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Lunatics
Kalalabas lang ni Vincent ng kulungan, pero nakaisip na agad siya ng panibagong nanakawin. At ngayon, hindi lang sikyo ng museo ang kailangan niyang harapin, kundi pati ang mga sugat ng nakaraan at ang tanong na hindi siya tinatantanan: “Ano ba talaga ang hinahanap niya?
Fresh out of prison, Vincent has already thought of a new heist. But it's not just the museum's security that he has to face; he must also confront the wounds of his past and the nagging question: “What is he really searching for?”
Fresh out of prison, Vincent has already thought of a new heist. But it's not just the museum's security that he has to face; he must also confront the wounds of his past and the nagging question: “What is he really searching for?”
184 pages, Paperback
Published February 23, 2025
15 people want to read
About the author
Russell Molina
28 books62 followersRUSSELL MOLINA is a Filipino children’s book author and graphic novelist.
Reflecting current Filipino realities and mirroring the local milieu and culture, his stories embrace a wide range of themes: From difficult issues like discrimination and apathy to real-life experiences like sibling rivalry and the reinvention of the family structure. With books like “Madyik Silya ni Titoy” (Titoy’s Magical Chair) and “Sampu Pataas, Sampu Pababa” (Ten Up, Ten Down), Molina has inspired children to conquer physical disabilities with a dose of creativity and imagination.
For his stories, he has won in numerous awards shows, including the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, The PBBY Salanga Writer’s Prize, The PBBY Alcala Illustrator’s Prize, the National Children’s Book Awards and the National Book Awards.
In 2022, he was awarded the lifetime achievement award, UMPIL’s Gawad Alagad ni Balagtas, in recognition of his contribution to children’s literature.
Reflecting current Filipino realities and mirroring the local milieu and culture, his stories embrace a wide range of themes: From difficult issues like discrimination and apathy to real-life experiences like sibling rivalry and the reinvention of the family structure. With books like “Madyik Silya ni Titoy” (Titoy’s Magical Chair) and “Sampu Pataas, Sampu Pababa” (Ten Up, Ten Down), Molina has inspired children to conquer physical disabilities with a dose of creativity and imagination.
For his stories, he has won in numerous awards shows, including the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, The PBBY Salanga Writer’s Prize, The PBBY Alcala Illustrator’s Prize, the National Children’s Book Awards and the National Book Awards.
In 2022, he was awarded the lifetime achievement award, UMPIL’s Gawad Alagad ni Balagtas, in recognition of his contribution to children’s literature.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 30, 2025
Sir Russell Molina and Sir Ace Enriquez never failed to impress me! Grabe 'tong duo na to na kapag nagsanib pwersa ay gumagawa ng isang napakagandang obra!
Sobrang ganda ng guhit at napakadetalyado. Malinaw ang medium at art-style na nagsasabing gawa ito nila ir Russell Molina and Sir Ace Enriquez.
Story-wise, nagustuhan ko ang flow ng narration ngunit parang nabitin ako sa mga pagdevelop ng mga character ng story. Nagmistulang napakabilis ng mga pangyayari. Nais ko pa sanang makilala din ng lubos ang bawat karakter sa storya. Naging successful sa akin ang resolution dito sa storyang ito na sa tingin ko mahirap i divert dahil mabigat yung pinakang front na topic na tinatalakay sa graphic novel na ito.
Umaasa ako na may mga kasunod pa na kabanata!
Naalala ko tuloy ang ilan sa mga paborito kong pelikula at series — Money Heist, Oceans at Mission Impossible.
Sa paglalahat, maganda ang mensaheng hatid ng Lunatics sa mga mambabasa. Na hindi solusyon at kailanman solusyon ang paggawa ng krimen para umangat sa buhay sapagkat meron itong kaakibat na "consequence."
I give this book a 3.75 Stars !
Sobrang ganda ng guhit at napakadetalyado. Malinaw ang medium at art-style na nagsasabing gawa ito nila ir Russell Molina and Sir Ace Enriquez.
Story-wise, nagustuhan ko ang flow ng narration ngunit parang nabitin ako sa mga pagdevelop ng mga character ng story. Nagmistulang napakabilis ng mga pangyayari. Nais ko pa sanang makilala din ng lubos ang bawat karakter sa storya. Naging successful sa akin ang resolution dito sa storyang ito na sa tingin ko mahirap i divert dahil mabigat yung pinakang front na topic na tinatalakay sa graphic novel na ito.
Umaasa ako na may mga kasunod pa na kabanata!
Naalala ko tuloy ang ilan sa mga paborito kong pelikula at series — Money Heist, Oceans at Mission Impossible.
Sa paglalahat, maganda ang mensaheng hatid ng Lunatics sa mga mambabasa. Na hindi solusyon at kailanman solusyon ang paggawa ng krimen para umangat sa buhay sapagkat meron itong kaakibat na "consequence."
I give this book a 3.75 Stars !
November 18, 2025
Opened lots of questions, but the fragmented and sometimes frustrating storyline is compensated by the wonderful art. I liked it!
May 2, 2025
Okay, I had a smooth brain moment while reading this. I kept thinking, “Why is it called Lunatics?” The title’s never mentioned directly, until it clicked. AHHH, kaya pala! That reveal? So satisfying.
We don’t get a lot of Filipino heist stories, especially ones grounded in places we actually know. I’ve been to the exact spot where the heist in this story happens, and it was surreal reading a fictional scene play out in a place I’ve physically stood. That alone made the reading experience extra special.
The story follows Vincent, fresh out of prison and already scheming his next big job. It’s tight, well-paced, and layered with memory, guilt, and survival. What really made it stand out, though, was the art. Vincent’s dream sequences? Gorgeous. They felt painterly, surreal, expressive. I loved how the visuals shifted between grit and dreaminess.
If I had one critique, it’s that some characters felt more like mirrors to Vincent than fully fleshed-out people. It worked in terms of structure, but I did find myself wanting more from them. Still, I get that the story had to keep its momentum, and it really does move well.
Lunatics is such a fun, fresh read. A reminder that we’re in a great time for local komiks. Ang daming bagong kwento na dumadating. Exciting times.
We don’t get a lot of Filipino heist stories, especially ones grounded in places we actually know. I’ve been to the exact spot where the heist in this story happens, and it was surreal reading a fictional scene play out in a place I’ve physically stood. That alone made the reading experience extra special.
The story follows Vincent, fresh out of prison and already scheming his next big job. It’s tight, well-paced, and layered with memory, guilt, and survival. What really made it stand out, though, was the art. Vincent’s dream sequences? Gorgeous. They felt painterly, surreal, expressive. I loved how the visuals shifted between grit and dreaminess.
If I had one critique, it’s that some characters felt more like mirrors to Vincent than fully fleshed-out people. It worked in terms of structure, but I did find myself wanting more from them. Still, I get that the story had to keep its momentum, and it really does move well.
Lunatics is such a fun, fresh read. A reminder that we’re in a great time for local komiks. Ang daming bagong kwento na dumadating. Exciting times.
March 21, 2025
LUNAtics ni Russell Molina at Ace Enriquez
Friendship Goals ba kamo? Hindi magpapahuli ang tropahang LUNAtics ng Maynila sa pangunguna ni Vincent.
Unang pahina pa lang napasabi na ako ng sana lahat ay All fine. Alam ko naman na maaaring wordplay dahil katunog ng isang sikat na brand ng gatas na ginagamit ng nanay ko sa paggawa ng tsokolate tuwing Pasko at Bagong Taon pero sa bawat paglipat ko ng pahina, mapapasabi ka na lang talaga na All fine nga ba?
Ang daming sikreto ng komiks na ito na hindi mo naman pwede isiwalat dahil may mga dapat silang protektahan at may mga sikretong mananatiling sikreto na lamang habang buhay. Tuwa. Inis. Lungkot. Pangamba ang sari saring emosyon ang mayroon sa komiks na ito. Bawat paglipat mo ng pahina para ka na ring kasama sa crazy heist na ginawa ng kanilang tropahan. Walang tapon. Solid ang pagkakaguhit at takbo ng kwento.
Masasabi ko na lang talaga na para sa lahat ng Vincent dyan, sana ay mahanap niyo na rin ang inyong sariling musa. Sana lahat ay AllFine. 🤘
Friendship Goals ba kamo? Hindi magpapahuli ang tropahang LUNAtics ng Maynila sa pangunguna ni Vincent.
Unang pahina pa lang napasabi na ako ng sana lahat ay All fine. Alam ko naman na maaaring wordplay dahil katunog ng isang sikat na brand ng gatas na ginagamit ng nanay ko sa paggawa ng tsokolate tuwing Pasko at Bagong Taon pero sa bawat paglipat ko ng pahina, mapapasabi ka na lang talaga na All fine nga ba?
Ang daming sikreto ng komiks na ito na hindi mo naman pwede isiwalat dahil may mga dapat silang protektahan at may mga sikretong mananatiling sikreto na lamang habang buhay. Tuwa. Inis. Lungkot. Pangamba ang sari saring emosyon ang mayroon sa komiks na ito. Bawat paglipat mo ng pahina para ka na ring kasama sa crazy heist na ginawa ng kanilang tropahan. Walang tapon. Solid ang pagkakaguhit at takbo ng kwento.
Masasabi ko na lang talaga na para sa lahat ng Vincent dyan, sana ay mahanap niyo na rin ang inyong sariling musa. Sana lahat ay AllFine. 🤘
July 12, 2025
a surefire way of getting me out of a reading slump was through comics - and lunatics did not disappoint!
having read this in the wee hours of the morning, there wasn’t much sound to be heard except the occasional laugh or giggle i let out after reading a few panels 🤣
this was a good one! it was very interesting for a heist to be set in the Philippines, in a place that I’m easily able to visit myself! as a big fan of money heist - i was locked in. but more than that, lunatics is also a story about friendship and finding one’s self.
having read this in the wee hours of the morning, there wasn’t much sound to be heard except the occasional laugh or giggle i let out after reading a few panels 🤣
this was a good one! it was very interesting for a heist to be set in the Philippines, in a place that I’m easily able to visit myself! as a big fan of money heist - i was locked in. but more than that, lunatics is also a story about friendship and finding one’s self.
October 14, 2025
Quick Thoughts
It’s an interesting read, well it’s graphic novel, set in the Philippines, with Filipino characters talking about heist on one of the famous painting in the world. Love the design, love the concept, you can easily follow the story and identify the characters. But as with any graphic novels, you tend to look for more. While it started really strong, the ending is anti climatic, leaving you wanting for more.
It’s an interesting read, well it’s graphic novel, set in the Philippines, with Filipino characters talking about heist on one of the famous painting in the world. Love the design, love the concept, you can easily follow the story and identify the characters. But as with any graphic novels, you tend to look for more. While it started really strong, the ending is anti climatic, leaving you wanting for more.
April 1, 2025
Astig! Maganda ang art style. Malinis ang flow. Pero madami pa akong gusto malaman at mabasa mula sa story na to. Andami ko pang gusto makita kasi parang naging rushed ang ending. Pero overall maganda para sa akin ang librong ito.
June 9, 2025
I love the storyline. I love the graphics.
Just as what the others say here, yuhh the characters might need development and a bit more exposure, naintroduce kasi eh.. but this may be intentional, para sa second.. third book? I bet!
Just as what the others say here, yuhh the characters might need development and a bit more exposure, naintroduce kasi eh.. but this may be intentional, para sa second.. third book? I bet!
March 3, 2025
Nakakalungkot, nakakafrustrate, nakakamangha.
April 26, 2025
Sa lahat ng graphic novel ni Russell Molina na nabasa ko ("12:01," "Sixty-Six" 1 at 2, "Josefina"), sa akdang ito ako may pinakamaraming tawa. Ang ganda ng timpla ng humor.
Nagunita ko sa akdang ito ang anime na "Cat's Eye" dahil nagnanakaw rin doon ng pinta ang magkakapatid, umaasang sa pagkakuha sa mga pinta ng ama nila ay makikita nila ang kanilang ama.
Sa kabilang banda, ang dami kong tanong hinggil sa kuwento. Halimbawa: Bakit nang dahil "lamang" sa pinta ay pinaghahanap ng malalaking tao ang tatay ni Vincent? Hindi ba't nagnakaw ang mga kaibigan ni Vincent para sa pera--bakit ibinalik na lang nila basta ang bahagi ng "Spoliarium" nang hindi napagkakakitaan?
Sana ay may ikalawang aklat na magsasara ng mga tanong na ito. Pero batay sa wakas ng akda, mukhang wala na.
Nagunita ko sa akdang ito ang anime na "Cat's Eye" dahil nagnanakaw rin doon ng pinta ang magkakapatid, umaasang sa pagkakuha sa mga pinta ng ama nila ay makikita nila ang kanilang ama.
Sa kabilang banda, ang dami kong tanong hinggil sa kuwento. Halimbawa: Bakit nang dahil "lamang" sa pinta ay pinaghahanap ng malalaking tao ang tatay ni Vincent? Hindi ba't nagnakaw ang mga kaibigan ni Vincent para sa pera--bakit ibinalik na lang nila basta ang bahagi ng "Spoliarium" nang hindi napagkakakitaan?
Sana ay may ikalawang aklat na magsasara ng mga tanong na ito. Pero batay sa wakas ng akda, mukhang wala na.
April 28, 2025
In this story, we follow Vincent, a struggling painter who has just recently gotten out of jail—yet already has a plan to steal an iconic painting from the National Museum.
Lunatics is a gripping Filipino graphic novel that reimagines the heist genre with a distinctly local flavor. The narrative delves into themes of artistic desperation, the value of cultural heritage, and the complexities of friendship under pressure. Enriquez's illustrations, particularly the rendition of the Spoliarium, add depth and intensity to the story, capturing the emotional turmoil of the characters.
While the book contains mature content and is not suitable for young readers, it offers a thought-provoking exploration of what drives individuals to challenge societal norms and commit extraordinary acts. The writing was also hilarious at times, which made the reading experience even more enjoyable.
Overall, this is such a recommendable and fun read. I'll definitely checkout Russell Molina's other works like Sixty-Six and 12:01, which I have been meaning to pick up for some time now.
Lunatics is a gripping Filipino graphic novel that reimagines the heist genre with a distinctly local flavor. The narrative delves into themes of artistic desperation, the value of cultural heritage, and the complexities of friendship under pressure. Enriquez's illustrations, particularly the rendition of the Spoliarium, add depth and intensity to the story, capturing the emotional turmoil of the characters.
While the book contains mature content and is not suitable for young readers, it offers a thought-provoking exploration of what drives individuals to challenge societal norms and commit extraordinary acts. The writing was also hilarious at times, which made the reading experience even more enjoyable.
Overall, this is such a recommendable and fun read. I'll definitely checkout Russell Molina's other works like Sixty-Six and 12:01, which I have been meaning to pick up for some time now.
June 4, 2025
Actual Rating: 3.5 // It was such a wild ride—a heist to steal the Spoliarium sounds outrageous, but it totally works with its offbeat humor, quiet angst, and expressive art style. I wasn’t a fan of how it ended, but the journey there was bold and memorable.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews