Amoy ng Kufpal

Category:	Books
Genre:	Comics & Graphic Novels
Author:	Patrick Enrique

Vomit inducing, profanity-laden and good disgusting fun that you might fight the urge to wipe your ass off of just to add color to this B&W indie komiks.

Imagine vomiting all over after an all night drinking binge and at the same time suffering from explosive LBM (the airy, sticky kind) because you keep eating your own vomit, this while popping your zits through it all. Yup. That's Amoy Ng Kufpal in a nut shell. Well, put in some punk, rap and video game culture in there and you're getting there. But be warned: This is not for the weak of heart.... or poor constitution.

The artwork reminds mo of early MAD magazine in terms of line work and details. Maybe some R. Crumb influence is in there somewhere and I'm guessing hallucinogenics for the repeating patterns but still the drawings still retains originality. Sobrang original na-tae ako.

This is one indie release that is such an appropriate companion to the toilet. Just so you know, I just tasted my own bile reviewing this shit fest.

(Originally posted on http://theilldiablo.multiply.com Oct 30, '11 7:00 PM)

The Filipino Heroes League Book One: Sticks and Stones

Category:	Books
Genre:	Comics & Graphic Novels
Author:	Story and Art: Paolo Fabregas

This is one overdue review of an excellent local graphic novel. I was at this April's Komikon earlier this year where I got this. Got my copy signed too by the very bald, very tall and handsome author.

Don't let the corny sounding title fool you. This is a smartly written book on what it means and what it takes to be a superhero, specially the difficulties and hassles of being a third-world government-funded superhero: Headquarters old and falling apart? Tough shit; Foreign superheroes steal your thunder? Live with it; Your crappy vehicle gives up on you? Take a cab, a PEDICAB! Honestly, the back cover featuring Invisiboy and Kidlat Kid commandeering a pedicab sold me to the book. It got me thinking, "What kind of a predicament that superheroes would have to ride in such a mundane vehicle to get to where they are needed?" A Filipino superhero it seems.

The Filipino Heroes League appears to have seen it's glory days as a superhero group. Gone now are it's founding members. Some are dead while it's original leader, the Supremo lies in a coma. Apparently the majority of it's members are OFH's or Overseas Filipino Heroes who either use their powers for entertainment (Sky, another original member works at a travelling circus) or as Government-loaned supers. Think of it as OFW's with super powers. Now the days are gone when being a superhero means just saving lives and protecting the country from an equally powerful adversary. Now they seem like a joke and outlived their usefulness that their military(?) handlers want them gone. Replacing them with a better, grittier and more dangerous set of superheroes. And that's not even the main plot.

A lot of allegorical rhetoric can be found on this book: Overseas Filipino Workers as powered up Bagong Bayani's, Government corruption and inadequacies, the image of our modern heroes (firefighters, soldiers, policemen) and their sacrifices for a thankless job.

The art style is pretty much moody line drawings but it works here. A more polished, Marvelized style would destroy the feel of the book. The names of the characters might sound campy and unimaginative but then again, this is a comic book. You can't be all serious when tackling government goons and fallen superheroes, right?

This Php200.00 130+ page black and white graphic novel is a solid work you wouldn't mind to be in your book shelf is what I'm saying.

web site----> http://www.filipinoheroesleague.com/

It's available on NBS too.

(Originally posted on http://theilldiablo.multiply.com Oct 15, '11 10:08 AM)

Nag-iisa Lang Ako (Ang Ikatlo Sa Huling Libro)

Category:	Books
Genre:	Biographies & Memoirs
Author:	Tado Jimenez

I remember looking all over every NBS on my locale and not finding any copy eventually acquiring one at a book convention at SMX and I can tell you after reading and succumbing to the Tadoliciousness of it's pages that this shit could have been a lot better production wise. Any print media practitioner knows the care and attention when publishing works specially books. I don't know how much the editorial staff at PSICOM is being paid but from the looks of this books, I guess not much. Expect half-assed editing, errant grammar and spelling (unless sinasadya ng author), horrible-horrible proofreading and not too great layout awaits.

'Yung unang mga pahina ng kopya ko ginamitan ko pa talaga ng red ballpen at kinorek ang mga nakikita kong mali. Tinigilan ko na lang nang napansin ko na
binili ko ang aklat na ito para enjoyin at hindi para i-edit. TRABAHO NG EDITOR ANG I-EDIT NG MAAYOS ANG AKLAT NA ITO.

*Drinking Game*

Materials:
A copy of Nag-iisa Lang Ako, Beer (Alak optional).

Instructions:
Preferably do this on a weekend. Read the book and take a drink of your alcoholic beverage every time you see a mistake.

Ayan. Wala pa sa kalahati ng aklat lasing ka na.

The content is not the problem here. Yeah, there might be some chapters that the fancy coffee house crowd might pass over and wouldn't really care to understand or medyo masasabi rin na kababawan ni Tado ang mga isinulat niya. But the thing is, while you are reading his comedy which some would find juvenile, you'll find the source of his humor and his mentality by reading further and eventually knowing his life story. He's a remarkable guy. I envy his lifestyle, his craziness, his seeming simple mindedness and his outlook in life.

The highlights of this book is the Foreword by Ramon Bautista, Strangebrew days, his show business roots, Limitado, PUP days, Brewrats radio show and some selected excerpts from his Marikeno Asintado articles.

He is that weird friend of yours, the funny friend that's been on the wrong side of the tracks and back, the one that has all the tall tales, that friend of yours that is so anti-everything that he became the mainstream, he is that funny guy that dances funny on TV but is opinionated.

So there. If you don't mind some irritating editorial non-works on your book then buy this. It's not the best read you'll get but just reading Tado's thoughts would likely make up for this fuck up.

(Originally posted on Oct 1, '11 2:03 AM)

The Best of This Is A Crazy Planets

The Best Of This Is A Crazy Planets

Category:	Books
Genre:	Biographies & Memoirs
Author:	Lourd Ernest H. De Veyra

Crazy Planets is Lourd's selected essays from his blog at SPOT.ph most of which delves into the Filipino culture, it's annoying truths and it's funny tragedies. This is also a reminder on what is it that makes us Pinoy in the first place. May laman, may sense at higit sa lahat may aral. Sensible artworks and spartan lay-outs makes for an easy read. The only bad thing I can say on this book is the spine. Somehow I think the book's spine would not survive numerous re-reads. I know my copy won't.

Never mind that he is a TV personality, image model and weatherman. This former(?) Sago frontman who delivers amusing and intelligent lyrics with a deadpan voice writes with authority, always with the intention of making you look up your venti java chip frappucino shit and think. I always say that people that makes me happy deserves to be rich. So buy the book, if you haven't already.

Love him or hate him, you cannot beat the word of the Lourd.

(Originally posted on http://theilldiablo.multiply.com Sep 24, '11 10:33 AM)

Askals

Askals

Category:	Books
Genre:	Comics & Graphic Novels
Author:	Dodo Dayao and Bong Leal

It was just what I was looking for. For the longest of time I have been dreaming of reading a komiks that has the feel of a local action movie but done much, much intelligently and that komiks better have good reread value.

Enter: Askals. An independent komiks that captures the depression, anger, and danger of a suffocating city populated by drug dealers, corrupt policemen, petty thieves and the every day tao who have to live with them. I really enjoyed the dialogues of the characters specially the villains. It makes them appear human and at the same time dangerous and realistic.

Visuallly Askals is pretty impressive. There is passion here. The artist capturing the dreariness of urban living, tenement buildings and high tension wires obstructing the sky but when shown, all you'll see is darkness. Not a perfect book on some parts like the sound effects but effective use of monotones and subdued shades add to the bleakness of this tale about crime syndicates and organized religion and let's not forget that mystical being. I like this artist's style. When I finally write that graphic novel in my mind I'll look up Bong Leal and ask for his service. Hah!

I acquired mine at last November's Komikon at Starmall. Are there any other issues published? I wish. Can you believe this was released 2005 and it still packs a punch? People who make me happy deserves to be rich in my opinion.

LINKS: http://versuswords.blogspot.com/
http://guhit-guhit.blogspot.com/

(Originally posted on http://theilldiablo.multiply.com Jun 1, '11 9:53 PM)

Punnx Komix

Punnx Komix

Category:	Books
Genre:	Comics & Graphic Novels
Author:	JP Cuison, Dennis Nierra

Remember that annoying kid at elementary school, that high school friend you have second thoughts about bringing to your house? Or simply put remember the few times (okay most of the time ) that you just have to be naughty and full of mischievous fun? Yep. That memory. Then with all your passable artistic skills (actually these guys are very good) release all your pent-up kakulitan and horniness in an ass-kicking comic book. The end result would probably be Punnx Komix. Or a paper mache of a penis.

Punnx Komix obviously is a homage by it's two creators to Funny Komiks, that four-color rag that for most of my generation probably grew up with and in my case inspired me to draw (back then I trace over Superdog like a pro).

Crack open an issue and you will find bastardized versions of Planet Opdi Eyps, Combatron, Tinay Pinay and even Shaider. Toilet humor and penises are the order of the day here so this is one funny book NOT FOR CHILDREN. Though it might come across as mindless, juvenile and a good waste of resource, deep down it is a labor of love by people who, in their own twisted and probably drug-induced haze, gave tribute to those artists and writers for entertaining us in those lazy afternoons of our childhood and inspiring us to pick up that pencil and color that doodle.

Rare among indies, Punnx comes in full-color and in better quality paper though still in ashcan size but not without sponsors which is always a good thing. Isn't that right, Papi? My copy (Issue #2) I bought at Sputnik at Cubao X. Punnx retails at 100Php.

Picture is of the creators apparently with their penises still in their pants.

Komikon at April 16, 2011 (THIS SATURDAY!!)

Links for more knowledge: http://punnxkomix.blogspot.com/, http://planetopdieyps.thecomicseries.com/,
http://www.komikon.org/

(Originally posted on http://theilldiablo.multiply.com Apr 9, '11 12:33 AM)

Ang Maskot

Ang Maskot

Category:	Books
Genre:	Comics & Graphic Novels
Author:	Macoy Tan (writer/artist)

This has been a long time coming. Sorry for the lateness of this review.

We see them every time on fast food chains. Actually any food chain would be crazy not to have them: The Mascot. Smiling at us, dancing for us on birthdays. Even a failed senatoriable made one himself a few elections back. Creep factor? You bet your hard sell ass it is! Forgive me for the digression.

Ang Maskot follows a day in the life of an obviously disgruntled fast food worker (who isn't?) who, after performing his dancing routine at a party for the day, by some dumb luck gets stuck in his costume. Forced to go home in costume and all, he winds up in an altercation with a mugger and his victim aka soon to be love interest. Far fetched right? Take it easy, it's better than I make it sound here. You watch telenovelas so shut up.

As far as I know this is Macoy's first work. His drawing style comes closer to the cartoonish/no nonsense side. Medyo simple pero why complicate things when you have some seriously funny and down to earth boy-meets-girl story to help you out.

This was released 2009 pa. Since then Macoy has released the Happy Tree Friend-ish "Operasyon," "Taal Volcano Monster" and currently finishing (still finishing) the multi-part "School Run." His ashcan sized comic books retails at around 40-50php don't try too hard to resist his works when you see them. As usual, I got mine at Comic Odyssey at Robinson's Galleria or you can get your copy and meet him at the coming Komikon 2011 at April 16.

Here's his site:
http://mcoy.blogspot.com/

(Originally posted on http://theilldiablo.multiply.com Apr 6, '11 11:17 PM)

Geek Tragedies

Category:	Books
Genre:	Literature & Fiction
Author:	Carljoe Javier

Geek Tragedies is just that. Stories involving what society would categorize as nerds, weirdos and geeks. Why should I buy a book that appeals to the inner geek in me? Do I feel the need to read literature that I think speaks for me and my fantasies? Do I feel kinship to these PSP and LAN game nerds? Am I among these FHM girls fanatics? These comic book reading jerk offs?

In some level I guess I am. But from reading this book, I think the geek part is in the loneliness. Of wanting and dreaming. Fantasies realized and universes to be conquered if only in the mind. In there we find the common ground: My world is your world too, my friend.

This well written book would take you places familiar like riding that damned MRT1 (Everybody Get's Off at Cubao) to distant and far away reaches of space (The Day the Sexbomb Dancers Came), emotion and loss (Flickerfadegone), the mundane life of a geek (Master of the Fragfest) and sometimes just the plain weird (Street Corner, The Sniffles). I think with the Sexbomb story, this is the fist time that I read an outright Science Fiction story by a Filipino. Groovy!

My only gripe with this fine book is the comic book style chapter bumpers. Although nice to look at, they don't add anything to the following story. They are not even related to each other. They should have made an outright homage to the comic book medium instead, like the text and graphic chapter: Six-Word Stories which I enjoyed.


Well, just pointing out the supposed flaws I felt needed to be addressed. For 250php you will be getting your moneys worth and with a sturdy and well made book, reread is a guarantee. Not bad, eh?

He have an earlier book easily available at NBS but due to it's striking and fantastically familiar cover, I opted to buy this first instead. My bet is that, like that Archie-inspired Beerkada book, this would be hard to find soon.

(Originally posted on http://theilldiablo.multiply.com Nov 9, '11 1:11 AM)

Super Panalo Sounds

Category:	Books
Genre:	Other
Author:	Lourd Ernest H. De Veyra

Bought this about a month ago. Already on my second reading. Like I have nothing else to read, eh?


Imagine it's the 90's. Imagine your fantasy band and how frustrating it is to be so full of potential and musical energy and not be heard. Imagine the aural power that your soul can create whenever you unleash that raw emotion, that controlled chaos through your instrument. Now imagine you are a chain-smoking, alcohol abusing, drug-addicted, acid-dropping, crystal meth-fiend and music, and MUSIC is your life.

Super Panalo Sounds follows the lives of five musicians (Milo the Saxophonist, Budik the silent Bassist, Composer/arranger Dax the Guitarist, Zorro the ambitious ex jock/drummer and activist/musician Vic on vocals and guitars) their complexities, weaknesses, and drug induced hallucinations but also their struggle to release that one album that would characterize and define them and their sound. That one album that will speak for them, of their longings and rage and love.

Never have I felt so close to fictional characters in a book. The shit they lived through and that frustrating struggle to form and maintain a band and the background noise they have to live through. There are a number of instances while reading their sorry exploits that I have to say "He, he. That happens" to these strangely lovable individuals as they live the life of an ordinary Juan with it's disappointments. Consoling themselves with their heroes instead like Mang Dading, an aging National Artist who play humiliating piano standards to make ends meet and Dugong Aso, that mysterious 60's band that references Rizal erect penis in one of their hallucinatory songs.

I guess reading familiar places like Kamuning, Kamias, K-10 and Anonas gives me an oddly fanboy-like joy that even though these places, that in some time in my life I lived on, are portrayed here as places of secret drug dens and homes of drug pushers. Hey, It might be true, it might just be artistic license. But seriously, if you look hard enough, doesn't your neighborhood have it's share of durugistas? You might even have been one.

Anyway, this is a solid book from an author who wrote this close to his heart and if you like Drugs, Sex and Fuckin' Rock and Roll (more emphasis on the drugs part) and Pepe Smith then you will enjoy this book with it's cautionary tale. And if you think that Saxophone as a musical instrument sucks ass then you might just want to read through this book and find out about the bitter, bitter end.

(Originally posted on http://theilldiablo.multiply.com Nov 24, '11 11:48 PM)

Death Magnetic

DEATH MAGNETIC

Category:	Music
Genre:	Hard Rock & Metal
Artist:	Metallica

In an age of piracy, downloads and free online music, musicians would be hard-pressed to experiment or at least radically change their sound or technique lest their followers become alienated. But some fans also want something new from their favorite bands or else they get tired of what their hearing (listen to AC/DC) and just console themselves by listening to their old collections when metal is METAL and rock is ROCK. This album thankfully brings back the Metal in Metallica. Frankly, if you like this kind of music you wouldn't be disappointed. This is the perfect marriage of good old Metallica and it's newer perspective of the world. Classic Hetfield lyrics, hooks and chugging riffs are the main elements of this album. Also skinbashers would like to study Lars' drumming here. Thankfully they didn't use that annoying tin-can sound.

This 10-song disc contains music that harkens back from the days of Master of Puppets and Ride The Lightning (The End Of The Line sounds like an off shoot of Creeping Death) albeit more watered-down and less cerebral. Surprisingly with the current political environment in the U.S. I'm disappointed that they did not made another ... And Justice For All album instead. The album sleeve continues the death motif with the coffin-like hole punching through most of the pages. I miss Pushed's artwork here. My gripe in this album is the layout of the lyrics is chronologically wrong if you base it on the back cover. Hence, the first song That Was Just Your Life's lyrics is found on the second page while My Apocalypse, the last song is found on the first page. Wow! That's fucking artistic. They could have made my life more simple.

Almost all of the songs are pretty much worthy of replay value but (because I only got an 1MB MP3 player) my top picks are:

ALL NIGHTMARE LONG - Most useful for people who drives fast.
CYANIDE - Because Kirk Hammett is a Wah-wah baby. Listen to the guitars at the chorus.
BROKEN, BEAT & SCARRED - I love the dueling guitar intro. Probably the best cut of the album together with Cyanide. Rise, Fall, Down, Rise Again!
JUDAS KISS - Corny opening but plays out hard. Like hard candy.
SUICIDE & REDEMPTION - Almost 10 minutes of instrumental greatness.

There's also an Unforgiven III song here but I never cared for the second version and you probably wouldn't miss this either. Unless you think the first Unforgiven is Metallica at it's best then nuts to you.

Death Magnetic is not their greatest album but at least they are again on the right track. Putangina!

(Originally posted on  http://theilldiablo.multiply.com Oct 30, '08 2:27 PM)

Watchmen

WATCHMEN

Category:	Books
Genre:	Comics & Graphic Novels
Author:	Alan Moore

Author: Alan Moore
Artist: Dave Gibbons
Colorist: John Higgins
Publisher: DC Comics
Original publication date:
September 1986 – October 1987
Number of issues: 12
TPB Price: Php1000,00

OK. Most of you are aware of the upcoming movie (might be delayed by legalities) but before watching that, and if you've got the time and resources, I recommend that you read this first before the movie ruin it for you. Touted as a unfilmable comic book by it's author and co-creator, Alan Moore re-imagines our view of the costumed adventurers in a world where superheroes or masked vigilantes exists and lives under the shadow of 1980's nuclear clock, when the Cold War was in it's hottest.

This tale of imperfect and complex characters opens up with an investigation of a dead hero's murder, beautifully drawn by Dave Gibbons and are replete with details and recurrent themes throughout it's entire 12-issue run. If I tell you more I'm going to spoil it. There is a reason why this is the only graphic novel to win a Hugo Award and appear on TIME magazine's list of 100 best English language novels not to mention being taught at schools.

This is 1000 Pesoses well spent.

If you can't understand my drivel above, here are some links that can explain more coherently than I can. Beware. Some contains SPOILERS:

Reading Watchmen for the first time (Slight hints on the story):
http://www.whiterose.org/howlingcurmudgeons/archives/011219.html

Wikipedia Page (SPOILERS on the Plot Summary!):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watchmen_(comic)

Movie Trailer to Comic Book comparison:
http://www.geektyrant.com/2008/07/watchmen-comparison-trailer-to-comic-book-pics/

(Originally posted on http://theilldiablo.multiply.com Oct 2, '08 10:12 PM)

'Tangina Mo Andaming Nagugutom Sa Mundo Fashionista Ka Parin

'TANGINA MO ANDAMING NAGUGUTOM SA MUNDO FASHIONISTA KA PARIN. (TIMANSMFKP)

Category:	Music
Genre:	Rock
Artist:	RADIOACTIVE SAGO PROJECT

One of the problem of being an independent band that has a somewhat independently produced album is that it's hard for the ordinary Pinoy to recall you even exist. This recording was released sometime last year and it only occurred to me to buy it this May after remembering hearing it much earlier at my co-workers car. And I consider myself a fan and follower! To their credit, SAGO's third album rocks in a jazzy-trumpet sort of ways. And isn't it calming to hear Lourd's spoken-poetry instead of that Rocks Teddy Bullshit wannabe out of your speakers? Buy this album. You might have to look for it a lot harder than that shouting-kid Pempengco album. TERNO Records is not known to glut the market with their releases.

My top picks are:
Wasak na Wasak
Alak, Sugal, Kape, Babae, Kabaong
Superhatdog
For Adult's Only <-- Listen to this. You'll be glad you did. Putangina!

(Originally posted on http://theilldiablo.multiply.com Sep 12, '08 12:24 AM)

ATX

ATX

Category:	Books
Genre:	Comics & Graphic Novels
Author:	Reginald Ting

ATX
"Revelations"
Atlas Publishing Co., Inc.
January 2003
Php55

This comic book deals about the life of a superhero. It's glory and adventure but also it's hassles and complexities. It's not everyday that a hero needs a regular job and a family to take care of. The guys of Avalon Studios (before they were Avalon?) lent their skill in this book with Jim Jimenez (of J Brothers fame) on art and Gilbert Monsanto designing the main character and also taking care of the colors.

The story opens up predictably with the hero, Mr. Atlas (real name: Eddie Valdez, a blue collar worker) foiling a bank robbery then coming home to his wife who then inadvertently finds out his secret identity. This 40+ page komiks introduces us to Promiteyo (real name: Gregorio Emmanuel Perez IV), a mechanical genius made legless in an accident by our hero who eventually used his robotics and weapons development skills in helping Eddie in his fight for peace. ATX also contains mystical elements indigenous to Filipino folklore such as Malindig a spell caster and her undead son, Damon. Filler stories makes these characters immediately familiar to readers and having a world class art team doesn't hurt either. Yup, this comic book and I spent countless times in the toilet. That's how much I enjoy this book.

The back pages gives previews of other upcoming comic books like RAM by Gilbert Monsanto, BELLADONNA with art by Rodel Noora and ALAGAD Inc. drawn by Kriss Israel S. Sison. Needless to say a soft porn mag will have an easier time being published than the above comic books with a publisher like theirs since I don't remember them being released.

Great art. Interesting characters. A promising book. Which probably you'll never get to read.

(Originally posted on http://theilldiablo.multiply.com Aug 12, '08 1:08 AM)

Bless Our Trip

BLESS OUR TRIP

Category:	Books
Genre:	Comics & Graphic Novels
Author:	Edwin Ybabao Estioko

BLESS OUR TRIP
Chapter I Daan
Gawa ng Layason Studios
Marikina, Philippines
Php100


There couldn't be anymore Pinoy word than Bless Our Trip. More often than not you can find it anywhere on the road and in any PUV you ride on. It's sounds like a prayer but also used as a curse depending on the need. And just like any PUV ride you might have some misgivings on this book or you might even say that this is one ride you may want to be in again.

This graphicomiks (what a term) will satiate your appetite for a good story and by that I mean OK lang. Plot holes and typographical errors abound in these pages not to mention the amateurish artwork that encompass this A4 bound black & white book. This holds a lot of promise if the author just polished up more on his writing. The presentation is there but in terms of story development you might want to read it a few more times to get a full understanding of the characters. Not that the characters themselves are that complex but they almost look like the same person added to this is the placing of captions and word balloons on the lay-out.

It's strength is also it's weakness. We are introduced to a lot of interesting characters whose story overlaps each others story. It's complicated but I bet it could have been more beautiful. Some parts of it is engaging and some of it makes you ask the author, "Ma, sukli ko?".

The story opens up with a shot of a busy barrio street complete with public vehicles and local population. I like this opening shot where you are introduced to the characters who for the most part are nameless with the exception of about two. Nameless people but through the magic of balik-tanaw we are offered their back story. A student who is longing for a fellow passenger; The father and his lost son; People looking for forgiveness and a new life. You might want to give this book a chance.

Did I like it? Yup. Did I enjoy it? Nope. Basta, It could have been better. A gracious 3-stars because the author has the guts to publish this.... this.... his work. It's A4 size makes it hard to read in the can by the way. So would I go for a ride for the next issue? Bet your ass I will. As long as the next destination is better.

(Originally posted on http://theilldiablo.multiply.com Jul 28, '08 4:16 PM)

Trese

TRESE

Category:	Books
Genre:	Comics & Graphic Novels
Author:	Budjette Tan

Author: Budjette Tan
Artist: Ka-Jo Baldisimo
1st issue: November 2005
Publisher: Alamat Comics


I guess it’s time that I support our local comic book creators… with a review.

There sure is a lot of local crap out there and by this I mean locally produced comics, specifically independently produced comics. What’s with all this manga/anime fluff flying about, I am in desperate need of rough and dark comic book that I can relax and enjoy to and take with me to the toilet. Yup, I’m proud to say that I enjoy reading while taking a shit.

And I enjoyed reading Trese.

First off I’m not really familiar with the creative team but their imprint is familiar enough for me to buy the whole collection. Trese is Alexandra Trese, a paranormal investigator. The go-to-girl whenever a whatthefuck happening are uh….happening in the Metro and is too much to handle by the Police. Escorted by her twin bodyguards/henchmen they are often knee-deep in crimes involving white ladies, kapres, agimats, dwendes, kaluluwas etc., etc. You get the idea. Don’t get me wrong, it might sound corny but read any of the seven issues and you’ll be in for a dramatic and different imagining of our local malignos and tiyanaks and aswangs. The artwork falls short to my discriminating and maarte (read: impossible to define) standards but it works in this black and white book. It might fly off at some point and rough (akala ko ba gusto ko ng rough?) on some pages but Ka-Jo’s composition, mood and lighting draws the story along. I think sinadya niya? I also blame the printing.

If you are a fan of Chris Carter, Warren Ellis, Underworld, Mang Kepweng or if you enjoy seeing leather-loving trenchcoat-wearing chicks shooting off characters straight out of Lola Basyang’s stories then this mini-comic (mini-series?) is for you.

You are better off buying the whole 7 issues. Believe me. That’s 200Php well spent.... more so if you are a maligno. Awoo!

Now if only Gerry Alanguilan can finish his Elmer series. I’ll be much happier.

*Might still be available at comicbook shops anymall. I got mine at Comics Odessey, Robinson's Galleria, 2nd floor. Katabi ng bilihan ng baril!


UPDATE: Trese collected editions 1 & 2 is now available at specialty shops and bookstores. Php 140 each. Released thru Visprint. Check out Comic Odyssey at Robinson's Galleria. If you ask nicely you might get a free promotional poster.

(Originally posted on http://theilldiablo.multiply.com Feb 22, '08 2:38 AM)

L na L

L na L

Category:	Books
Genre:	Literature & Fiction
Author:	Karl Kaufman

L na L Isang nobela ng lihim na libog
Author: Karl Kaufman
Publisher: LitEROTIKA-PhilSprint Publishers
R-18

Pag ibig o libog. Love or lust. A question for the most part and in times hard to distinguish. Mostly if you are one of those red-blooded, ever ready for sex, testosterone-driven male. It is one of those stories that will play with your emotion and after putting this book down you'll love the story rather that the characters. That's not saying that the characters are dull which they are not, on the contrary, these characters are rather realistic and for the most part believable. While turning the pages you'll think, "Hey, I know somebody like this." On some levels they are believable. They can be no different from the people you walk along with on the street, the guy sitting at that Starbucks sipping his frappe latte or that busty babe at the office that you always try to catch a glimpse of. Or maybe this could be you.

I remember a former office mate's high school story of a male classmate, when asked on how would he know that a girl was really in love with him, her classmate answered without hesitation,"Kapag nakipag-sex na siya sa akin." That's male hormone for you, girls. At least the guy doesn't beat around the bush. He, he. This is a story about Luis, your typical successful Makati-type playboy which in regard to his pursuit of women any man can relate to and Chloe, his sophisticated and sexy new officemate. Think of the sexiest officemate you have.... that's Chloe. Which is more that what she seems. Ever had a darkest secret? What would you do if you found out that the girl that you are after is more that what she seems or what she appears to be? If I write more about the story I'm giving it all away. Love or lust? It is the ultimate question where sometimes there is no black and white answer and sometimes the answer you get or you think of (dreamed of?) is insufficient.

For those who enjoys reading I highly recommend this book specially if you buy only one locally produced book out there give this one a try. Of course there is that cancer of guilt on buying this book as seen fit by our oh, so high and mighty morality police. You know, that part of your brain that tells you what to do and tells you what is right and wrong, seeing it as another cheap alternative to porno. Which by the way it isn't. I should know. Believe me. What I like about fiction is when it reads like real life.

About the author:
I've known Karl for about half my adult life and I know the frustration he, better yet he and our friends went through to have that sexual experience. Not that we never had any before college (not just because we are losers back then doesn't mean we never had any encounter. Are we losers still?) it is just that we never had as much as we wanted to. You should see the blisters on our hands back then. The empty nights that pass. The longing you get when thinking about your latest crush or that sexy kolehiyala that you sat beside with on the jeep. Yeah, we know depression. I'm not saying that we thought of fucking too much but for you to know where we, specifically Karl is coming from and how this book came about and that is not taking anything away from Karl's vivid imagination. If you are like us and knew what we've been through you'll understand and I sympathise and if you are anything like Luis, the conyo, pogi, gets-all-the-sex-he-needs lead character in this novel, then fuck you!! But buy the book.

So throw your inhibitions out of the window and keep your dicks in your pants and get ready for an emotional roller coaster you'll surely enjoy. Although Karl might greatly appreciate a wank of approval from you guys. So buy the book and let's make Karl rich.

About the picture: I can't find any. Tangna, pati mismo sa site ng Philsprint. If anyone of you concerned citizens have an image of the book cover please paki-publish naman sa net.

Pic Update: That's Karl with his book at National bookstore.

(Originally posted on http://theilldiablo.multiply.com Jul 27, '07 10:28 AM)