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After Eden
Ultimately, After Eden can be summed up in these words: “For every two people who fall in love, Adam and Eve are reborn.” - Arnold Arre, September 2002
After Eden tells the story of Celine and Jon, estranged childhood friends who bonded over nasty pranks and seesaws. A mall brawl and an automobile mishap bring them together, sparking the genesis of a romance that changes six lives.
(from http://en.wikipilipinas.org/)
After Eden tells the story of Celine and Jon, estranged childhood friends who bonded over nasty pranks and seesaws. A mall brawl and an automobile mishap bring them together, sparking the genesis of a romance that changes six lives.
(from http://en.wikipilipinas.org/)
Graphic Novel
First published January 1, 2002
6 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
Arnold Arre
39 books167 followersArnold Arre (born September 2, 1971 in Metro Manila, Philippines) is a Filipino comic book writer, artist and self-taught animator best known for his graphic novels The Mythology Class (1999) and Ang Mundo ni Andong Agimat (2006).
Arnold Arre has won National Book Awards from the Manila Critics Circle for his graphic novels The Mythology Class (1999), a four-part action-adventure miniseries and Trip to Tagaytay (2000), a one-shot future fiction short story. The Mythology Class, which has been described as "genre-breaking", has the distinction of being the first graphic novel to win in the Manila Critics Circle National Book Awards Comic Books category.
Arre's other titles include the romantic comedy After Eden (2002), Ang Mundo ni Andong Agimat (2006), and "Martial Law Babies" (2008).
Aside from his comics work, Arre did numerous design and illustration jobs for various clients such as the San Miguel Foundation for the Performing Arts and Sony BMG Music Entertainment Philippines. He also took part in local and international group exhibits and has had a one-man fantasy-themed show, Mythos in 2000.
In 2007, producer Tony Gloria of Unitel Productions optioned the film rights to Arre's novel Ang Mundo ni Andong Agimat. Arre has mentioned in an April 2014 interview that the project is still under development.
In 2011, Arre studied the art of animation and made a 4-minute short film titled Andong Agimat: Kanya ang Kalye based on the main character in his book Ang Mundo ni Andong Agimat. In November 2011 he was commissioned by Gang Badoy of Rock Ed Philippines and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to make an animated music video for Kaninong Anino in celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Filipino hero Jose Rizal. The following year, he was commissioned by Rock Ed Philippines and the NHCP to make an animated music video for Lupang Hinirang, the Philippine National Anthem which was broadcast on national television on June 12, 2012, Independence Day (Philippines).[9] In September 2012, he did a series of educational animated videos titled Tandaan. Kalayaan. Alagaan. to mark the 40th anniversary of the Philippines' freedom from Martial Law. The series was commissioned by Rock Ed Philippines and the National Youth Commission (Philippines).
In July 2013, Arre finished his first 20-minute animated short film titled Milkyboy. The film went on to win awards at the 25th Gawad CCP Para Sa Alternatibong Pelikula in November 2013, the 7th Animahenasyon (Philippine Animation Festival) in November 2013, and the 30th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) in May 2014 where Arre was awarded the Linda Mabalot New Directors/New Visions Award, presented to a short film that demonstrates innovative and original use of cinematic language and vision.
Arre is based in Quezon City and is married to graphic designer Cynthia Bauzon.
(from http://wikipedia.com)
Arnold Arre has won National Book Awards from the Manila Critics Circle for his graphic novels The Mythology Class (1999), a four-part action-adventure miniseries and Trip to Tagaytay (2000), a one-shot future fiction short story. The Mythology Class, which has been described as "genre-breaking", has the distinction of being the first graphic novel to win in the Manila Critics Circle National Book Awards Comic Books category.
Arre's other titles include the romantic comedy After Eden (2002), Ang Mundo ni Andong Agimat (2006), and "Martial Law Babies" (2008).
Aside from his comics work, Arre did numerous design and illustration jobs for various clients such as the San Miguel Foundation for the Performing Arts and Sony BMG Music Entertainment Philippines. He also took part in local and international group exhibits and has had a one-man fantasy-themed show, Mythos in 2000.
In 2007, producer Tony Gloria of Unitel Productions optioned the film rights to Arre's novel Ang Mundo ni Andong Agimat. Arre has mentioned in an April 2014 interview that the project is still under development.
In 2011, Arre studied the art of animation and made a 4-minute short film titled Andong Agimat: Kanya ang Kalye based on the main character in his book Ang Mundo ni Andong Agimat. In November 2011 he was commissioned by Gang Badoy of Rock Ed Philippines and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to make an animated music video for Kaninong Anino in celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Filipino hero Jose Rizal. The following year, he was commissioned by Rock Ed Philippines and the NHCP to make an animated music video for Lupang Hinirang, the Philippine National Anthem which was broadcast on national television on June 12, 2012, Independence Day (Philippines).[9] In September 2012, he did a series of educational animated videos titled Tandaan. Kalayaan. Alagaan. to mark the 40th anniversary of the Philippines' freedom from Martial Law. The series was commissioned by Rock Ed Philippines and the National Youth Commission (Philippines).
In July 2013, Arre finished his first 20-minute animated short film titled Milkyboy. The film went on to win awards at the 25th Gawad CCP Para Sa Alternatibong Pelikula in November 2013, the 7th Animahenasyon (Philippine Animation Festival) in November 2013, and the 30th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) in May 2014 where Arre was awarded the Linda Mabalot New Directors/New Visions Award, presented to a short film that demonstrates innovative and original use of cinematic language and vision.
Arre is based in Quezon City and is married to graphic designer Cynthia Bauzon.
(from http://wikipedia.com)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 8, 2017
One of the most memorable local graphic novel that I've read. It's just that I felt too old for this kind of literary work. Yes, graphic works are still literature. Let's not debate about that. For me, the only difference that I see is that instead of spending hours or days reading narratives, you just have to see the pictures and follow what's happening. If prose writers spend a lot of time describing how their characters feel in a particular scene, in graphic works, the artists just draw them with sad or happy faces. Arnold Arre is brilliant in that department. Why? Because when I bought this book in one of the recent Komikons at Bayanihan in the Unilab compound, I queued with lots of teenagers and got his autograph. You know what he did? He drew my face! And I looked like my 20ish self. Thirty years younger! That's why he is good.
Content-wise, this is a story of how your own friends can ruin your relationship with your girlfriend or boyfriend. Some people can be eaten by envy and they have one goal in life: for everyone around them to be as miserable as they are. The falling in love, falling out of love and falling back in love again that many of my young friends like in this book is so passe (gasgas) but I could not blame them because they are young. I was like that too when I was their age.
Overall, as I said this is a memorable graphic book. I love some of the scenes especially when the lovers are in the mountaintop overlooking the city and fighting or when they are in front of the huge monitor with lots of people around them that reminded me of that Closeup event when young couples show the whole world how long they can stand kissing their significant other. This is my fifth Arre and I always enjoy his dramatic lovely scenes. There is still some remnants of that age my young bookish friends are in now. And I am happy I can still relate, albeit just a bit, to this book. Or to them.
Content-wise, this is a story of how your own friends can ruin your relationship with your girlfriend or boyfriend. Some people can be eaten by envy and they have one goal in life: for everyone around them to be as miserable as they are. The falling in love, falling out of love and falling back in love again that many of my young friends like in this book is so passe (gasgas) but I could not blame them because they are young. I was like that too when I was their age.
Overall, as I said this is a memorable graphic book. I love some of the scenes especially when the lovers are in the mountaintop overlooking the city and fighting or when they are in front of the huge monitor with lots of people around them that reminded me of that Closeup event when young couples show the whole world how long they can stand kissing their significant other. This is my fifth Arre and I always enjoy his dramatic lovely scenes. There is still some remnants of that age my young bookish friends are in now. And I am happy I can still relate, albeit just a bit, to this book. Or to them.
July 12, 2010
This is a book about falling in love... and staying in love.
I was already labeling this as one of the most beautiful books I have ever read (with just a few pages in). I fell in love when the characters fell in love; I wept with passion when sadness fell so suddenly in-between these pages; I was torn apart as a relationship was slowly being broken. This book really clung to me, with its magic and simple wonder gripping me. You won't regret reading this, especially if you're a hopeless romantic.
I was already labeling this as one of the most beautiful books I have ever read (with just a few pages in). I fell in love when the characters fell in love; I wept with passion when sadness fell so suddenly in-between these pages; I was torn apart as a relationship was slowly being broken. This book really clung to me, with its magic and simple wonder gripping me. You won't regret reading this, especially if you're a hopeless romantic.
May 9, 2016
I read the first edition of this graphic novel and re-reading the revamped edition still gives me so much feels. I know this is the love story of Jon and Celine, but I've always been a Greg and Lea fan. They crack me up so much and their story is more striking despite being supporting characters. I love Arre's wit and humor, and the brilliance behind this wonderful masterpiece. I can always count on Arre for a compelling read in his graphic novels.
September 3, 2011
I only got to read this book when my friend, whom I've lent my first issue of Stardust, lost my book and replaced it with this title. I wasn't disappointed. It's a great read and a worthy replacement. My only complaint would be that the binding is faulty, freeing pages after multiple readings.
April 17, 2016
I liked Halina Filipina more but this got the feels fest, man. Imagine the author going cheesy and innocent while drawing the panels...
Gah, there's even that cheesy-I-will-be-at-the-end-of-the-see-saw-like hahahahahahaha
Gah, there's even that cheesy-I-will-be-at-the-end-of-the-see-saw-like hahahahahahaha
December 31, 2016
"And if it's strong enough, sometimes we find our way back."
-Oprhan Black
Experiencing pain and happiness after reading the graphic novel.
-Oprhan Black
Experiencing pain and happiness after reading the graphic novel.
April 24, 2009
This graphic novel didn't disappoint (although it would've been better if the elements of good/evil were not included) what with Arre depicting our lives after we have lost our innocence and idealisms in terms of the concept of love.
For indeed, how do we cope with relationships & the concept of love after graduating from academics? Where do we pick ourselves up in the dating scene (or lack thereof) when we're all office androids working 9 hours per day? Where do you go after you're done with Sesame Street and the cushion that is your dependence of things that are familiar to you? How do you figure things out when your only companion on those gimik nights are your friends and a cup of coffee or a bottle of beer (pick your poison)?
This isn't chicklit, mind you, but it does offer you two extreme perspectives: It offers you the side of one in love, the voices of each gender of that couple; you hear their thoughts as they go through the notions of finding the one, making the other realize that you're the one for him/her as well as the adjustments to the hazy floating-on-cloud-nine world of starting the relationship.
You realize, with a start that, in as much as you can relate to the puppy-dog innocence of the first blush of love (lust?), that you can also relate to the grief felt after every failed relationship, the lack of a relationship in your life per se, and the bitterness of one who stands in the sidelines watching other people's perfect love affairs unfold.
"I told you this would happen! I told you a hundred times! But did you listen?!! No--because your brain was too deep in mush to care!!"
"I was dumb back then! We ALL were!!"
More than once, I have felt that anger at the world...of the unfairness that is a botched relationship after another. Aren't you just like me? Tired of looking for the one: that perfect concept of your supposed life partner?
I think what makes this story works (aside from the visual rendering) are the dialogues. I find Arre's dialogues quite eloquent, in that modern-day edge that can only be his.
Book Details:
Title After Eden
Author Arnold Arre
Reviewed By Purplycookie
For indeed, how do we cope with relationships & the concept of love after graduating from academics? Where do we pick ourselves up in the dating scene (or lack thereof) when we're all office androids working 9 hours per day? Where do you go after you're done with Sesame Street and the cushion that is your dependence of things that are familiar to you? How do you figure things out when your only companion on those gimik nights are your friends and a cup of coffee or a bottle of beer (pick your poison)?
This isn't chicklit, mind you, but it does offer you two extreme perspectives: It offers you the side of one in love, the voices of each gender of that couple; you hear their thoughts as they go through the notions of finding the one, making the other realize that you're the one for him/her as well as the adjustments to the hazy floating-on-cloud-nine world of starting the relationship.
You realize, with a start that, in as much as you can relate to the puppy-dog innocence of the first blush of love (lust?), that you can also relate to the grief felt after every failed relationship, the lack of a relationship in your life per se, and the bitterness of one who stands in the sidelines watching other people's perfect love affairs unfold.
"I told you this would happen! I told you a hundred times! But did you listen?!! No--because your brain was too deep in mush to care!!"
"I was dumb back then! We ALL were!!"
More than once, I have felt that anger at the world...of the unfairness that is a botched relationship after another. Aren't you just like me? Tired of looking for the one: that perfect concept of your supposed life partner?
I think what makes this story works (aside from the visual rendering) are the dialogues. I find Arre's dialogues quite eloquent, in that modern-day edge that can only be his.
Book Details:
Title After Eden
Author Arnold Arre
Reviewed By Purplycookie
September 16, 2019
This was a gift to me from last year's Secret Santa exchange at Reddit, hence, it's a very memorable book. For one thing, I don't have a lot of "bookish" friends that would go out of their way to buy books to make you read their recommendations, so this was kind of like that to me. I appreciate the effort of gifting a book you really enjoyed for other people to experience it.
Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me (sorry, Secret Santa!).
I didn't enjoy the story because it seems very simple and way overdone on a lot of TV series, movies, short stories on the web, etc. Whichever format that is, you'd see it coming from miles away.
The story was about a girl and a boy, who each have their own cliques, fell in love, grew outside of their circle of friends, and said friends then plot out how to break them up, and dot, dot, dot.
Even the art was.. okay, I guess? I mean it's definitely good but it's not what I personally like. It didn't seem to have a personal signature of the artist, as if I could see some old comics in his art. I could be wrong in my judgement though, because I've not read a whole lot of comics on my part. But something about it feels like reading a comic in a newspaper, like what I was reading back when I was a kid.
In the end, I wouldn't recommend this book; but I would keep my copy just for its sentimental value to me. Still, it was a good read though. I expect it would be a "feel good" story but, no.
Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me (sorry, Secret Santa!).
I didn't enjoy the story because it seems very simple and way overdone on a lot of TV series, movies, short stories on the web, etc. Whichever format that is, you'd see it coming from miles away.
The story was about a girl and a boy, who each have their own cliques, fell in love, grew outside of their circle of friends, and said friends then plot out how to break them up, and dot, dot, dot.
Even the art was.. okay, I guess? I mean it's definitely good but it's not what I personally like. It didn't seem to have a personal signature of the artist, as if I could see some old comics in his art. I could be wrong in my judgement though, because I've not read a whole lot of comics on my part. But something about it feels like reading a comic in a newspaper, like what I was reading back when I was a kid.
In the end, I wouldn't recommend this book; but I would keep my copy just for its sentimental value to me. Still, it was a good read though. I expect it would be a "feel good" story but, no.
July 24, 2007
i loved this graphic novel. it made me remember some of the old alamat that your grandparents in the province sometimes talk about. the storyline is great, the graphics can be further improved. actually i liked the colorful poster in the end. :) it's a good thing arre set it in present time and not to mention in UP. :)
July 25, 2016
"Look--the point is this: Out there is a season for you, but you'll only meet it once. It stays for a while, then it goes away. So don't lose it. Hold on to it. Never let it go. Let it know that it's loved. Let it know that you long for it. Because when you do it will have finally found a home. And you'll always have that season in your heart no matter what time of the year it is."
May 23, 2016
Changing my rating to 5 stars after an enlightening discussion with a fan. :D
August 17, 2016
Sappy soppy love!
Love wins! Love always wins!
My first Arre and am so looking forward to reading another one. :)
Love wins! Love always wins!
My first Arre and am so looking forward to reading another one. :)
September 17, 2017
I remember seeing a friend post about this graphic novel and say that it is good way back when. I did check the blurb after and place it on my to-read list. Then, yesterday, a (different) friend shared her love for Mr. Arnold Arre's works and wanted to attend his talk the following day (aka today). She had other plans so she couldn't go so another friend and I went to the talk. I got myself a copy and read it while waiting for the talk to start.
IT. IS. A-MA-ZING.
I felt like I was being sucked into the story of Celine and Jon, two childhood friends who crossed paths after an accident, and their friends. They end up falling in love and it's so magical how they are perfectly happy together. Of course, there are those who couldn't be happy with the changes happening -- Celine focusing more on Jon and vise versa. Their solution is to ruin their relationship and throughout the graphic novel, you see the challenges and hardships the couple and their friends go through. All in all, I found the story timeless and easily relateable -- how hard it is to find someone who could understand you well and how hard it is to keep the relationship without communication.
I also like the angels and devils. They remind me of La Muerte and Xibalba from "The Book of Life". They represent good and evil. Thye both have some extent/form of control with the destinies of the people.
The art is very nice. You can see what each character is feeling very clearly. Some are so exaggerated and you can really feel the emotion being expressed.
Overall, I'm really glad I read this and would definitely be on the watch for Sir Arnold's other works.
IT. IS. A-MA-ZING.
I felt like I was being sucked into the story of Celine and Jon, two childhood friends who crossed paths after an accident, and their friends. They end up falling in love and it's so magical how they are perfectly happy together. Of course, there are those who couldn't be happy with the changes happening -- Celine focusing more on Jon and vise versa. Their solution is to ruin their relationship and throughout the graphic novel, you see the challenges and hardships the couple and their friends go through. All in all, I found the story timeless and easily relateable -- how hard it is to find someone who could understand you well and how hard it is to keep the relationship without communication.
I also like the angels and devils. They remind me of La Muerte and Xibalba from "The Book of Life". They represent good and evil. Thye both have some extent/form of control with the destinies of the people.
The art is very nice. You can see what each character is feeling very clearly. Some are so exaggerated and you can really feel the emotion being expressed.
Overall, I'm really glad I read this and would definitely be on the watch for Sir Arnold's other works.
Read
July 7, 2020This is one of the books I read last year, but have been holding off on posting the review bec I wasn't sure about how I felt about it after the first reading. An attempt at a reread later kind of made it clearer for me.
This is a story about Celine and Jon, childhood friends who meet again as adults and starts an easy, lovely romance. Nothing is ever easy though, bec soon enough their differences and respective friend groups drive wedges between their relationship. There's a whole other thing about non-human beings meddling with mortal lives too, but well, I didn't really get the why's of it all so I'm not gonna touch on that.
So. I'm probably gonna get some flak bec I know this is a well loved graphic novel, but I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. I mean, it's fine, but I think the themes are a little bit dated (which is understandable since this came out in the early 2000s.). Maybe it's me, bec I read mostly romance, and I found myself looking for ~more from the Celine X Jon relationship. I mean, the tropes were there, and in the beginning, it was okay, but then the twist comes and it felt convoluted to me. I also thought their friends were toxic and were unnecessarily cruel to the main couple as well as themselves. It all turns out okay in the end, for everyone, thank goodness, but I wanted a bit more grovel, esp from Greg and Lea, but imo it already went on too long as it was.
Anyway, this is the first Arnold Arre book I've read, and I have other works from him in my tbr, more recent ones, so maybe I'll try again. It's sad that this one didn't work out for me, but hopefully the others would.
April 15, 2018
Never got the chance to read the first edition, so I'm only reviewing the 2016 one.
Being the third Arre title that I picked up, and coming right after Halina Filipina. I haven't had the chance to read Arre's work when it comes to mythical creatures and what not. I have Andong Agimat and The Mythology Class still on my to do read. With that said, this book is quite similar to Halina Filipina. I believe this was written before that though, atleast the original first edition one. In any case, even with the revamped new version, I still fancy Halina Filipina more than this one.
After Eden tells a story about childhood friends who accidentally bumps into each other after a long time and eventually falls in love. What comes next is a series of mushiness, then some heartaches and betrayal and ultimately a deus ex machina that pieces everything else all together. It's somewhat predictable but still an enjoyable read. Especially to young ones I guess. I think what I can say that I like the most out of this book is that it's basically just a feel good read. Kinda like when you feel good film. While I'm at it, I think if someone would adapt this into a film, I'm pretty sure tons of people would see it, seeing as how addicted Filipinos are to love stories and what not.
Nevertheless, it's not the best Arre book out there but it's good. Halina Filipina holds that top spot for me I guess.
Being the third Arre title that I picked up, and coming right after Halina Filipina. I haven't had the chance to read Arre's work when it comes to mythical creatures and what not. I have Andong Agimat and The Mythology Class still on my to do read. With that said, this book is quite similar to Halina Filipina. I believe this was written before that though, atleast the original first edition one. In any case, even with the revamped new version, I still fancy Halina Filipina more than this one.
After Eden tells a story about childhood friends who accidentally bumps into each other after a long time and eventually falls in love. What comes next is a series of mushiness, then some heartaches and betrayal and ultimately a deus ex machina that pieces everything else all together. It's somewhat predictable but still an enjoyable read. Especially to young ones I guess. I think what I can say that I like the most out of this book is that it's basically just a feel good read. Kinda like when you feel good film. While I'm at it, I think if someone would adapt this into a film, I'm pretty sure tons of people would see it, seeing as how addicted Filipinos are to love stories and what not.
Nevertheless, it's not the best Arre book out there but it's good. Halina Filipina holds that top spot for me I guess.
July 9, 2017
I absolutely loved Arre's graphic novels Halina Filipina and Martial Law Babies. In fact, I recommend them to friends all the time, loan out my personal copies, and have referenced Martial Law Babies numerous times in discussions about Philippine OFWs, nationalism, and the like. That said, I'd been trying to track down a copy of After Eden for awhile and was excited to see it had been republished recently and is popping up in National Bookstores and Fully Booked.
Maybe I went into it with too much excitement, but I was a bit disappointed with this novel. I felt like the characters were always screaming and cursing in my face. I imagined at one point that I was digging through a pile of angry, shallow one-dimensional people to find a treasure underneath. There is a treasure there: the story is sweet and unique. I had to laugh at how the demons are portrayed as dirty cops... maybe a bit too fitting for those who live in Manila. I enjoyed how the gamer geeks connected their *world* with their reality, and Arre seems to have a knack for portraying 20somethings who are trying to find meaning and purpose in the world. I'll hold onto this one - and possibly reread it - but I don't think it's Arre's finest work. Martial Law Babies will probably always hold that place for me.
Maybe I went into it with too much excitement, but I was a bit disappointed with this novel. I felt like the characters were always screaming and cursing in my face. I imagined at one point that I was digging through a pile of angry, shallow one-dimensional people to find a treasure underneath. There is a treasure there: the story is sweet and unique. I had to laugh at how the demons are portrayed as dirty cops... maybe a bit too fitting for those who live in Manila. I enjoyed how the gamer geeks connected their *world* with their reality, and Arre seems to have a knack for portraying 20somethings who are trying to find meaning and purpose in the world. I'll hold onto this one - and possibly reread it - but I don't think it's Arre's finest work. Martial Law Babies will probably always hold that place for me.
June 19, 2020
lahat na lang ng pera ko pumupunta sa secret hq pero oks manoks lang support local mga indio
Very solid premise that was executed thoughtfully. I wasn't... super sold on the ending, even though I saw it coming from miles away, since the path leading up to it wasn't very clear. Like, for being the main characters, Jon and Celine are BY FAR the blandest characters in the book, so when their relationship gets rocky, I don't really have a clear idea why it's falling apart (except for the obvious plot reasons) since I have no idea what their personalities and character flaws are even LIKE. But EH THIS WAS REALLY CUTE I'LL GIVE IT A PASS ANYWAY. Sharp dialogue and expressive art as well. Much love.
Very solid premise that was executed thoughtfully. I wasn't... super sold on the ending, even though I saw it coming from miles away, since the path leading up to it wasn't very clear. Like, for being the main characters, Jon and Celine are BY FAR the blandest characters in the book, so when their relationship gets rocky, I don't really have a clear idea why it's falling apart (except for the obvious plot reasons) since I have no idea what their personalities and character flaws are even LIKE. But EH THIS WAS REALLY CUTE I'LL GIVE IT A PASS ANYWAY. Sharp dialogue and expressive art as well. Much love.
June 23, 2018
I love it.
I wasn't really expecting much. I was out-of-town, at the mall, checking out Filipino books I can give to my foreigner friend, and I saw this. Arnold Arre. After Eden. He's BIG in the Filipino komiks scene (and I did love Martial Law Babies) so I thought to just give it a try.
The world could use a lot more good vibes. The book is not totally predictable and too happy ending-ish. It entertains, that's for sure.
If you're into graphic novels, and want to explore the Filipino literary scene, Arnold Arre's works are a good start. Thank goodness he writes in English!
I wasn't really expecting much. I was out-of-town, at the mall, checking out Filipino books I can give to my foreigner friend, and I saw this. Arnold Arre. After Eden. He's BIG in the Filipino komiks scene (and I did love Martial Law Babies) so I thought to just give it a try.
The world could use a lot more good vibes. The book is not totally predictable and too happy ending-ish. It entertains, that's for sure.
If you're into graphic novels, and want to explore the Filipino literary scene, Arnold Arre's works are a good start. Thank goodness he writes in English!
April 23, 2019
Read the first edition when I was in college. I had to borrow it from the library after it was recommended by a friend. I loved it then and I still love it now. It has become my ultimate I-need-a-warm-hug book.
A book about love. Sounds cliche-ish but it was laid down really good. One of the few graphic novels I've read that I actually liked. Arnold Arre took me on a journey of falling in love, breaking your heart and finding home.
A book about love. Sounds cliche-ish but it was laid down really good. One of the few graphic novels I've read that I actually liked. Arnold Arre took me on a journey of falling in love, breaking your heart and finding home.
January 16, 2019
A beautiful graphic novel. I loved the story! I found this at a Filipino festival in the bookstore booth and knew I wanted to read it. I was not disappointed. The art was beautifully done and the story is very deep and thought provoking. A feel good quick read about love and how it changes us and the people surrounding us!
July 4, 2022
I really liked the characters, it felt like reading an Archie and the Riverdale gang kind of story except it takes place in the Philippines. My favorite characters were the 2 BI friends. I like it when toxic people fall in love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2017
Did not expect it to be so sexist. Utterly disappointed. :(
January 7, 2021
Super like
November 13, 2021
Ok lang . Entertaining din
January 27, 2023
This book was probably not for me, I didn't like the romance all that much. The art was nice though, lovely lineart
June 21, 2023
3 stars.
December 17, 2023
NOT MY CUPPA; MAYBE I OVER-EXPECTED? BUT IT'S JUST SO DULL
The first comicbook I ever owned was a slightly torn Marvel’s Wolverine n°50 drawn by Marc Silvestri that I bought with all the money I had left of my allowance (which wasn’t much as a junior high kid of cheapskate parents some 20 years ago). I still have that comicbook with me. It changed my life and turned me into a lifelong comicbook and graphic novel enthusiast. That’s how I know which books, comicbooks, or graphic novels are good. They’re impossible to forget. They make this indelible mark in your soul and change you (usually for the better).
Because of that, I’m always on the lookout for inspiring works of art, and when I saw this displayed on the counter of the comic book shop I used to frequent before, I thought I’d give it a chance. I read it, and I instantly forgot about it. Nothing about it was inspiring nor memorable. Perhaps because while it’s doing everything it can to be both entertaining and politically and technically correct in terms of story and art, there just is no heart to be gleaned from it. Perhaps it’s the overly simplistic quality of the line-art, or the fact that the style employed (similar to the type you find in editorial cartoons or gag comic strips in newspapers) did not at all match the supposed theme. The lacklustre plot wasn’t helping either, but to me, it isn’t the plot that matters but how a story is told. This book failed in that aspect as well. It was trying so hard to be edgily realistic yet “magical” at the same time, but the story execution wasn’t the most exciting and felt rather flat—match that up with art that is nondescript and boring? It doesn’t make for a very memorable experience.
Comicbooks and graphic novels, etc. don’t have to be deep or flashy to make an impact. I remember how thrilled and breathless I was upon reading Angel Ace by Marco Dimaano (no, not the 4-part reboot, but the original 2-part comicbook that he first put out – yes, I still have those to this day!). The art was beautiful! bursting with so much personality and honesty and soul, and the characters are so real even right off the cover and first page, it really blew me away! Of course, the story is also amazing, so it all just came together to form one truly artistic masterpiece. Now, that. That was magical. That changed my life and even if I haven’t revisited the story of Mike and Angela in decades, the exhilarating feeling that their love story left me is still burning in my heart to this day. (I remember my heart breaking a little when I saw that he had released a reboot of their story, but oh well. Even that sad reboot was infinitely better than anything from Arnold Arre or any other Filipino comicbook artist I’ve seen, so far.)
And yeah, I sold my copy of After Eden as soon as I could. It wasn’t anything special to me and it just took up space in my already teeming shelves.
The first comicbook I ever owned was a slightly torn Marvel’s Wolverine n°50 drawn by Marc Silvestri that I bought with all the money I had left of my allowance (which wasn’t much as a junior high kid of cheapskate parents some 20 years ago). I still have that comicbook with me. It changed my life and turned me into a lifelong comicbook and graphic novel enthusiast. That’s how I know which books, comicbooks, or graphic novels are good. They’re impossible to forget. They make this indelible mark in your soul and change you (usually for the better).
Because of that, I’m always on the lookout for inspiring works of art, and when I saw this displayed on the counter of the comic book shop I used to frequent before, I thought I’d give it a chance. I read it, and I instantly forgot about it. Nothing about it was inspiring nor memorable. Perhaps because while it’s doing everything it can to be both entertaining and politically and technically correct in terms of story and art, there just is no heart to be gleaned from it. Perhaps it’s the overly simplistic quality of the line-art, or the fact that the style employed (similar to the type you find in editorial cartoons or gag comic strips in newspapers) did not at all match the supposed theme. The lacklustre plot wasn’t helping either, but to me, it isn’t the plot that matters but how a story is told. This book failed in that aspect as well. It was trying so hard to be edgily realistic yet “magical” at the same time, but the story execution wasn’t the most exciting and felt rather flat—match that up with art that is nondescript and boring? It doesn’t make for a very memorable experience.
Comicbooks and graphic novels, etc. don’t have to be deep or flashy to make an impact. I remember how thrilled and breathless I was upon reading Angel Ace by Marco Dimaano (no, not the 4-part reboot, but the original 2-part comicbook that he first put out – yes, I still have those to this day!). The art was beautiful! bursting with so much personality and honesty and soul, and the characters are so real even right off the cover and first page, it really blew me away! Of course, the story is also amazing, so it all just came together to form one truly artistic masterpiece. Now, that. That was magical. That changed my life and even if I haven’t revisited the story of Mike and Angela in decades, the exhilarating feeling that their love story left me is still burning in my heart to this day. (I remember my heart breaking a little when I saw that he had released a reboot of their story, but oh well. Even that sad reboot was infinitely better than anything from Arnold Arre or any other Filipino comicbook artist I’ve seen, so far.)
And yeah, I sold my copy of After Eden as soon as I could. It wasn’t anything special to me and it just took up space in my already teeming shelves.
January 22, 2021
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
"I hate the world so much right now that I'm so scared of that day when the world starts hating me back for it."
The story felt like an ode to love, in all of its crazy, heartbreaking, beautiful glory. Screams big Ailla energy, amiright? lol
While my present 22 year old self is just a little bit more cynical and jaded, After Eden reminded me of my rose-colored glasses days - and that there's nothing wrong with that; nothing wrong with believing again.
Because at the end of the day, like what Arre said, "Maybe it's true that we can no longer be the same shiny happy people we used to be. We become completely different. We become better."
Read local lit! Read Arnold Arre ✨
PS. This gave me High School Musical vibes!
PPS. Y'all know im a "childhood friend trope" kind of girl but I was more hooked with Lea & Greg's arc huhu
"I hate the world so much right now that I'm so scared of that day when the world starts hating me back for it."
The story felt like an ode to love, in all of its crazy, heartbreaking, beautiful glory. Screams big Ailla energy, amiright? lol
While my present 22 year old self is just a little bit more cynical and jaded, After Eden reminded me of my rose-colored glasses days - and that there's nothing wrong with that; nothing wrong with believing again.
Because at the end of the day, like what Arre said, "Maybe it's true that we can no longer be the same shiny happy people we used to be. We become completely different. We become better."
Read local lit! Read Arnold Arre ✨
PS. This gave me High School Musical vibes!
PPS. Y'all know im a "childhood friend trope" kind of girl but I was more hooked with Lea & Greg's arc huhu
September 11, 2020
This was the very first filipino graphic novel i read. I read this when i was in college. Somebody lend it me and i thought hmmm, its very long because the usual Filipino comics i knew were short a most stories are published weekly. Its something different and new.
Now, im trying to look for this copy again, want to reread it :)
Now, im trying to look for this copy again, want to reread it :)
January 15, 2013
The characters were a bit static and the cheese was oozing in tons in this graphic novel. The plot was kind of predictable and the resolution was kind of both insanely impossible and simple. But I did like the ending, cheeseballs and all that. Maybe I'm a bit of a romantic still :)
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