I am not into graphics novel or comics but I had fun reading Dead Balagtas Tomo 1: Mga Sayaw ng Dagat at Lupa. This graphic novel won the 2018 Madrigal-Gonzales Best First Book Award and 2018 National Book Award for Best Graphic Literature and Best Book Design! (Well-deserved, Ms. author!)
There are three reasons why I enjoyed reading this book.
This book is a combination of science, folktale, and contemporary plot with social relevance. The first few pages feature the creation myth. This is narrated and combined with a modern story in the present. The author perfectly narrates the myth and modern story. Flawless. This has also science-related citations that make the story more interesting.
I also like this book because of the book design. It features traditional patterns that are all amazing. The print, patterns, and color are drawn with passion and effort as in. All of the pages are colored and it is worth the ink. Really.
Lastly, I love this book because it makes its readers aware of some social relevant issues like: labor law, women’s rights, LGBT’s role in the society, how migration affects people, the traffic, and even the technology. Hay. I love the first chapter which is about a boy and a girl who separated way because of you know, dreams. That plot may seem ordinary but the way the author delivered that story is extraordinary. Super.
Everybody should read this book. But, it is quite costly. It is 550, but I got it from Shopee for 365, thanks to the points, discounts, and promos. I had second thoughts of buying it but I think the price is worth it. It is fully covered with bubble wrap when it arrived.
This book is highly recommended. Grab a copy now. SUPER GANDA. PERIOD.
Wanders of Kim 