Review on: The Mythology Class: A Graphic Novel by Arnold Arre
Rating: 3.5/5
Greek and Roman mythology, Japanese mythology, Norse mythology, a lot has been written about mythology from other countries. Here in the Philippines, there are books written about it, and the whispers of older adults carry stories about creatures in the province that can carry babes off into the night. Or about the dangers of pregnant women driving on their own in the evening. Maybe I’ve just been ignorant about majority of these stories or published novels, or maybe I didn’t pay too much attention to them when I was younger.
Meet The Mythology Class, a graphic novel by artist Arnold Arre on creatures in Philippine myths and legends. Like tales of superheroes saving the world, The Mythology Class is one such novel, except that our heroes are not endowed with supernatural powers that allow them super strength or the gift of flight. Instead, we meet a bunch of college students who happen to be embroiled in a centuries-old war between humans and the mythical realm. In the story, this group of students are tasked with the responsibility of capturing mythical creatures that have escaped from their realm into ours, causing destruction and wreaking havoc on the balance between worlds. Working together with well-known characters from lore who work as partners and guides to these students, they are put to the task of bringing balance to the world without letting normal humans know of their mission, let alone discover the realm of the fantasy and magical.
The Mythology Class introduces to the reader, the realm of the magical. Very much like the heroes of the story, who fought against believing that these creatures do exist, readers start from disbelieving to meeting the creatures that make-up Philippine lore. The author/artist does a great job of introducing the reader to the various creatures and characters, without making the assumption that they already know who and what they are. The introduction of the story, the mission, and other parts to it, really fit well into the storyline crafted for the novel.
The art is done well – not too detailed yet not too rough or crude. The author/artist does well in imagining and putting into drawing the characters (giving each one their own identity and personality/characteristic) while giving the creatures a sense of mystery and even creepiness (a trait you will definitely find in many local mythological beings). Set in Manila, it gives the reader a sense of really being in the capital, without confusing it with other big cities around the world.
The dialogue throughout the graphic novel was informative, entertaining, and at times hilarious. It is simple when it needs to be, and detailed when it is required. At the same time, it makes it quite local, adding in local phrases and slang, and even Tagalog words here and there.
In terms of story, I initially compared this novel to that of the Italian comic W.I.T.C.H., though with less supernatural powers. I personally thought the main storyline was quite well done, and made so much sense -unknown heroes finding their mission, doing their responsibility, unbeknownst to most of the outside world, and then inevitably saving it. I have to say though that I was a little iffy about the love story that they tried to add into it. That was one part which I felt, though it had some supporting panels that built up to it, was still something not I could believe could realistically happen within the story. Also, somehow, part of me wished there were more creatures and missions that the artist included in the first half of the novel, to really introduce readers to Philippine folklore.
Still, when I look at it overall, it was an interesting and funny read. To a Filipino, or one familiar with local folklore and quirks, it would be hard not to appreciate such a novel.
Note: I heard that this graphic novel is no longer on shelves so it might prove difficult to find it in local bookstores. The best thing would be to find someone who has a copy and borrow it from them. Lucky for me my brother had a copy, which is what I read.