| 08.16.2019 – Filipino Komiks has been popularly known presently with Supernatural Folklores that delve with how tall tales of the unknown that has put the country in the map. Neil Gaiman himself is a certified fan of this genre that fans clamor for him to write his own take that he can define his thoughts about this genre, but immediately declined and try to promote it by inviting Filipino writers to tell their own stories.
There are subgenres in it too besides the Aswangs and Mananaggals you find the Philippine Mythology very much rich and unexplored. But there are writers who have become household names like the Arnold Arre or Mervin Ignacio, Budjette Tan, and the list goes on that defined how Filipino folklore became what is it today. But there are also new writers who are putting their work forward like Mitzee Bajet, Mervin Malonzo, and here’s Ardie Aquino with his latest short story anthology “Bakit Kakaiba si Nanay at Ibang Kwento ng Talulikas” (Why is Mom Different and Other Tolerable Stories), which is pretty much a mouthful concoction of fresh takes of the folklore in his own vision. This short story anthology was recently released over the weekend last Saturday at Komikon’s 8th Indie Komiks Market or synonymously known as “Indieket”, where this event focuses on the self-published works of Authors, Illustrators, and storytellers that they produced by their own without the support of an actual publisher. |
It is where Filipino Komiks rose to its ashes following its downfall in the 1990s. In short, Indieket pioneered to fully support the small business self-published creators. It’s also a prelude to the main Komikon happening sometime in November 2019.
But more on focus with Ardie Aquino’s latest published work continues his folklore themed stories with a humorous twist as he has been churning up comic strips compiled into graphic novels that caught up with the local scene. Almost all of Ardie’s work is in the local language of Tagalog, and based on his artwork it doesn’t appear so Filipino-ish that if you look back to his previous published material it has evolved through the years despite being content with locals appreciating his work that he hasn’t explored his potential for being followed internationally.
With this anthology, he wasn’t afraid to experiment not only with his artwork but also how he packages his comics. This one takes all levels of unconventional idea and sprinkled it with bright color that is not usual for a horror-themed narrative that obviously calls attention to those who passed by his table during the event.
It’s out of this world that Ardie takes an amount of risk in producing his version of what a comic book should be and he’s not afraid to fail from it just like how he thought all fifty copies were sold out. But towards the tail end of Indieket there inside of his backpack, there were still 25 pieces left. But the young creator/entrepreneur was all smiles that some people who thought they’re going to miss this one had lost hope. Ardie himself explained that once it gets sold out he won’t produce anymore, but would likely follow a sequel that he plans to release it soon.
Now that’s someone who has been around and laughs at his own mistakes is clearly having a good time with his fellow creators at Indieket. That’s what kind of person we need in this industry that accepts failure in the eyes of people and still ridicules him at same time flashes that smile.
Certainly this little short story anthology with a mouthful of title isn’t a pushover either with three chapters that opens up with a foreword from local Children’s Book Author and Ardie’s friend Michael P de Guzman, and the entirety of its narratives are broken down to three chapters that delves with the title character that weird “Nanay” (Mum) in “Bakit Kakaiba si Nanay” (Why Mom is Different), followed by “Alulong” (Howl), and “Piswit” (Piss White) to complete all three stories of this black and white tales of Ardie’s version of a horror genre.
“Bakit Kakaiba si Nanay at Ibang Kwento ng Talulikas” (Why is Mom Different and Other Tolerable Stories) was sold only at Indieket 2019, which was written and illustrated by Ardie Aquino. For more about his previous comics and how to acquire his latest work follow him on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube!
Genre: Young Adult
Language: Filipino
RATING: 8.0
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