The Mystery Man in SIXTY SIX!

08.17.2013 – SIXTY SIX was an unknown comic book conceived in 2012 by Russell Molina (Madyik Silya ni Titoy “Titoy’s Magic Chair) and Ian Sta. Maria (Skyworld) and first released at the recently concluded Indieket 2013. The story about an old man named Celestino Cabal who celebrated his 66th birthday where he received a special gift that he slowly opened to an unknown surprise as the series’ premise. The creators released two chapters but in those stories there were still unanswered questions that you might anticipate for the third chapter.

Everyone calls him “Mang Tino” in the neighborhood a man who lives a simple life taking care of his wife who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and having a mysterious past that unravels through the pages of Chapter 1.

Ian Sta. Maria definitely hit the right strokes with the pages coming alive every moment you turn the page. It was simply a “Slice of Life” comic book until you reach the last page to be surprised. But obviously the cover was already a dead giveaway though not as what you think it would happen once you start reading.



There was little dialogue in the first few pages which defined this new series as something to “look forward” to in the coming months.

Silent comics are rare these days but this is not entirely like the one Larry Hama cooked up during his original run with Marvel when he put up G.I Joe #21 but it takes a little of that inspiration and add a little bit of Filipino drama then you have something fresh with a new character introduced in the form of Celestino Cabal.



There’s little dialogue which gives something new to the table with SIXTY SIX that follows up with the second chapter where “Mang Tino” will take his new found abilities. Even if you get spoiled by it your curiosity will make you want to catch up with this new series. The only thing that will make this comic book less to be known outside the country is it will only cater to the local reader since the language is in Filipino.

SIXTY SIX should not limit itself to Filipino audience only since Komikon and Indieket is getting foreign visitors from all over the world they should release an English-language version to get the right acknowledge that this book should also cater also to the international market.



The Philippine comics industry is growing thanks to Komikon it’s not only in the country should you release a new comic book it should be catered also with the rest of the world. Dark Colony is slowly getting the interest and Trese has done it since they have foreign guests during the launch “Midnight Tribunal” last year. Why not limit your comics in Tagalog when you can tell your story in English.



Overall SIXTY SIX will get its followers the way the story it’s being told. It combines the theme of “Slice of Life” and Super Hero genre with the elements of silent comics made this sold out at Indieket. If you missed out copies of Chapter 1 & 2 they will be available at Comic Odyssey in Robinsons Galleria and Filbar’s Filinvest Supermall in Alabang.

For more announcements on the next chapter of Mang Tino’s adventure LIKE Sixty Six on Facebook!