| 09.05.2019 – There are biographies now as told through a graphic novel that are popular and good reads in other countries. It so happens, the Philippines never get much of that material. But sometime in July 2018 a Japanese author named Takahiro Matsui and illustrator Ryo Konno through publisher TORICO was able to produce ten chapters of what would be the life of Jose Rizal, the Philippines’ National Hero.
It was the right timing for the creative team to announce that they have put together the story of the country’s National Hero. It was a first for Jose Rizal’s life to be told through Manga format and the first Graphic Biography from two artists from Japan. Takahiro Matsui is a teacher in Japan teaching Nihongo to Filipino children and it inspired him to write about the book to also teach his pupils living in his country about the roots of the Philippines. He was also inspired by Jose Rizal not only being a nationalist but wanting equality for his country and its people. |
There might be graphic biographies out there, but a Japanese writer and illustrator putting together this book is something new to Filipinos. This manga was originally published FREE online, but surprisingly that it was produced in digest form by Anvil Publishing that started appearing in book shops recently.
The complete ten chapters that were available to read online was compiled in this graphic novel format. Through Takahiro Matsui and Ryo Konno’s narratives gives readers the story of Jose Rizal in the eyes of the Japanese creative team that surely makes Filipinos even more proud with their National Hero. Anywhere in the world, Jose Rizal has a statue somewhere including one in Japan and the connection between two countries has definitely given roots with this Manga.
Fictional Re-Telling of History
Konno’s art delivers a masterful look with Matsui’s narrative interpretation of Filipino life-giving readers what life was back then how the Spaniards treated the country that sometimes reflects the realities of today with regard to inequality and the separation of the rich and poor. This was the life of Jose Rizal from his childhood to the day he was executed in Bagumbayan, Manila.
Through the eyes of foreign writers and artists, this book gives a new perspective on Rizal’s historical life. It may not be as accurate as depicted in other history books, but it gives you the perspective the harsh reality Filipinos experience during the Spanish Colonial times. It also tells the story connections of Emilio Jacinto how he became the “Brains” of the revolution inspired by Rizal and how his last will and poem would inspire a revolution.
The narrative doesn’t end during that era it also gives you the perspective how Jose Rizal didn’t pick a weapon, but inspired a bloodless revolution in the country so many years later with the 1986 “People Power” as what the author would put that as part of history it is up for those who would interpret it.
Overall this won’t be the last Manga that would depict a Filipino National Hero in a graphic novel biography. In western countries, comic shops carry these types of books that featured sports personalities too. This is considered a first Comicbook/Manga biography featuring a Filipino and surely, readers will definitely pick this up not only who are into Japanese Anime but also supporting their own hero like Jose Rizal.
José Rizal: The Hero’s Life Illustrated is written by Takahiro Matsui and illustrated by Ryo Konno published online by TORICO. The book is published in the Philippines by Anvil that is now available at Filbar’s, National Bookstore, and other local books shops in the country. For more details follow Anvil Publishing on their social media via Facebook!
Cover Price: PHP 195.00 | $3.75 USD | $5.52 AUD
Genre: Young Adult
Language: English
RATING: 7.0
No comments:
Post a Comment