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Review: Trinidad #1: Cold Call

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Trinidad #1: Cold Call

One of the best movies of 2018, was Sorry To Bother You. The movie shined a light on big business, code switching, and the everyday struggle, but also on the much-maligned occupation of cold caller.  It highlighted just how bad these men and women are treated. I can honestly say I have hung up on a few cold callers who would mess up my name.

The movie touched on many controversial subjects while blending many science fiction tropes and cultural epitaphs. It made this otherwise forgettable job relatable. We always forget that they’re people too, doing a job to pay their bills. In Trinidad#1: Cold Call, we sit through a day as one cold caller is looking to make it until her shift is over.

We meet Trinidad, on her first day at her new job and gets acclimated to its extremely busy atmosphere. As she sees that many of her coworkers either read from a script or try to relate with their customers. As she looks at her call list, the only thing on her mind, is to not ruin her first call. By issue’s end, her proclivities get the best of her to amusing results.

Overall, it’s an interesting story that shows both the demand of a job dealing with so many customers and the relatability of those who do it. The story by Trinidad Escobar is hilarious and refreshing. The art by Escobar is vivid and sophisticated. Altogether, an excellent comic book which will leave readers in stitches.

Story: Trinidad Escobar Art: Trinidad Escobar
Story: 10 Art: 9.4 Overall: 9.6 Recommendation: Buy

Review: Bruhas

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Bruhas

Mythology allows the world to tells its story through legends, gods, goddesses, and monsters. The world has always celebrated mythology in some for or another. When people usually think of “mythology,” a thought that comes up, is that it’s not real. Some stories are told as warnings not just for children but for adults.

One such country is the Philippines, which has its own sets of monsters, angels, gods and goddesses, and an expansive pantheon of heroes.  In Bruhas, cartoonist, Trinidad Escobar brings to life, many of these creatures from Filipino mythology.

One of the first monsters is, “Manananggal,” a monster who looks human by day, but becomes a monster by night, feeding on travelers and unborn babies. Another monster is a “Siocoy,” a troll or elf with black shiny skin, which resembles an orc, who lives near rivers as Filipino children are told to stay away from water during the dry season. One monster I used to hear my grandparents talk about is the “Mumu,” which are ghosts as we were warned as children to “pag-pag,” which means to lead them somewhere else. Then there is the “Sirena,” which are water protectors, much like mermaids, and depending on which story, may even be like sirens. There is the “Tikbalang,” who are fierce proectors of holy places and they may escort to the afterlife. There is “Manananem,” who are also known as “bruhas” or witches who possess mystical knowledge which they use over humans. One of my favorites, is the “Lutao,” which are one of the many different types of zombies, which are known to scrape their way out of their graves. The last one I will highlight, is the “mandarangkal,” a bloodsucker, or vampire who seduces men and devours them whole.

Overall, this book is a welcome addition to any household. The world is full of stories and learning about this mythology and folklore only enriches one’s self. The mythology as told by Escobar is relatable and entertaining. The art by Escobar is beautiful and awe-inspiring. Altogether, as Escobar eloquently says in her preface, this serves an excellent grimoire or bestiary, to understand such a diverse lore.

Story: Trinidad Escobar Art: Trinidad Escobar
Story: 10 Art: 9.7 Overall: 9.9 Recommendation: Buy