SKYWORLD
VOL. 1: The plot is all over the place
The
first volume of Skyworld includes Book One: Apocrypha and Book Two: Testament. It
interweaves the stories of Makabo, a Tikbalang prince, Kaptan, a fallen Skygod,
and Rianka, the Queen of the Asuang. In the middle of their struggles is Andoy,
a crippled orphan who turns out to be the fulfilment of a prophecy.
The
first thing that has captured my attention is the writing voice and the
storytelling. They have striking similarities to that of Neil Gaiman’s Sandman.
This is obvious literally from the first page, the opening spiel.
How
the words are used, the scenes portrayed, and presentation of branching plot
points in the volume, have Sandman all over their faces. Really, it is not a
problem if Sandman has been an influence in the work, but the work could have
been better if it has tried using its own style. Budjette Tan’s Trese has its resemblance
in Sandman too, but at least it has developed its own style.
And
since the Sandman is written in a way that is both orderly and scattered,
Skyworld also utilizes this principle. Book One: Apocrypha introduces Andoy,
tells the back-story and struggles of Makabo, and establishes the conflict
between Rianka and Kaptan. And then just leaves me there without any pay-offs.
It gives me an impression that the creators are trying to create an epic, but I
think the plot points are not solid enough to serve as the pillars of such a
story, not to mention that their establishing and concluding are rather
premature.
But Book
Two: Testament somehow redeems the volume. The incorporation of historical
data, such that of Lapu-lapu, in the Skyworld story/mythos has been an
interesting touch. And how the mythos thickens because of the Maharlika and the
Amulet is also nicely done.
But
Book Two: Testament also has its problems. Like its predecessor, it suffers
from premature rising and falling of conflict. This is particularly obvious in
how Rianka has plotted to awaken Bakunawa once again. It appears to be too
abrupt, as if it has been a desperate attempt to a climax. This part is not all
bad however. I like how Alexandra Trese and the Kambal have been featured in
it.
As
for the art style -- okay, before that, let me say it again for new readers: My
comic book reviews focus on the storytelling, and I give little attention to
the art -- As for the art style, it is very detailed, and it has successfully
utilized black and white through plays in shadows. There are also pictures that
are not suitable for the younger audience.
Overall,
I have mixed feelings for Skyworld Vol. 1. What I really like about it is its
attempt to utilize characters and stories from local mythology, and adds a
twist in them to create its own unique tale. And what I don’t like about it is
that everything feels to be premature. I know that the creators have a ton of
ideas for this project, and I think that the project would have been way better
if these ideas are presented smoother. The scattered storytelling has also been
ineffective because of the lack of pages to tell the story. Really, everything
in this volume could have been expanded to more books, and not just two.
Additional
Note: I’m also reviewing Trese comics. You can find the review of the first
volume here. You can navigate through there to see the other volumes.
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