Review: Bayani and the Old Ghosts #1
Kickstarter is almost like a “river of dreams “for creative minds, as it allows you to share your vision with the world, and like minded people. Kickstarter has been responsible for some great comics like Sons of the Devil and Watson and Holmes. Kickstarter, also has been responsible for some strange but amazing comics as well, like God Hates Astronauts, and some downright awful ones, as well, i.e. Sullivan’s Sluggers (Full disclosure, the ones I just mentioned, I have been a backer on all of them). So when the creator of Bayani, reached out to our staff, I was definitely interested, as any good comic, I would love to be part of bringing it in this world, and Kickstarter allows anyone to do that.
As the press release of the comic advertises:
Bayani, a boy of 11, is desperately trying to care for his sick father (a fisherman) and keep food on the table for his small family. Unfortunately, the sun has been shining down on the islands for the last month and night refuses to fall. The land is growing parched from the constant heat and the fish are moving further and further away from shore. During this disaster, the rain god, Pati’, recruits Bayani to undertake a quest rescuing the nine kidnapped daughters of Lady Moon from the horrible monsters of lore. Bayani embarks on a great adventure with his friend, Tala, and using their wits, the kids defeat one hideous creature after another in their quest to rescue each of the Moon’s daughters. This book is designed a bit like an Indiana Jones movie. It’s an adventure through myth and legend. And, like an Indiana Jones flick, the titles change with each issue.
This story is at times familiar, and at times, very new. Bayani comes off like a modern Odysseus, meeting Gods and going on adventures, all to save his father. It also involves many Filipino legends, as many do not know that the Filipino Pantheon is s large as the Greek one, and this is what the creators seem to want to convey to the reader. The ending of the first issue, is satisfying enough and shows why this is a book for all ages.
The story is cleverly written by Travis McIntire and his attention to detail bring is evident in the storytelling. The art by Grant Perkins makes the comic feel like a Saturday morning cartoon. The collaboration shows promise, as they both have unique voice is are definitely able to shine so far. Overall, a comic that is definitely for children, but can speak to the child in all of us.
Story: Travis McIntire Art: Grant Perkins
Story: 8 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Kickstart!
Bayani and the Old Ghosts is the title of issue #1, which has already been completed. I was able to see each stage of the art process, and it looks fantastic! Grant Perkins (Penguins of Madagascar, 2000AD) is doing the penciling, inking, and coloring. Taylor Esposito, a long time letterer for DC Comics, is handling the lettering, while Rich Bloom (C.O.W.L.) designed the logos for each issue. Together the team brought Travis’ story to life, which is packed with cool visuals. The story kicks off with 11-year-old boy Bayani finding himself responsible for feeding his family as he tries to care for his sick father. The sun has been shining down on the islands for a full month without a single nightfall, causing a horrible drought that even drives the fish away from the surrounding area. Before he knows it, the rain god Pati’ has sent Bayani on a quest to rescue the daughters of Lady Moon, who have been kidnapped by horrible monsters from Filipino lore. With his friend Tala along for the journey, they must battle these monsters in hopes of ending the curse on the islands.