but fell rather flat to me.
June 24, 2022
The artwork and colors were gorgeous, but damn if I didn't have a time figuring out what was going on. Just when I thought I had a hold on the story, it would throw me another curveball. It probably had a lot to do with my ignorance of the mythology and culture that informs the story.
June 5, 2023
3.5. Imaginative and beautifully drawn. I enjoyed this quite a bit but was also left wanting to some degree. Going to have to go down a rabbit hole to further explore some of the Philippine lore this story touches.
August 31, 2025
After Lambana by Eliza Victoria, illustrated by Mervin Malonzo
Read: Aug 20-21, 2025
4 stars 🌟
Read this book for my Akdang Pinoy Readthon Prompt I - Illustrated.
I’ve heard from some bookish friends that this book is confusing. And it’s actually true that this book can be a little confusing at times, but the world-building is still really interesting! I’ve heard that there’s also a short story collection connected to this world, and I think reading that would help me understand everything even better. Still, I was able to follow along with the story here, and it left me curious for more.
I also feel like I would’ve loved the book even more if I got to see the colors in it, since I read it on my Kindle. The art style was already striking in black and white, but I can only imagine how much more immersive it would be in full color. Overall, a unique and fascinating read that makes me excited to explore more of Eliza Victoria’s works.
Read: Aug 20-21, 2025
4 stars 🌟
Read this book for my Akdang Pinoy Readthon Prompt I - Illustrated.
I’ve heard from some bookish friends that this book is confusing. And it’s actually true that this book can be a little confusing at times, but the world-building is still really interesting! I’ve heard that there’s also a short story collection connected to this world, and I think reading that would help me understand everything even better. Still, I was able to follow along with the story here, and it left me curious for more.
I also feel like I would’ve loved the book even more if I got to see the colors in it, since I read it on my Kindle. The art style was already striking in black and white, but I can only imagine how much more immersive it would be in full color. Overall, a unique and fascinating read that makes me excited to explore more of Eliza Victoria’s works.
April 15, 2020
When there's a magical disease spreading in the neighborhood, who you gonna call? Who indeed, in a world where magic has been banned and the ones who practice and are of magic are persecuted? Lambana has fallen and the magical folk who could once freely cross between our world and theirs are stuck here. And it seems that only they could help the ailing Conrad, aided by the mysterious Ignacio, be free of the blooming (literally) disease that has invaded heart. In this one-night adventure, we follow the two as they navigate the city landscape we know so well and its side that is hidden from our knowledge.
Apart from the supernatural disease and Conrad's quest for a cure, we also get a glimpse of the complex socio-political dynamics between the two worlds, which is a vast and interesting subject to explore. Victoria's ability to smoothly weave the mythical into the modern fibers of society is amazing, as always, and thins the divide between the what is real and what is not.
The novel's art by Malonzo brings the story to life and in itself tells the tale with brilliant contrasts and framing. The immersive art style pulls the reader into the very world Conrad and Ignacio walks.
I encountered a few setbacks along the way. First, font used for the diwata language made reading harder I had to squint to understand the words as the edges of the letters were a bit blurry. Second and last, the story, while very interesting may not be the strongest point of the novel, with some important expositions rushed towards the end.
Being a sucker for mythology, and especially thirsty for anything with Filipino mythology, I walked right into the beauty that After Lambana is. Eliza Victoria's storytelling has always captivated me and this tale of hers was no exemption. Mervin Malonzo's art is mesmerizing in its bold and bright colors, weaving magical glow into each panel, dragging the reader into trippy scenes with a flip of the page. The story felt a little bit crammed. Still, the rest of the story is well-paced and Victoria's narrative, paired with Malonzo's art style, makes After Lambana the page-turner that it is. Whether you're an old fan of a) Eliza Victoria, b) Mervin Malonzo, c) Filipino Mythology, or a newcomer on all or some of these three, you'll find yourself enjoying After Lambana.
Apart from the supernatural disease and Conrad's quest for a cure, we also get a glimpse of the complex socio-political dynamics between the two worlds, which is a vast and interesting subject to explore. Victoria's ability to smoothly weave the mythical into the modern fibers of society is amazing, as always, and thins the divide between the what is real and what is not.
The novel's art by Malonzo brings the story to life and in itself tells the tale with brilliant contrasts and framing. The immersive art style pulls the reader into the very world Conrad and Ignacio walks.
I encountered a few setbacks along the way. First, font used for the diwata language made reading harder I had to squint to understand the words as the edges of the letters were a bit blurry. Second and last, the story, while very interesting may not be the strongest point of the novel, with some important expositions rushed towards the end.
Being a sucker for mythology, and especially thirsty for anything with Filipino mythology, I walked right into the beauty that After Lambana is. Eliza Victoria's storytelling has always captivated me and this tale of hers was no exemption. Mervin Malonzo's art is mesmerizing in its bold and bright colors, weaving magical glow into each panel, dragging the reader into trippy scenes with a flip of the page. The story felt a little bit crammed. Still, the rest of the story is well-paced and Victoria's narrative, paired with Malonzo's art style, makes After Lambana the page-turner that it is. Whether you're an old fan of a) Eliza Victoria, b) Mervin Malonzo, c) Filipino Mythology, or a newcomer on all or some of these three, you'll find yourself enjoying After Lambana.
August 10, 2022
This was a very nice book indeed. It combines an interesting, subtle story with quite beautiful artwork which is uniquely suited to the story.
Set in Manila (though I only know that from the cover, to be honest - I feel it could be any city) this story follows two boys? young men? who are looking for a cure for one of them.
The story has a slow, layered, interesting reveal. Each time an event occurs, or information is given the reader one is left with a sense of a lot more unexplained - I like that in a story. In brief, we find that in this Manila a magical world has existed side by side with this one but has now been blocked off. The story uses the word 'Diwata' for any of the people of that world, now trapped in this one. Recently laws against magic use have been passes, making the plight of these people difficult. I will not say anymore about the story, except that it's slow reveal is beautiful and discovering the supernatural of the story is fascinating. As I love fairy tale type stories the quest motif of this story was very satisfying.
Now to the artwork: I don't recognise the artist but I love their work! The art combines classic, straightforward square panels of varying sizes with the occasional full page, colour abstract to create mood. The line drawings are great, mostly soft focus rather than hard outlines, but all kinds of outlines alternate to create mood. What impressed me most was the non-traditional use of colour, it uses a fairly modest palate in any one section but is used asymmetrically and vividly to create mood, to indicate emotion and I loved the way it worked with the story to bring it together.
Thoroughly recommend this one.
Set in Manila (though I only know that from the cover, to be honest - I feel it could be any city) this story follows two boys? young men? who are looking for a cure for one of them.
The story has a slow, layered, interesting reveal. Each time an event occurs, or information is given the reader one is left with a sense of a lot more unexplained - I like that in a story. In brief, we find that in this Manila a magical world has existed side by side with this one but has now been blocked off. The story uses the word 'Diwata' for any of the people of that world, now trapped in this one. Recently laws against magic use have been passes, making the plight of these people difficult. I will not say anymore about the story, except that it's slow reveal is beautiful and discovering the supernatural of the story is fascinating. As I love fairy tale type stories the quest motif of this story was very satisfying.
Now to the artwork: I don't recognise the artist but I love their work! The art combines classic, straightforward square panels of varying sizes with the occasional full page, colour abstract to create mood. The line drawings are great, mostly soft focus rather than hard outlines, but all kinds of outlines alternate to create mood. What impressed me most was the non-traditional use of colour, it uses a fairly modest palate in any one section but is used asymmetrically and vividly to create mood, to indicate emotion and I loved the way it worked with the story to bring it together.
Thoroughly recommend this one.
October 19, 2017
I bought "After Lambana" by Eliza Victoria and Mervin Malonzo as a birthday present for myself. When I saw the first page of this book (the page "covering" the heart), I was already in awe. In addition to that, the first line was "You know how you can tell a person was killed by a Sirena?" - ah! As a result, I immediately read this after purchasing.
I had been reading some works of Eliza Victoria recently:
1. A Bottle of Storm Clouds (Short Stories) - 4.75 / 5 stars
2. Dwellers - 3.25 / 5 stars
I had been thinking that perhaps I liked her short stories better as compared to her longer ones. Overall, the story of After Lambana was just okay. I liked the ideas, as always - merging the human world and the diwata's world, politics, sirena, and the sickness. However, I had been thinking that the book was trying to cover so many things that it had a hard time developing an actual story. The beginning was amazing, the middle and the latter part, however, were underwhelming. As a result, my actual rating for the story was 2.75/5 stars.
As for the illustrations, Mervin Malonzo's illustrations were one of the best illustrations that I've ever seen. He used vibrant and beautiful colors that made his illustrations more alive. It was everything - stunning! I would definitely purchase more works of Mervin Malonzo! My actual rating for the illustrations was 5/5 stars.
Ratings | Summary:
1. Story: 2.75/5 stars
2. Art: 5/5 stars
3. Overall: 3.75/5 stars
I had been reading some works of Eliza Victoria recently:
1. A Bottle of Storm Clouds (Short Stories) - 4.75 / 5 stars
2. Dwellers - 3.25 / 5 stars
I had been thinking that perhaps I liked her short stories better as compared to her longer ones. Overall, the story of After Lambana was just okay. I liked the ideas, as always - merging the human world and the diwata's world, politics, sirena, and the sickness. However, I had been thinking that the book was trying to cover so many things that it had a hard time developing an actual story. The beginning was amazing, the middle and the latter part, however, were underwhelming. As a result, my actual rating for the story was 2.75/5 stars.
As for the illustrations, Mervin Malonzo's illustrations were one of the best illustrations that I've ever seen. He used vibrant and beautiful colors that made his illustrations more alive. It was everything - stunning! I would definitely purchase more works of Mervin Malonzo! My actual rating for the illustrations was 5/5 stars.
Ratings | Summary:
1. Story: 2.75/5 stars
2. Art: 5/5 stars
3. Overall: 3.75/5 stars
September 17, 2019
Following the events that brought about the realm of Lambana sealing shut and the Magic Prohibition Law enacted, a strange phenomenon surfaces. Humans became bearers of a life and its eventual blooming brings death in its wake. Conrad finds his heart in trouble and the only way to be saved is to put his life in the hands of his friend, Ignacio, and search for a cure in magic despite it being outlawed. We follow the two navigate places familiar and unknown and in their quest, Lambana’s secrets unfold.
A sucker for mythology, I appreciated that Eliza Victoria drew inspiration from Philippine lore brimming with fantastical legends and distinct whimsy which could be plucked, woven, and transmuted into fresh and exciting tales.
After Lambana’s brawn is no doubt Mervin Malonzo’s grungy, wabi-sabi, and luminous art style. It is buff and proud. His enthralling interpretation of this narrative has a very soothing effect especially in the clever use of color contrast to set mood and distinguish timeliness.
Full review at:
https://dexteroustotalus.wordpress.co...
A sucker for mythology, I appreciated that Eliza Victoria drew inspiration from Philippine lore brimming with fantastical legends and distinct whimsy which could be plucked, woven, and transmuted into fresh and exciting tales.
After Lambana’s brawn is no doubt Mervin Malonzo’s grungy, wabi-sabi, and luminous art style. It is buff and proud. His enthralling interpretation of this narrative has a very soothing effect especially in the clever use of color contrast to set mood and distinguish timeliness.
Full review at:
https://dexteroustotalus.wordpress.co...
January 1, 2025
In Manila, magical Diwata roam, locked out of their magical home of Lambana. Ignacio, one of these Diwata, seeks to help the young human Conrad as he suffers from a mortal magical malady – a bud which threatens to kill him. Together they travel the magical underbelly of Manila seeking treatment and a cure while avoiding the police who arrest Diwata basically for existing.
I chose this book as a library reading challenge prize, and it’ll also help me get to 100 books read this year, just under the wire. I was drawn to it as it takes place in Manila and leans on the fantasy and mythology of the Philippines, an area/culture I don’t have much exposure to. It took me a short bit to orient myself to the unfamiliar mythology this draws from, but before long it stood on its own merits and wove an intriguing tale where not all is as it seems and even good intentions carry hefty prices. I enjoyed the flow of the story, and the journey Conrad and Ignacio take together, peeling away the layers of magic and mystery one page at a time. There is a lot in the story and the artwork to delve into, and it is worthy of another/deeper read.
I chose this book as a library reading challenge prize, and it’ll also help me get to 100 books read this year, just under the wire. I was drawn to it as it takes place in Manila and leans on the fantasy and mythology of the Philippines, an area/culture I don’t have much exposure to. It took me a short bit to orient myself to the unfamiliar mythology this draws from, but before long it stood on its own merits and wove an intriguing tale where not all is as it seems and even good intentions carry hefty prices. I enjoyed the flow of the story, and the journey Conrad and Ignacio take together, peeling away the layers of magic and mystery one page at a time. There is a lot in the story and the artwork to delve into, and it is worthy of another/deeper read.
October 29, 2023
Okay this was good. I love the concept, the story, the world-building (hello Filipino mythology and magic 😭), but I feel like it needs a bit more polishing.
It can get a bit confusing in some scenes/timelines. However, I have to say the story was atmospheric and the plot twists were just so good. Because of that, it felt like this book packed quite a punch even though this was a short read.
Would have loved to see more stories from this world 🥺 The Filipino mythology interweaved with urban/modern life? Very nice. Loved the small bit of queer rep as well. And the colors were on point!
Exact rating: 3.5!
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Marking this book as part of reading challenge: #ReadQueerly2023.
It can get a bit confusing in some scenes/timelines. However, I have to say the story was atmospheric and the plot twists were just so good. Because of that, it felt like this book packed quite a punch even though this was a short read.
Would have loved to see more stories from this world 🥺 The Filipino mythology interweaved with urban/modern life? Very nice. Loved the small bit of queer rep as well. And the colors were on point!
Exact rating: 3.5!
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Marking this book as part of reading challenge: #ReadQueerly2023.
January 31, 2021
OMG, I just finished this book, and what an experience. Everything happens in one night. We follow two men as they seek a cure for a magical malady in Manila, a city peopled by humans and persecuted diwata (human-like otherworldly beings), encountering eldritch phenomena along the way, such as roaming spirits or shadows. Secrets, guilt, and regrets accompany their journey. Eventually, a form of resolution is reached. I feel that the tone of the ending is ambivalent and kinda haunting. Greed and corruption continue to weigh heavily on magical and non-magical life. The world did not change but the world did change for someone. .. Where the story goes after this, I am so willing to find out. The art is beautiful and emotional, perfectly capturing the nuances of these two characters' journey.
December 23, 2022
A really atmospheric fantasy graphic novel set in modern-day Manila (but with fairies and mermaids!!!). The illustrations were rich and the whole world was very immersive, and you got the sense that you just get the barest glimpse of one day (a sliver) of the rich magical world. I also really appreciated the characters. And I loved the fact that this story has a character who tries intensely to do the right thing and to get others to do the right thing, but It is intensely human and heartbreaking, but relatable.
January 8, 2017
A collab between Eliza Victoria and Mervin Malonzo? Yes, please! This graphic novel merges the best of both worlds: Eliza's narrative and Mervin's haunting art. It was a 3-years-in-the-making project, but it was worth the wait. I loved the storytelling in both prose and visual form. Eliza's narrative caught my attention that I found myself flipping page after page to find out how the story unfolds. Mervin's gritty and eclectic visuals made the story come alive. I especially loved the color scheme to indicate specific places and events, and the way his art stood out on its own. The only reason why I didn't make this review a full 5 stars was because I wasn't quite sure if I wanted a novel version of After Lambana, or a longer version of the graphic novel (both perhaps?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews