After Lambana: A Graphic Novel: Myth and Magic in Manila
by Eliza Victoria, Mervin Malonzo (Illustrator)
On This Page
Description
Immerse yourself in a fantasy world of Filipino myth, magic, and supernatural suspense! Lambana--the realm of supernatural fairies known as Diwata--has fallen, and the Magic Prohibition Act has been enacted. To add to his troubles, there's something wrong with Conrad's heart and only magic can prolong his life. He teams up with Ignacio, a well-connected friend who promises to hook him up with the Diwata and their magical treatments--a quest that's not only risky but highly illegal! On the show more shadowy, noir-tinged streets of Manila, multiple realities co-exist and intertwine as the two friends seek a cure for the magical malady. Slinky sirens and roaming wraith-like spirits populate a parallel world ruled by corruption and greed, which Conrad must enter to find the cure he seeks. He has little idea of the creatures he will encounter and the truths to be revealed along the way. Will Lambana spill its secrets and provide the healing balm Conrad needs? Or will he perish in the process? show lessTags
Recommendations
Member Reviews
(Full disclosure: I received a free e-ARC for review through Edelweiss.)
Set in Manila and unfolding over the course of a single night, AFTER LAMBANA tells the story of two near-strangers, Ignacio and Conrad, who come together in search of a cure for a magical disease.
In this fantasy world - based on Filipino myth - diwata (nature spirits or faeries) and humans once existed side by side. But after the fall of the diwata's realm (Lambana), its door was forever closed to earth, and humans passed the Magic Prohibition Act to strip all remaining diwata of their power. Around the same time, mysterious diseases began plaguing humans. People like Conrad became afflicted with the disease rose, a flower that would bud on one's internal organs show more and blossom into sure death if allowed to take root. Ironically, only the diwata's magic can offer any sort of relief.
As Igancio and Conrad prowl through back alleys, illicit market stalls, and cloaked basements, they also discover more about themselves, each other, and the many conspiracies that link them irrevocably.
AFTER LAMBANA is an enjoyable - if sometimes confusing - read. The cross/double-cross, super-secret spy stuff kind of lost me at the end, but the journey is nothing if not enchanting and aesthetically pleasing. The story has a dark noir vibe that contrasts nicely with the art's bright, vibrant colors. show less
Set in Manila and unfolding over the course of a single night, AFTER LAMBANA tells the story of two near-strangers, Ignacio and Conrad, who come together in search of a cure for a magical disease.
In this fantasy world - based on Filipino myth - diwata (nature spirits or faeries) and humans once existed side by side. But after the fall of the diwata's realm (Lambana), its door was forever closed to earth, and humans passed the Magic Prohibition Act to strip all remaining diwata of their power. Around the same time, mysterious diseases began plaguing humans. People like Conrad became afflicted with the disease rose, a flower that would bud on one's internal organs show more and blossom into sure death if allowed to take root. Ironically, only the diwata's magic can offer any sort of relief.
As Igancio and Conrad prowl through back alleys, illicit market stalls, and cloaked basements, they also discover more about themselves, each other, and the many conspiracies that link them irrevocably.
AFTER LAMBANA is an enjoyable - if sometimes confusing - read. The cross/double-cross, super-secret spy stuff kind of lost me at the end, but the journey is nothing if not enchanting and aesthetically pleasing. The story has a dark noir vibe that contrasts nicely with the art's bright, vibrant colors. show less
I didn't enjoy this story much. While beautifully illustrated with bright colors, the story itself lacked suspense. The characters were not fleshed out at all. I did not either like them or dislike them. It was difficult to figure out what was going on and while I was reading I wondered why I should even care about continuing it. I am not attracted to mythological stories and am completely ignorant regarding Filipino mythology so perhaps this was my problem. Still, myth stories need strong characters and plot to keep a reader interested.
The Filipino myths were interesting, but the execution was confusing.
2.5
2.5
Ratings
Members
- Recently Added By
Author Information
13+ Works 142 Members
Awards and Honors
Awards
Common Knowledge
- Original publication date
- 2022-06-07
- Important places
- Manila, Philippines
- Original language
- English
Classifications
- Genres
- Graphic Novels & Comics, Teen
- DDC/MDS
- 741.5973 — Arts & recreation Drawing & decorative arts Drawing Comic books, graphic novels, fotonovelas, cartoons, caricatures, comic strips History, geographic treatment, biography North American United States (General)
- LCC
- PN6790 .P53 .V55 — Language and Literature Literature (General) Literature (General) Collections of general literature Comic books, strips, etc.
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 33
- Popularity
- 855,806
- Reviews
- 3
- Rating
- (3.25)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 3
- ASINs
- 1
