Sumpa

by Paolo Herras

Promises, when broken, turn into curses. To break a curse, you must first fulfill its promise. SUMPA means "curse" and "promise" in Filipino. Reluctant hero Sumpa and pre-colonial god Aliw must break curses that come their way. But the bigger the curse, the harder to break. Can they break the ultimate curse that plagues the native land?

Available in Fully Booked stores, Filbar's, Comic Odyssey and Lazada.com.ph

Genres: Comics

40 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2014

About the author

Comic Book Writer and Film Director

Reviews

[K.D. Absolutely · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I really liked about this book is its use of Philippine mythology. It is the story of Sumpa a cursed man who can release or neutralize curses made to people because they have broken their promises. If Japan has Hiro Nakamura (Heroes television series) to save the world, the Philippines has Sumpa to save the country from curses because of their broken promises to god. Sumpa has the rice God-like (Bulol), Aliw as an assistant so Sumpa must be more powerful and I can't wait to see more what he could do aside from being strong to fight the man with the fish heads and the tikbalang (man with the head of a horse).

Compared to Buhay Habangbuhay #1 (5 stars), this book is a notch lower but I still very much enjoyed reading this. It has more fantastic elements similar probably to Neil Gaiman's American Gods (3 stars) but this is just first in the series so some of the other characters (listed on the last page of the book) are not introduced yet.

I also liked the serious tone of the narration. It is not too wordy but it takes time to read compared to Buhay. The illustrations are a bit overpacked (too many going on on one page) and cluttered for my taste. I mean, I am bothered by too much details and I want it to be simple as komiks are supposed to be simple in the first place.

Overall, still an enjoyable book and I do look forward to knowing what is the role of Sumpa's father, Awit and why he is waiting while sitting like an Indian inside the mosquito net.

[Mark Anthony Salvador · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maganda ang pagbibigay-taguri sa pangunahing tauhan, angkop sa tunggalian ng kuwento: "Sumpa."

"Sumpa" ang panumbas natin sa salitang Ingles na "curse," at ito rin ang ekspresyong natin sa pangangako: "Sumpa man!"

Ang galing ng ideya na gamitin ang kulambo bilang shield para ikulong ang kaluluwa ng kanyang ama.

2014 pa ang kabanatang ito. 2021 na. Kailan ang kabanata 2?

[Paolo Aguas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this graphic novel and the whole thing is just simply superb! The artwork especially even if it is black and white is so beautiful and was done with a lot of care and passion. The writing is amazing as well and I just feel bad that this is just chapter 1 I hope to see the other chapters in the future!

[Mx. Andy Feje · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huhu bitin!

May kasunod na ba itoo???

[Michelle Bacabac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good take on Philippine mythology and is about sumpa/curses. My favorite part is the man with fish heads. I'm not so sure if I like the art style. Good cover art!

[Jaycee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa...

[Bethina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for signing my copy Paolo