A review by lucrezi
Dead Balagtas Tomo 1: Mga Sayaw ng Dagat at Lupa by Emiliana Kampilan
4.0
Gorgeous art and layouts. I love how geography is used is a theme that’s visually and thematically consistent across all the stories. I didn’t expect the volume to be about love; I used to read the comics on Tumblr and expected purely history strips. I actually thought this would be a compilation of past comics, but this was a pleasant surprise.
I have mixed feelings about the last story, about Dylan and Anais. Like Dylan, I’m from UP and grew used to everything being entrenched in politics (because everything is political). However, when I’m reading something for enjoyment, I prioritize the storytelling and how the author weaves in their message. Unfortunately, the themes in this story are spelled out explicitly to the point I felt I was being sermoned. I do agree with the message, however, I felt the author was overzealous with inserting it into the narrative.
Even so, there was one bit in the story that I liked, which was surprisingly subtle: the savior complex. I think this and the ending saved the entire story for me so that I’d think it’s alright rather than overbearing.
Despite my criticism though, I think it’s a fantastic graphic novel. We have so much local talent that we really ought to support, who are on par and even better than those abroad. Highly recommended, even just for the art!
I have mixed feelings about the last story, about Dylan and Anais. Like Dylan, I’m from UP and grew used to everything being entrenched in politics (because everything is political). However, when I’m reading something for enjoyment, I prioritize the storytelling and how the author weaves in their message. Unfortunately, the themes in this story are spelled out explicitly to the point I felt I was being sermoned. I do agree with the message, however, I felt the author was overzealous with inserting it into the narrative.
Even so, there was one bit in the story that I liked, which was surprisingly subtle: the savior complex. I think this and the ending saved the entire story for me so that I’d think it’s alright rather than overbearing.
Despite my criticism though, I think it’s a fantastic graphic novel. We have so much local talent that we really ought to support, who are on par and even better than those abroad. Highly recommended, even just for the art!