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Tabi Po #1
Tabi Po: Isyu 1
★ National Book Awardee for Graphic Literature (Filipino) ★
Isang lalake ang bigla na lamang nagising sa loob ng isang puno sa gitna ng kagubatan na walang alaala kung sino siya at saan siya nagmula. Ang tanging alaala lang niya ay isang imahe ng babae na nakikita niya sa kanyang panaginip, at ang tanging nararamdaman niya ay isang matinding gutom na mabilis na namumuo sa kanyang walang pusod na sikmura. Isang gutom na mapapawi lamang ng laman...at dugo.
Isang lalake ang bigla na lamang nagising sa loob ng isang puno sa gitna ng kagubatan na walang alaala kung sino siya at saan siya nagmula. Ang tanging alaala lang niya ay isang imahe ng babae na nakikita niya sa kanyang panaginip, at ang tanging nararamdaman niya ay isang matinding gutom na mabilis na namumuo sa kanyang walang pusod na sikmura. Isang gutom na mapapawi lamang ng laman...at dugo.
130 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
9 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Mervin Malonzo
22 books123 followersMervin Malonzo wrote and drew the National Book Award-winning comic TABI PO. He also worked with writer Adam David on another title called ANG SUBERSIBO, a comic adaptation of Rizal’s NOLI and FILI. He graduated magna cum laude in UP Fine Arts. When he is not creating comics, he is creating websites, animations, and illustrations for other people and entities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
February 15, 2018
Tabi Po
is a Filipino graphic novel written and illustrated by Mervin Malonzo. It is about the story of
Aswangs
, a flesh-eating and shapeshifter individuals during the time of the Spanish colonization in the Philippines.
Aswang is one of the famous mythical beings in the Philippines folklore. It was said that aswang and other similar creatures were made up by the Spanish friars to instill fear among the Filipinos, notably the natives, so they can spread the Catholic doctrine in the country.
Both the story and the drawings are cleverly thought and plan; readers will enjoy this extraordinary graphic novel, even if you're not entirely fascinated with myths and folklore.
Aswang is one of the famous mythical beings in the Philippines folklore. It was said that aswang and other similar creatures were made up by the Spanish friars to instill fear among the Filipinos, notably the natives, so they can spread the Catholic doctrine in the country.
Both the story and the drawings are cleverly thought and plan; readers will enjoy this extraordinary graphic novel, even if you're not entirely fascinated with myths and folklore.
September 12, 2023
Madugo pa rin. Iba ang dalang takot at pangamba ng librong 'to sa 'kin. Hindi ko ma-explain pero kinakabahan ako habang binabasa ito. Hahaha!
Magandang simula para sa isang komiks. Alam mong tungkol ito sa Aswang pero hindi ka gaanong kasigurado kung saan hahantong ang kwento. Hindi rin naman pasikot-sikot.
Gusto ko rin ang daloy ng kwento at ang mga diyalogo. Miski ang narration ay naka-e-engganyo at nagdadagdag ng kaba sa iyong dibdib.
-----‐--------------------------------
Madugo.
Magandang simula para sa isang komiks. Alam mong tungkol ito sa Aswang pero hindi ka gaanong kasigurado kung saan hahantong ang kwento. Hindi rin naman pasikot-sikot.
Gusto ko rin ang daloy ng kwento at ang mga diyalogo. Miski ang narration ay naka-e-engganyo at nagdadagdag ng kaba sa iyong dibdib.
-----‐--------------------------------
Madugo.
July 7, 2016
I have been suffering a reading slump for two weeks now so I decided to read a comic book.
Tabi Po Isyu 1 (Issue 1), by Mervin Malonzo, was first published online. It tells the story of Elias, a man who woke up inside a tree. He doesn’t remember who he really is and anything from his past, except an image of a girl in his dreams. All he knows is that he feels a terrible hunger in him and he is driven by it.
The only thing that could satisfy his hunger is flesh and blood.
Elias is an aswang, a creature who feeds on human flesh.
The title came from the famous local phrase ‘Tabi-tabi po’, which is a superstitious way of Filipinos to give respect to elementals when passing by these beings’ supposed homes. It is like saying “Excuse me” so that you won’t disturb them and they won’t curse you in return.
This is a historical fiction that goes back to the 1900s, and even way before that, during the Spanish era, when Elias was “born” inside a tree as the monster that he is. He was found in the woods by two others like him, Tasyo and Sabel. The story also features a few characters from Jose Rizal’s classic novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, so it will surely take you back in time.
I rarely read any book in my native language because English is easier for me to understand. So this is one of the rare times I’ve picked up something in Filipino. This comic book is beautifully written. I wish that it could be published in English one day because it is so good! It deserves to be read by more people. Also, it could help promote the Filipino culture, particularly our folklore, to those who are curious about it.
What made the tale more interesting is that it has a religious theme. Faith is a very important and sensitive subject during the Spanish colonization era in the Philippines. This book questions the superiority of man, if he could be a god himself when he has become more powerful than the others.
The art is so good (and bloody!) It was rated for mature readers because of the gore and female breasts that could be seen in the pages. I actually don’t know if I would consider the content too mature. The style the artist used is like raw sketches that he colored with water-color effect, so it’s messy-looking but gorgeous and eye-catching.
I am very excited to read the next issue! I highly recommend this! If you understand the Filipino language, or if you want to learn it, make sure to grab a copy of Tabi Po.
Tabi Po Isyu 1 (Issue 1), by Mervin Malonzo, was first published online. It tells the story of Elias, a man who woke up inside a tree. He doesn’t remember who he really is and anything from his past, except an image of a girl in his dreams. All he knows is that he feels a terrible hunger in him and he is driven by it.
The only thing that could satisfy his hunger is flesh and blood.
Elias is an aswang, a creature who feeds on human flesh.
The title came from the famous local phrase ‘Tabi-tabi po’, which is a superstitious way of Filipinos to give respect to elementals when passing by these beings’ supposed homes. It is like saying “Excuse me” so that you won’t disturb them and they won’t curse you in return.
This is a historical fiction that goes back to the 1900s, and even way before that, during the Spanish era, when Elias was “born” inside a tree as the monster that he is. He was found in the woods by two others like him, Tasyo and Sabel. The story also features a few characters from Jose Rizal’s classic novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, so it will surely take you back in time.
I rarely read any book in my native language because English is easier for me to understand. So this is one of the rare times I’ve picked up something in Filipino. This comic book is beautifully written. I wish that it could be published in English one day because it is so good! It deserves to be read by more people. Also, it could help promote the Filipino culture, particularly our folklore, to those who are curious about it.
What made the tale more interesting is that it has a religious theme. Faith is a very important and sensitive subject during the Spanish colonization era in the Philippines. This book questions the superiority of man, if he could be a god himself when he has become more powerful than the others.
The art is so good (and bloody!) It was rated for mature readers because of the gore and female breasts that could be seen in the pages. I actually don’t know if I would consider the content too mature. The style the artist used is like raw sketches that he colored with water-color effect, so it’s messy-looking but gorgeous and eye-catching.
I am very excited to read the next issue! I highly recommend this! If you understand the Filipino language, or if you want to learn it, make sure to grab a copy of Tabi Po.
May 10, 2014
Tabi Po Isyu 1 is disturbingly delicious. Mervin Malonzo's art is incredible. There is poetry in his writing and drawing style - the movements are fast, unforgivable, sensual, and gracefully alive. Facial expressions are spot-on. The warm sepia color palette perfectly fits the Spanish era horror story.
While the Watchmen zoom-out technique at the start of a chapter felt a bit overused and the "Mga Tala ni Simon" is even similar to Alan Moore's narrative snippets, it is just plain stupid for me to complain because Tabi Po is sheer awesomeness. So humayo kayo, go with your impulsive hearts and buy this.
With Kikomachine, Zaturnnah, Trese, and now Tabi Po, Visprint Inc. has to change their name to Visprint Comics. Seriously. You guys deliver Rak en Rol quality prints.
While the Watchmen zoom-out technique at the start of a chapter felt a bit overused and the "Mga Tala ni Simon" is even similar to Alan Moore's narrative snippets, it is just plain stupid for me to complain because Tabi Po is sheer awesomeness. So humayo kayo, go with your impulsive hearts and buy this.
With Kikomachine, Zaturnnah, Trese, and now Tabi Po, Visprint Inc. has to change their name to Visprint Comics. Seriously. You guys deliver Rak en Rol quality prints.
December 26, 2014
This is a book that pushes the boundaries of what is currently done in Filipino graphic novels. It is unlike what came before it. Instead of detailed sequential panels and pages rendered in pencil and ink, this with fully painted visuals that could ascends into the category most narrow-minded people consider high art.
Believe me, the comicbook and the graphic novel are true art it is just that it is pretty awe-inspiring to see Tabi Po creator Marvin Malonzo bring his art to this high a level and taking us readers along for the ride.
The Philippine mythology has always been a ready wellspring for the Filipino graphic novelist and Malonzo drew from the same well as Tan and Baldisimo's Trese, Sta. Maria and Ignacio's Skyworld and Erik Matti's Tiktik. it was really cool to see how Malonzo redo the Malakas and Maganda creation myth. Aswang really are as much as nature's creation as man is, springing from the same earth as primordial man.
If one is into Philippine comics or just looking for great stories, this one is for you.
Believe me, the comicbook and the graphic novel are true art it is just that it is pretty awe-inspiring to see Tabi Po creator Marvin Malonzo bring his art to this high a level and taking us readers along for the ride.
The Philippine mythology has always been a ready wellspring for the Filipino graphic novelist and Malonzo drew from the same well as Tan and Baldisimo's Trese, Sta. Maria and Ignacio's Skyworld and Erik Matti's Tiktik. it was really cool to see how Malonzo redo the Malakas and Maganda creation myth. Aswang really are as much as nature's creation as man is, springing from the same earth as primordial man.
If one is into Philippine comics or just looking for great stories, this one is for you.
October 26, 2014
Maganda yong drowing dahil Pinoy na pinoy yong mga karakter. Pango ang ilong noong tatlong bida at di nagkukunwaring dayuhan o gaya sa ginagawa ng ibang ilustrador. Pati ang mga pangalan ng mga tauhan: si Elias ang batang lalaking aswang at sina Tasyo at Sabel ang mag-asawang aswang din. Si Elias ay laging walang damit kagaya ng nasa pabalat. Si Tasyo at Sabel, minsan nakadamit Kastila (dahil yan yong panahon na una silang naging aswang) at madalas ay nakahubad din? Bakit sila nakahubad kapag nagiging aswang, hindi ko alam. Uso naman ngayon ang mga hubad. Kaya habang nagbabasa ka, kung mahilig ka sa horror, siguro matatakot ka. Kung di ka naman mahilig sa horror, at mahilig ka sa sex, siguro malilibugan ka. O siguro pareho. Kaso, ako hindi kahit alin dyan. Kaya okay lang sa akin ang graphic novel na ito. Nag-enjoy na lang ako sa masining na pagkaka-drowing ng komiks. Kakaiba at may kulay. Parang naisip ko tuloy, sana colored na kagaya nito ang Trese siguro mas nagustuhan ko pa ang illustration noon.
Kuwento? Puwede na. Yong ideya na di tumatanda, parang Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire (3 stars) na ginaya ni Stephanie Meyer sa Twilight (2 stars) kaya nang binabasa ko ito, sana sabi ko ginawan naman ng ibang dahilan. Mahirap kasing gawin yan dito sa Pilipinas. Maliit lang ang bansa natin, mabubuko at mabubuko sila lalo na't pumapatay sila ng tao dahil mabango (Twilight lang talaga). Cum Laude pa naman si Mervin Malonzo sa UP, alam ko marami pa siyang puwedeng isipin para maging orihinal naman kahit kaunti.
Ka kabuuhan, okay lang sa akin ang librong ito. Di ko gusto, di ko rin naman ayaw. Pero hindi ko itatapon o ipamimigay ang kopya ko. Kasi magandang ikolekta dahil maganda ang pabalat, maputi ang papel at higit sa lahat, Pinoy ito.
Sariling atin.
Kuwento? Puwede na. Yong ideya na di tumatanda, parang Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire (3 stars) na ginaya ni Stephanie Meyer sa Twilight (2 stars) kaya nang binabasa ko ito, sana sabi ko ginawan naman ng ibang dahilan. Mahirap kasing gawin yan dito sa Pilipinas. Maliit lang ang bansa natin, mabubuko at mabubuko sila lalo na't pumapatay sila ng tao dahil mabango (Twilight lang talaga). Cum Laude pa naman si Mervin Malonzo sa UP, alam ko marami pa siyang puwedeng isipin para maging orihinal naman kahit kaunti.
Ka kabuuhan, okay lang sa akin ang librong ito. Di ko gusto, di ko rin naman ayaw. Pero hindi ko itatapon o ipamimigay ang kopya ko. Kasi magandang ikolekta dahil maganda ang pabalat, maputi ang papel at higit sa lahat, Pinoy ito.
Sariling atin.
October 28, 2020
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
I'm not really into gory stories, but I enjoyed reading this!
I absolutely loved the captivating art style. This book should have been a quick read, but it took me a while to finish it because I couldn't stop staring at the pages for a long time! The sketchy and watercolor style was just... ahh, I have no words for it, except that it's AMAZING!!
The story that centers around Filipino mythology got me hooked as well. I also really liked how the author used the names of characters from Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
All in all, this was a great read and I am mentally kicking myself for not reading this sooner!
I'm so excited to read the next issues!
I'm not really into gory stories, but I enjoyed reading this!
I absolutely loved the captivating art style. This book should have been a quick read, but it took me a while to finish it because I couldn't stop staring at the pages for a long time! The sketchy and watercolor style was just... ahh, I have no words for it, except that it's AMAZING!!
The story that centers around Filipino mythology got me hooked as well. I also really liked how the author used the names of characters from Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
All in all, this was a great read and I am mentally kicking myself for not reading this sooner!
I'm so excited to read the next issues!
December 14, 2015
Unang Sagpang
(Book Review ng Tabi Po: Isyu 1 ni Mervin Malonzo)
Mula sa saling-bibig, mitlohiya, at maging sa popular na media, gaya ng telebisyon, radyo, pelikula, at komiks, palasak na larawan ang aswang bilang tagapaghasik ng lagim dala ng hindi masawata nitong kagutuman sa dugo at laman ng tao’t hayop. Sa grapikong nobela ni Mervin Malonzo ay kakaibang imahe ng aswang ang kanyang ipinakikita sa mambabasa; oo nga’t narito pa rin ang karaniwan nitong katangiang walang habas na pagkahayok sa dugo at laman, ngunit sa unang isyu ng komiks na ito’y minamapa ang pinagmulan maging ang isipan ng isang kinatatakutang nilalang ng dilim.
Unang kong nalaman ang tungkol sa Tabi Po mula sa blog ni Budjette Tan, may-akda ng Trese, nang isa pa itong papasikat pa lang na web komiks. Sa uri ng madugong dibuho pa lang nito’y nakita ko nang may kakaiba inihahain si Mervin Malonzo sa mga mambabasa ng Pinoy komiks dahil iba ang atake at tinatahak na istorya nito mula sa mga kauring babasahin. Linggo-linggo kong inaabangan ang pag-upload ni Mervin ng bagong isyu, at naging saksi rin ako sa paglulunsad ng logo nito at maging ng ilang ginawang pagbabago para sa website. Masasabi ko rin na isa ako sa kanyang mga masugid na mambabasa na nangungulit sa kanya na sana’y mailathala ang Tabi Po at kung maaari pa nga’y ilabas ito nang “in full color”.
Pangunahing inilalahad sa Tabi Po ang buhay ni Elias. Sa unang isyu ay tampok ang kanyang simulang pag-iral sa mundo nang bigla siya lumabas o masasabing isinilang mula sa isang puno sa kasukalan ng gubat. Sa simula’y walang alaala si Elias kung sino siya. Ang tanging kanyang natatandaan ay ang imahe ng isang babae mula sa kanyang panaginip. Matapos nito’y masasaksihan natin ang ikalawang bahagi ng kanyang pagsilang bilang aswang mula sa kanyang unang pagpatay dala ng matinding kagutuman sa dugo’t laman hanggang sa makilala ang dalawa sa kanyang mga kauri, sina Tasyo at Sabel.
Lunduyan ng Tabi Po ang masining na pagkakadibuho ni Malonzo, at di malayong maihahambing na waring ipininta ang bawat panel ng komiks; may angking daloy at sining ang pagkakawarat ng mga laman, ang pagwakwak ng mga leeg, ang tilamsik ng dugo. Ang estilo na rin ng kanyang pagguhit ang masasabing puwersa magigiit sa mambabasa na buklatin pa ang mga pahina upang tunghayan ang buhay nila Elias, Tasyo at Sabel habang kanilang tinatalunton ang magkabilang panig ng pamumuhay kung paanong makikitungo sa mga tao, na siyang pumapapawi ng kanilang gutom, at patuloy pang pagtalos sa kanilang uri bilang aswang.
Tulad na nga ng napuna ng iba, at tahasang pahayag ng may-akda, ang Tabi Po ay may ilang pag-uugnay (direkta man o palihis) sa dalawang dakilang akda ni Rizal, ang Noli Me Tangere at El FIlibusterismo. Patunay nga rito ang pangalang ginamit sa pangunahing tauhan kasama ng paglalangkap ng mga kilalang karakter mula sa mga nasabing nobela partikular sina Kapitan Tiyago at Padre Damaso. Hindi ko tuloy maiwasang isipin ang kinaabangan kong tagpo kung kailan magkikita sina Elias at Crisostomo Ibarra, iyan ay kung intensyon nga ba ni Malonzo na magpakita si Ibarra sa mga susunod na isyu. Isa rin ito sa mga dahilan kung bakit ko nagustuhan ang komiks sapagka’t may potensyal itong buhayin ang interes sa Noli at Fili lalo na para sa kasalukuyang henerasyon kasama na sa masinsing pagbabasa ng mga naturang akda.
Batid ko nang matapos ang komiks ay puputaktiin ako ng napakaraming katanungan: sino ang babae sa panaginip ni Elias? Hanggang kailan nila Elias, Tasyo, at Sabel matatago ang lihim ng kanilang kakaibang katangian? Bukod ba sa kanila’y may mga kauri rin sila mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa? Sino si Simon at anong kahalagahan ng kanyang ng mga tala pati na rin ng kanyang kaugnayan sa mga nasabing tauhan, ‘yan ay kung mayroon man? Mga tanong itong patuloy na gigiit sa aking isipan at asamin ang mga susunod pang isyu ng Tabi Po.
_________________________
Detayle ng Aklat:
Nilathala ng Visprint
(Trade Paperback, Unang Limbag, Marso 2014)
130 Pahina
Unang Binasa: Nobyembre 19, 2014
Muling Binasa: Nobyembre 19, 2015
[Mababasa ang book review na ito at iba pa mula sa aking book blog: Dark Chest of Wonders ]
(Book Review ng Tabi Po: Isyu 1 ni Mervin Malonzo)
Mula sa saling-bibig, mitlohiya, at maging sa popular na media, gaya ng telebisyon, radyo, pelikula, at komiks, palasak na larawan ang aswang bilang tagapaghasik ng lagim dala ng hindi masawata nitong kagutuman sa dugo at laman ng tao’t hayop. Sa grapikong nobela ni Mervin Malonzo ay kakaibang imahe ng aswang ang kanyang ipinakikita sa mambabasa; oo nga’t narito pa rin ang karaniwan nitong katangiang walang habas na pagkahayok sa dugo at laman, ngunit sa unang isyu ng komiks na ito’y minamapa ang pinagmulan maging ang isipan ng isang kinatatakutang nilalang ng dilim.
Unang kong nalaman ang tungkol sa Tabi Po mula sa blog ni Budjette Tan, may-akda ng Trese, nang isa pa itong papasikat pa lang na web komiks. Sa uri ng madugong dibuho pa lang nito’y nakita ko nang may kakaiba inihahain si Mervin Malonzo sa mga mambabasa ng Pinoy komiks dahil iba ang atake at tinatahak na istorya nito mula sa mga kauring babasahin. Linggo-linggo kong inaabangan ang pag-upload ni Mervin ng bagong isyu, at naging saksi rin ako sa paglulunsad ng logo nito at maging ng ilang ginawang pagbabago para sa website. Masasabi ko rin na isa ako sa kanyang mga masugid na mambabasa na nangungulit sa kanya na sana’y mailathala ang Tabi Po at kung maaari pa nga’y ilabas ito nang “in full color”.
Pangunahing inilalahad sa Tabi Po ang buhay ni Elias. Sa unang isyu ay tampok ang kanyang simulang pag-iral sa mundo nang bigla siya lumabas o masasabing isinilang mula sa isang puno sa kasukalan ng gubat. Sa simula’y walang alaala si Elias kung sino siya. Ang tanging kanyang natatandaan ay ang imahe ng isang babae mula sa kanyang panaginip. Matapos nito’y masasaksihan natin ang ikalawang bahagi ng kanyang pagsilang bilang aswang mula sa kanyang unang pagpatay dala ng matinding kagutuman sa dugo’t laman hanggang sa makilala ang dalawa sa kanyang mga kauri, sina Tasyo at Sabel.
Lunduyan ng Tabi Po ang masining na pagkakadibuho ni Malonzo, at di malayong maihahambing na waring ipininta ang bawat panel ng komiks; may angking daloy at sining ang pagkakawarat ng mga laman, ang pagwakwak ng mga leeg, ang tilamsik ng dugo. Ang estilo na rin ng kanyang pagguhit ang masasabing puwersa magigiit sa mambabasa na buklatin pa ang mga pahina upang tunghayan ang buhay nila Elias, Tasyo at Sabel habang kanilang tinatalunton ang magkabilang panig ng pamumuhay kung paanong makikitungo sa mga tao, na siyang pumapapawi ng kanilang gutom, at patuloy pang pagtalos sa kanilang uri bilang aswang.
Tulad na nga ng napuna ng iba, at tahasang pahayag ng may-akda, ang Tabi Po ay may ilang pag-uugnay (direkta man o palihis) sa dalawang dakilang akda ni Rizal, ang Noli Me Tangere at El FIlibusterismo. Patunay nga rito ang pangalang ginamit sa pangunahing tauhan kasama ng paglalangkap ng mga kilalang karakter mula sa mga nasabing nobela partikular sina Kapitan Tiyago at Padre Damaso. Hindi ko tuloy maiwasang isipin ang kinaabangan kong tagpo kung kailan magkikita sina Elias at Crisostomo Ibarra, iyan ay kung intensyon nga ba ni Malonzo na magpakita si Ibarra sa mga susunod na isyu. Isa rin ito sa mga dahilan kung bakit ko nagustuhan ang komiks sapagka’t may potensyal itong buhayin ang interes sa Noli at Fili lalo na para sa kasalukuyang henerasyon kasama na sa masinsing pagbabasa ng mga naturang akda.
Batid ko nang matapos ang komiks ay puputaktiin ako ng napakaraming katanungan: sino ang babae sa panaginip ni Elias? Hanggang kailan nila Elias, Tasyo, at Sabel matatago ang lihim ng kanilang kakaibang katangian? Bukod ba sa kanila’y may mga kauri rin sila mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa? Sino si Simon at anong kahalagahan ng kanyang ng mga tala pati na rin ng kanyang kaugnayan sa mga nasabing tauhan, ‘yan ay kung mayroon man? Mga tanong itong patuloy na gigiit sa aking isipan at asamin ang mga susunod pang isyu ng Tabi Po.
_________________________
Detayle ng Aklat:
Nilathala ng Visprint
(Trade Paperback, Unang Limbag, Marso 2014)
130 Pahina
Unang Binasa: Nobyembre 19, 2014
Muling Binasa: Nobyembre 19, 2015
[Mababasa ang book review na ito at iba pa mula sa aking book blog: Dark Chest of Wonders ]
December 20, 2015
Para sa gustong magpakalalim, o magpakababaw, o para sa mga taong nais lang namang mairaos ang hilig nila sa pagbabasa ng komiks, ito ay inirerekumenda kong babasahin para sa inyo.
Ngunit isang babala, dahil unti-unti ay madadala ka sa bawat pahina, at mapapalalim ang ano mang kuneksiyon ang nasimulang mabuo sa unang pagsilip mo sa librong ito. Isa pa sa ikinaganda ng komiks na ito na tiyak ko namang natatangi ay ang istilo ng pagkakaguhit. Idagdag na natin sa puntos kung bakit ko ito nagustuhan at sisiguraduhing susubaybayan hanggang sa makumpleto ay ang pagiging makulit ng isipan ni Mervin Malonzo, maraming nakatago na tanging isang taong maranong magbasa lang ng komiks ang makakakita (na maging ako ay pag-aaralan kung papano intindihin ang komiks sa pagitan ng bawat panel). Malihim ang akdang ito, hindi mo maitatangging maraming lihim ang mauungkat pa sa pagkatao ng bawat karakter.
Sa huling sabi, isa itong obrang totoong pinag-isipan na maging ang ang gumawa ay sabik na sundan kung ano pang puwedeng mangyaryi sa mga susunod na kabanata.
Ngunit isang babala, dahil unti-unti ay madadala ka sa bawat pahina, at mapapalalim ang ano mang kuneksiyon ang nasimulang mabuo sa unang pagsilip mo sa librong ito. Isa pa sa ikinaganda ng komiks na ito na tiyak ko namang natatangi ay ang istilo ng pagkakaguhit. Idagdag na natin sa puntos kung bakit ko ito nagustuhan at sisiguraduhing susubaybayan hanggang sa makumpleto ay ang pagiging makulit ng isipan ni Mervin Malonzo, maraming nakatago na tanging isang taong maranong magbasa lang ng komiks ang makakakita (na maging ako ay pag-aaralan kung papano intindihin ang komiks sa pagitan ng bawat panel). Malihim ang akdang ito, hindi mo maitatangging maraming lihim ang mauungkat pa sa pagkatao ng bawat karakter.
Sa huling sabi, isa itong obrang totoong pinag-isipan na maging ang ang gumawa ay sabik na sundan kung ano pang puwedeng mangyaryi sa mga susunod na kabanata.
April 28, 2014
I've heard about this book through the Visprint authors that I follow on Facebook. I also heard about the rave reviews and I was extremely interested as I like reading about local myths, particularly about aswangs. What I liked about this book was the gorgeous art and the language used to tell the story. Malonzo's art is truly one-of-a-kind: rich in detail, eerie and mysterious just like the story itself. I love how he used pure Tagalog in his prose (my only gripe was "nanaman", but that's just nitpicking) which completely set the mood for the horror and macabre.
This is just the first book in a series and it already won me over. As usual, Visprint gave me the best value for my money. Malonzo's work is an instant buy.
This is just the first book in a series and it already won me over. As usual, Visprint gave me the best value for my money. Malonzo's work is an instant buy.
August 17, 2014
This comic book is originally a webcomics written in Tagalog and can be viewed for free at http://www.tabi-po.com/isyu/unang-akl....
Its story explores the local lore of the Philippines particularly the aswang, while employing some familiar characters from Jose Rizal's novels like Elias, Salome, Tasyo and Padre Damaso. What's so brilliant about it is it's in full color!--something very rare among published comics in the Philippines.
Issue #2 is coming out soon as well as its English translations. Malonzo is a graduate of Fine Arts major in Painting at the University of the Philippines.
Its story explores the local lore of the Philippines particularly the aswang, while employing some familiar characters from Jose Rizal's novels like Elias, Salome, Tasyo and Padre Damaso. What's so brilliant about it is it's in full color!--something very rare among published comics in the Philippines.
Issue #2 is coming out soon as well as its English translations. Malonzo is a graduate of Fine Arts major in Painting at the University of the Philippines.
September 30, 2014
Loved this book! An awesome reinvention of the cliche Philippine mythologies I hated so much, a life of an aswang retold in a protagonist's perspective. It reminds me so much how cool was the first Trese book was. I think the main reason why I love this book is it's an adaptation of 'Interview with the Vampire' in a Filipino setting. The storyline is very similar, where they move from nayon to nayon. And I'm a huge fan of that book and seeing it in a more familiar is cool.
Malonzo's distinct art and style gives life to the story. It suits the eery feel perfectly. His visual storytelling is also good. That panel where they dressed like the holy family is a memorable one. Though some panels seems lazy, especially the action scenes.
Malonzo's distinct art and style gives life to the story. It suits the eery feel perfectly. His visual storytelling is also good. That panel where they dressed like the holy family is a memorable one. Though some panels seems lazy, especially the action scenes.
January 15, 2015
Paano ba dapat bigyan ng rating ang comic books at graphic novels? Batay ba sa kwento lamang? Sa pagkaguhit? 50-50 yung dalawa? Mahirap!
Ang una mo talagang mapapansin sa Tabi Po ay ang estilo ng pagkaguhit ng mga larawan at ang grapikal (graphic?) na paglalarawan sa katawan ng mga karakter at sa mga pangyayari. Dugo ba ang hanap mo? Laman o hubong katawan? Kung ang Twilight na di ko nabasa ay pinaghalo ang horror (elemento ng bampira sa kwento) at ka-cheesyhan (romansa), itong Tabi Po ay pinaghalo ang horror (elemento ng aswang at pagpaslang) at sekswal (mga hubad na katawan). Ang isyung ito ay nakakabitin at babasahin ko pa ang mga susunod.
Ang una mo talagang mapapansin sa Tabi Po ay ang estilo ng pagkaguhit ng mga larawan at ang grapikal (graphic?) na paglalarawan sa katawan ng mga karakter at sa mga pangyayari. Dugo ba ang hanap mo? Laman o hubong katawan? Kung ang Twilight na di ko nabasa ay pinaghalo ang horror (elemento ng bampira sa kwento) at ka-cheesyhan (romansa), itong Tabi Po ay pinaghalo ang horror (elemento ng aswang at pagpaslang) at sekswal (mga hubad na katawan). Ang isyung ito ay nakakabitin at babasahin ko pa ang mga susunod.
October 1, 2013
Actually sa website ko lang siya nabasa. Aantayin ko yung publish ng Visprint this 2014, swear bibili ako. Haha! Sobrang ganda, the best. Astig! Haha sorry puro adjectives na lang, pag kase nagtype pa 'ko, magiging spoiler ako.
Sana basahin n'yo sa website 'tong Tabi Po. Please sige na. Para may kadamay ako. Haha. Basta. Nakakainis. 2am pa naman ako nagbasa nun grrrrrr hahhaahaha =))
Sana basahin n'yo sa website 'tong Tabi Po. Please sige na. Para may kadamay ako. Haha. Basta. Nakakainis. 2am pa naman ako nagbasa nun grrrrrr hahhaahaha =))
January 1, 2015
Bumabaligtad ang sikmura ko habang binabasa pero hindi ko mabitawan.
November 1, 2014
Good, interesting story. Beautiful art. Excited for the next volume!
October 10, 2018
sOMEDAY GIVE ME ISYU 2!!!
September 5, 2015
This is one of those books where the art is what drives the story it tells. Seriously, the art style is disturbingly brilliant! Every bit of it is just well produced and very easy on the eyes - I mean if your eyes aren't that conservative in terms of blood and butchery and slaughter. This here is not for your eyes kiddos.
Plotwise, it lays out a pretty good design and direction to which story it wants to portray. It keeps me as a reader interested even with every little detail there is that's being served on the table. The continuity is great since it does not leave you puzzled in how each chapter intertwines. It left me excited to get on with the second issue. Characterizations on the other hand was well constructed and structured appealingly magnificent. Simply put, the book is well written. But like I said, this is one of those comics where the art itself is what takes you for the ride and well, in my case - I'm really enjoying it. I'm lost for words for the art style and illustrations really. It's that brilliant that it leaves me speechless. Now if a local comics can be this great and beautifully drawn, it makes me feel like I should raise my standards on other foreign comics in terms of art!!
Beautifully done sir Mervin Malonzo. I'd like to let you know that your title, Tabi Po - makes me so proud that I was born a Filipino. Thank you. I cannot wait to see where Elias' journey take me on the next volumes.
Plotwise, it lays out a pretty good design and direction to which story it wants to portray. It keeps me as a reader interested even with every little detail there is that's being served on the table. The continuity is great since it does not leave you puzzled in how each chapter intertwines. It left me excited to get on with the second issue. Characterizations on the other hand was well constructed and structured appealingly magnificent. Simply put, the book is well written. But like I said, this is one of those comics where the art itself is what takes you for the ride and well, in my case - I'm really enjoying it. I'm lost for words for the art style and illustrations really. It's that brilliant that it leaves me speechless. Now if a local comics can be this great and beautifully drawn, it makes me feel like I should raise my standards on other foreign comics in terms of art!!
Beautifully done sir Mervin Malonzo. I'd like to let you know that your title, Tabi Po - makes me so proud that I was born a Filipino. Thank you. I cannot wait to see where Elias' journey take me on the next volumes.
September 12, 2015
Una, maganda ang pagkakadrawing. Di ito tipikal komiks na nakasanayan ko (na kumporme't nakakatawa, pang-aliw lang ba talaga). Pangalawa, ang mga pangalan. Di gumamit ng Jennifer, Paulo o Mary Jane. Ang mga pangalan e hango sa mga pangalan ng mga tauhan sa nobela ni Rizal. Pangatlo, ang kwento. Siguro hindi na bago sa iba ang mga ganitong kwento pero sakin kasing nagsisimula pa lang tumuklas ng ibang komiks maliban pa kay Manix, bago pa ang mga ganito. Lalo na sa mga aswang aswang. Nakakadiri na nakakatakot, parang habang nagbabasa jusko paano na lang kung yung nakakasalubong ko sa daan e naghihintay lang ng pagkakataon na makuha ang laman ko? As in puso, atay, bituka etc.
November 17, 2014
DABEST SA DUGUAN! :D
May 15, 2015
I love the friggin art!
July 7, 2014
Madugo, pare.
October 13, 2021
+Isang kasiyahan ang magbasa ng gawa at guhit ni Sir Mervin Malonzo.
+Maraming madugo at kapana-panabik na pangyayari. Hindi ako makapaniwala na napakaganda ng pagkakaguhit sa mga tauhan dito.
+Nakakatakot at nakakakaba ang bawat pahina. Idagdag pa ang itchura ng mga karakter. Hindi lang panay magandang guhit, may makabuluhang istoryang inilalahad tungkol sa mga ASWANG.
+Panibagong paborito.
+Maraming madugo at kapana-panabik na pangyayari. Hindi ako makapaniwala na napakaganda ng pagkakaguhit sa mga tauhan dito.
+Nakakatakot at nakakakaba ang bawat pahina. Idagdag pa ang itchura ng mga karakter. Hindi lang panay magandang guhit, may makabuluhang istoryang inilalahad tungkol sa mga ASWANG.
+Panibagong paborito.
September 11, 2019
Tabi Po is a graphic novel by Mervin Malonzo. It's a story about Filipino mythical creatures called Aswang. The first issue is such a good set up for what to expect in the upcoming novels. The color grading goes well with the setting of the story, which is in the Spanish era. I'm so excited for my second issue!
July 31, 2020
#Wikathon is off to a good start. Immensely enjoyed this comics, the only issue I have is it ended so soon, I want more! I love the art — beautiful, vivid and gory. The best companion on a late Friday afternoon. I love the use of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo character names. I commend how it manages to be mysterious and truly engaging at the same time! Capturing true Filipino setting! Gahh I just want more!
October 28, 2018
I am not proud to say this but I am not really a big fan of Philippine Literature so most of my books are written by foreign authors. My reason is that our literature today is saturated by stories which are either cliche or a rip-off from a foreign material. Tabi Po is not one of them. I first discovered this when I saw this in a bookstore and the cover really got me. I became curious so I checked it online and I fell in love with the story right away.
There are many things to like in this graphic novel: cohesive storytelling, great art and authentic material but what I most like about Tabi Po is its reference to our own folklore and literature. A story about Aswangs (which I first heard from my grandparents), character names from Noli / El Fili and Filipino culture that I truly recognize? This is something to commend and be proud of.
There are many things to like in this graphic novel: cohesive storytelling, great art and authentic material but what I most like about Tabi Po is its reference to our own folklore and literature. A story about Aswangs (which I first heard from my grandparents), character names from Noli / El Fili and Filipino culture that I truly recognize? This is something to commend and be proud of.
May 21, 2015
1, Ang ganda ng art nito.
2, Intriguing yung premise, love the fact na historical siya, at tungkol pa kina Elias at Salome. Ito ba yung Elias at Salome ni Rizal?
3, Inedit ni Adam David 'yung narrative. Cool.
4, Medyo iffy ako sa language na ginagamit ng mga characters actually. Not sure how this plays out with the timeline it's set in pero: most probably kasi maraming taong nag-Eespanyol nung panahong 'yon and it's not like maiintindihan ko pag nag-Espanyol nga sila. I'm pretty sure may Tagalog at slang naman sila. I actually have little to no idea how ordinary people spoke during those times, bilang yung mga nobela etc. nasulat non eh sinulat ng mga gaya ni Rizal na edukado naman.
5, Will read the next volume soon.
2, Intriguing yung premise, love the fact na historical siya, at tungkol pa kina Elias at Salome. Ito ba yung Elias at Salome ni Rizal?
3, Inedit ni Adam David 'yung narrative. Cool.
4, Medyo iffy ako sa language na ginagamit ng mga characters actually. Not sure how this plays out with the timeline it's set in pero: most probably kasi maraming taong nag-Eespanyol nung panahong 'yon and it's not like maiintindihan ko pag nag-Espanyol nga sila. I'm pretty sure may Tagalog at slang naman sila. I actually have little to no idea how ordinary people spoke during those times, bilang yung mga nobela etc. nasulat non eh sinulat ng mga gaya ni Rizal na edukado naman.
5, Will read the next volume soon.
August 7, 2020
This is my first attempt at the world of graphic novels, and I am not disappointed.
It featured the Filipino folklore of aswangs and the use of notable characters from Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, so while the world was different, it was very familiar at the same time. It tackled very pressing issues that are present even up to these times. I also loved how this story played with the ideas of what is good and evil. The art and language were just phenomenal, and it really depicted and complimented the gore and horror vibes of the story. I never expected that I would be reading this through so quickly in one sitting!
I need to read book 2 now!
It featured the Filipino folklore of aswangs and the use of notable characters from Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, so while the world was different, it was very familiar at the same time. It tackled very pressing issues that are present even up to these times. I also loved how this story played with the ideas of what is good and evil. The art and language were just phenomenal, and it really depicted and complimented the gore and horror vibes of the story. I never expected that I would be reading this through so quickly in one sitting!
I need to read book 2 now!
January 15, 2016
Note: I'm not a hardcore comic reader.
Actually, aside from Manix Abrera's komiks, I don't really read komiks that much. Haha!
So when I bought a copy of this book for our monthly read, I didn't have any expectations.
Okay, game.
...
It was nice. Hahaha!
Interesting concept, story. : ))
I'm not a fan of the 'messy look' in reads though. I prefer the 'clean-cut'. But since this komiks was about flesh-eating monsters, I guess the messy look works for the gory scenes.
Pero maganda. Ang ganda nung arts. Hehe!
Actually, aside from Manix Abrera's komiks, I don't really read komiks that much. Haha!
So when I bought a copy of this book for our monthly read, I didn't have any expectations.
Okay, game.
...
It was nice. Hahaha!
Interesting concept, story. : ))
I'm not a fan of the 'messy look' in reads though. I prefer the 'clean-cut'. But since this komiks was about flesh-eating monsters, I guess the messy look works for the gory scenes.
Pero maganda. Ang ganda nung arts. Hehe!
November 16, 2014
This reads like a slice-of-life seinen manga, only it's horror and deeply steeped in Filipino culture. I love how the dark and broody art (reminiscent of Hiroaki Samura) strengthens the storytelling. It's not an action-packed story, despite the subject matter, but I felt like the languid pace helped me relate to the presumably unrelatable characters (uhm, Aswangs?) more. Definitely want more, especially since it ends in a cliffhanger. Fortunately, we already have the second volume, too.
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