Planet Markus » Books

Sir Fartsalot Hunts The Booger

Mark Rosario — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 01:00:35 +0000

I saw a copy at BookSale Dagupan (Nepo Mall, 3rd floor) as I dropped by last week. I’m sure anyone can easily guess what this book is all about.

You can bet that this book, uh, stinks! Hahah!..

Anyway, I think I’m gonna try to look for this one again the next time I go and maybe pick it up just for fun

Sir Fartsalot Hunts The Booger is written by Kevin Bolger.

Majarlica | Bayan ng Agimat

Mark Rosario — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:49:12 +0000

Majarlica: Bayan ng Agimat has been in the works for a long time now and its nice it will finally be out. So far, I’ve really enjoyed the previews and I’m just happy this will be available at the stores soon. I hope to pick up a copy to the soonest when I get the chance!

As much as I love spandex and superhero comics, its always great to get some fresh stuff from worlds of magic (and amulets). Featuring the line arts of veteran artist Danny Acuña, and the breathtaking paintings of Jann Galino, this graphic novel will actually have two book launchings.

Here’s some additional info for you so you’ll know where to catch this:

MANILA INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR
September 16-20, 2009 • 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Exhibit Halls 1-4, SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines

PLANET X COMIC SHOP’s 1ST YEAR ANNIVERSARY EVENT
October 3, 2009
3rd Floor Ayala Mall
Glorietta 4 Ayala Center
Makati City

Majarlica: Bayan ng Agimat also features pinups by Gerry Alanguilan, Ernie Patricio, Jun Lofamia, Hannibal and Rico Rival. And yeah! Since I’ve mentioned about preview earlier, here are a few pages from it…

* All images courtesy of Jann Galino

Mom’s Cancer

Mark Rosario — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:00:26 +0000

I don’t know if any of you guys could see copies of this comics strip (in graphic novel form) but just in case you do, I’d strongly recommend you pick it up. Immediately.

Mom’s Cancer by Brian Fies is one of the few non-superhero titles in my little stack of comics and trade paperbacks but I’d say anytime that its really worth every buck.

Brian started doing these strips way back the time when his mom was diagnosed with lung cancer – caused by years of smoking – and so its main purpose is to accurately document how their family decided to cope up with this struggle. It really feels like reading someone else’s personal journal and lets you see the strengths and shortcomings of every family member in various situations.

For me, that is the strongest asset of the book- it’s unreserved honesty. Heck, I’d prefer reading this anytime than watching any of those “reality TV” shows if I wanted to take a peek at real life.

A family portrait (Brian, Nurse Sis, Mom and Kid Sis)

Throughout the book, medical jargon were thrown left and right but surprisingly, I didn’t get bored nor irritated with it – although I’m sure I’d feel that way if I was reading a medical book or something.

Also, I just have to admit that I was close to tears when I read the “5 percent” scene (pages 91 to 95). Sure, the artwork wasn’t particularly impressive at page 94 but the emotions were just there you’d have to be a stone not to feel it.

The story definitely revolves more on serious real-life situations but Brian also effectively uses some creative license and successfully incorporates metaphors so he could describe several situations better such as the arguments between the siblings portrayed in a superhero fight (pages 41 to 44), the risks of cancer compared to the circus act of wire walking (pages 59 to 61) and many others.

In three words, I’d describe Mom’s Cancer as entertaining, emotional and educational all at the same time. Cancer patients and family members can benefit from reading it and even doctors could be given a unique perspective that would help them understand their patients better (pages 39 and 40).

And oh! If it would matter, this book has won an Eisner Award way back 2005. Anyway, here’s 2 pages just in case you want some previews.

There’s A Fruitcake For Everybody

Markus — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 01:13:00 +0000

Fruitcake was a book I have always wanted to read. It was written by the Eraserheads and was released way back 1997. I was still in high school at the time.

When I first heard about it, I tried several bookstores around the city but to no avail. I never found any. Truth be told, I don’t think I could buy a copy even when I found one back then since I didn’t have any money. During those times, the only money I get was my back-and-forth fare for school.

Fast forward to the present, I think its pretty cool that Anvil Publishing released a new edition. Finally getting a copy of Fruitcake means much, much more to me than simply adding another title in my relatively small-yet-steadily-growing personal library. As cheesy as it may sound, it personally means finding a missing puzzle piece of my youth.

Reading Fruitcake, it’s just now that I discovered how closely related it is with the Eraserheads record of the same title. Of course, I knew the entire album were all Christmas-themed tracks but little did I know that it revolved around a singular plot and the songs were actually intended to be a soundtrack for the story.

Who could have guessed that

“Shadow” (track 2) was a dog owned by a girl named Frannie Wei (the main character)? Of course, it would have also been tough to figure out that Bobo the Wiseman was the “Gatekeeper” (track 5) himself, who was also the all-time “Trip to Jerusalem” (Track 8 ) champion of Fruitcake Heights until… oops! I better end this part here before I spoil it all! Heheheh…

After closing the book and finished reading it for the first time, I think I developed a better appreciation for the album. The story is unmistakably Eraserheads – quirky and filled with tounge-in-cheek names and one-liners. My wishful thinking even tells me it would be cool to see this in an animated musical version. Just in case that happens, I think its just appropriate that Cynthia Bauzon-Arre should also be the one to draw for that. I mean I like her artworks. Her arstyle, for me, is safe enough for kids and cool enough for the grown-ups, if you will – so yes, I admit I want that guitar-weilding star on a shirt!

Now, some might wonder why the heck am I reading a children’s storybook about Christmas when December is easily “lightyears away” (track 13). Does it feel weird reading about Christmas trees, puto bumbong, Santa Claus and styrosnows (track 13) during summertime?

Given the chance to reply (and of course, I will have that chance. This is my blog! My question, my answers! *lol*), I would reply.. “Not by a longshot!”

If you’re a true blue Eraserheads fan, better grab a copy of this book once you see it.

And just take a bite. It’s alright.

Callwork

Markus — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:29:00 +0000

As Komikon 2008 approaches, let me recommend this book to those who plan to attend the event.

Callwork originally appeared in the pages of the Manila Bulletin each Sunday. Now, I’m really happy that Hazel – the creator and a good friend – was able to print a book version of the strips.

This looks like a perfect Christmas gift for those that work for call centers so you better get your copies now if you still haven’t decided what to give out as gifts yet.

Aside from the Komikon, Callwork can also be found in Comic Odyssey (Robinson’s Galleria) and will soon be available in National Bookstore.

The Dream Giver

Markus — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:34:00 +0000

A friend recently loaned me a copy of Bruce Wilkinson’s the Dream Giver. It took me days before I got to finish reading it and it wasn’t because the book was hard to read – in fact, its one of the easiest books I’ve ever read. It was mainly because we still didn’t have electricity at home at the time. I brought the book with me each time I went out and read it each chance I get.

The Dream Giver is an inspiring book. It successfully managed to combine the principles of “Who Moved My Cheese? (Spencer Johnson),” the adventure of “The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho),” and the spirituality of biblical stories (the David and Goliath story, in particular).

The book itself is divided into two parts – the first is the story itself, the second part being Bruce Wilkinson’s insights about the story. As I said, the book is really easy to read that I personally think that even a child can read the book and get its message without needing an adult’s explanation.

The story is something that most readers can relate with. It’s about a Nobody named Ordinary who lived in the Land of Familiar who “got up and went to his Usual Job” every morning. Everything was routine to him until one day, he got up and found a Big Dream in his heart. With some motivation from his own father and opposition from everyone else, he left the Land of Familiar and went out of the Comfort Zone. What follows is a series of difficulties – one after another – until he finally achieves his Big Dream.

Like the Spencer Johnson book mentioned above, this one also has a commentary section after the story. Unlike “Cheese” however, this part isn’t fiction. This section of the book displays Wilkinson’s spiritual and intelligent insights as he draws from real-life situations, personal experiences, suggestions for practical application and, of course, some verses from the Good Book.

Reading the book really motivated me to examine my life and where I currently am. It inspired me not only to move forward despite the difficulties but to make sure that I am really heading in the right direction. It made me ponder a lot about what my Big Dreams really are that it made me want to write all my goals in great details – yes, as specific as I can get. As that question at the back cover asks, “Are you living your Dream? Or just living your life?”

Snoop Dogg converts to Mormonism

Markus — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:41:00 +0000

Rapper Snoop Dogg says he “can’t get enough of the Book of Mormon.”

Surprising? Yes, it is! Read the full story here.

But wait! Here’s a little instruction before you proceed: after reading the article, don’t forget to scroll below and read what’s above terms of service, okay?

Plus: here’s another link that you might find helpful (amazing skills with the photoshop, don’t you think?).

You’re Spider-Man

Markus — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:23:00 +0000

I was just messing around the net one day and stumbled upon this site. I took the quiz and this is what i got:

“You’re Spider-Man. Like Peter Parker, you may have a geeky side, but once you’re in the right outfit, you feel like you can do anything. You try to weave a protective web around your friends and family, but sometimes you still get lonely. It’s probably because you’re so focused on living up to your own expectations. Being a superhero isa big responsibility, but we hope you have more fun with it than Peter Parker does. That spidey-string must be great for craft projects, so why not build a cozy web in front of the TV? When you need a break from saving lives, you can curl up and watch Degrassi.”

Now, I’m not really sure if I agree with what the result said. But hey! At least i got Spidey – my all-time favorite hero since childhood. I read and collected his comic books way back my elementary and high school days (Maybe the result was right about the “geeky side” part. What do you think? Heheh..).

The Screwtape Letters

Markus — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 07:33:00 +0000

I have been reading C.S.Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters” these past few days and I think I find it to be a very thought-provoking book.. VERY thought-provoking. Lewis’ idea about a senior demon (Screwtape) writing and training his nephew, a junior tempter (Wormwood) is one of the most intelligent and unique concepts in literary history.

As of now, I still am not ready to share all my thoughts about it since I am still on letter #7 and I still have 24 letters more to read. I’m thinking about posting quotes from the book that caught my attention and made me ponder or maybe post my insights about the ideas.

But nope, not now. Maybe next time. I’ll have to finish the book first.