Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa: A Graphic Novel

by Kara Bodegón-Hikino

In this first book of an epic debut middle grade fantasy graphic novel duology by Kara Bodegón-Hikino, Mage and her shark best friend, Squalo, set off on a wild adventure filled with mythical and powerful creatures from Filipino folklore to save their world from the wrath of the Bakunawa. Perfect for fans of Hildafolk and Final Fantasy.

After losing her father in an attack by the evil Tikbalang, Mage and her best friend, Squalo, set off an important quest far from home to honor her father’s last wish—find the Bakunawa, the guardian of the sea.

But Mage and Squalo don’t know where to find the Bakunawa. And the evil Tikbalang was only one underling of Ventrolio, the nightmare maker, who is hunting Mage at any cost. Mage and Squalo’s journey takes them all over Mundo, facing monsters and possessed minions of Ventrolio until they hear news of an angry bakunawa that would rather destroy ships and summon storms than help sailors. Why would Mage’s father send them to someone so dangerous? Can Mage and Squalo uncover the truth before the Bakunawa unleashes her wrath and plunges all of Mundo into chaos?

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Mythology, Sequential Art, Graphic Novels Comics, Comics

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2026

About the author

Kara Bodegón-Hikino is a Filipino cartoon illustrator, author, and semiretired music journalist. She grew up hoping to become a marine biologist to study sharks but ended up in the music industry, where she wrote for publications like Billboard, Bandwagon Asia, and PULP Magazine. She also worked from backstage to the photo pit at concerts and designed album covers and merch for some pretty cool bands and artists. These days, she sells stickers and little trinkets as KARAKUGAKI at local art markets and conventions. Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa is her first graphic novel.


Kara lives in a very music home with her husband and their son (who they’re training to become a Pokémon Master) in the south side of Manila. Learn more at karabodegon.com

Reviews

[Kate]

If you're into fantasy RPGs at all, you definitely need to pick up Squalo & Mage by Kara Bodegón-Hikino. Complete with fun depictions of quests, leveling up, and loot, this graphic novel is a love letter to role-playing games and all the wonderful nerds out there who enjoy them.

It's also a love letter to Filipino culture, history, and folklore. There are so many fun little Easter eggs to spot—from tubero ads on street lampposts, The Last Supper paintings hanging on the walls of dining rooms, a poster announcing an Itchyworms gig, a fantasy-version of Gary Valenciano, the police in guwardiya sibil uniforms, and the suspiciously familiar-looking slimy politician Mayor Doma (check out the makeup and hairstyle). I loved the little nods toward the author's Ilonggo background. ("Kaon ta!" cries Squalo when he invites Mage to eat.) And of course, the fantasy realm of Mundo is packed full of creatures from our stories: aswang, kataw, tikbalang, and the all-powerful bakunawa.

Squalo & Mage was a fun adventure that also explored themes like corruption and environmental responsibility in a light, accessible way. I think distilling such concepts for children is one of the hardest tasks middle grade and children's authors have to face, and Bodegón-Hikino knocked it out of the park with sensitivity and remarkable intelligence. Also, the book's central theme of bravery and kindness is one that will resonate with any kind of reader.

I can't wait for the next book!

[Spens]

Very cute art and story and the perfect palate cleanser for me in between text-heavy reads! This was just adorable in the way your favorite childhood cartoons are. Highly recommend if you just want to read something that will simply be a mighty good time. (Also why is Balteo kinda...)

[Mandy | bookiesncreme]

I was Immediately drawn in by the art style and color palette, then I saw online @karabodegon at an event doin' her author/illustrator thing with her kiddo on her lap (Go mom 💪!!). Wildly impressive and wholesome.

Now the story: rooted in Filipino folklore, we follow Mage and her shark bestie Squalo on an epic quest to save their world... light RPG style! It takes no time at all to be invested in and root for this dynamic duo. There's the main quest, side quests (get that monies!), battles, magic, mystery, mythical beasts, humor, friendship, and more. I had so much fun reading this. I started it and couldn't put it down. I CANNOT wait for part 2 of the duology to come out!!

TLDR: Perfect for fans (all ages) of graphic novels like Lightfall, Press Start!, and Amulet, and children's cartoons like Hilda and Summer Camp Island.
Middle grade librarians, parents, and teachers, get copies for your kiddos ASAP! It's perfect for your GN, fantasy + cartoon lovin' readers.

[MikaReadsFantasy]

In Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa by Kara Bodegón-Hikino, Mage and her best friend Squalo leave home after Mage loses her father to the evil Tikbalang. Following his final wish, they set out to find the Bakunawa, guardian of the sea. Their journey carries them across Mundo as they face monsters, gather loot, level up, and dodge the nightmare maker Ventrolio, all while racing to stop an enraged Bakunawa from throwing the world into chaos.

This graphic novel instantly won me over with its wonderful illustration style and gorgeous color palette. The imagination on every page is a joy, and Mage and Squalo make such a lovable duo that it is impossible not to root for them.

The story feels like a LitRPG, complete with quests, leveling, and looting, which makes it especially fun, even if it leans into silliness now and then. Beneath the adventure, it also explores meaningful themes like environmental responsibility, economics, and kindness in a way that feels natural and accessible.

Overall, I had a great time with this book. It is heartfelt, colorful, and packed with adventure, and I would absolutely love to continue Mage and Squalo’s journey when the next installment releases.

A big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher HarperCollins Children’s Books for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[anj]

SO EXCITEDDDDDDD

[Eloise]

The book was absolutely amazing and fantastic story I would really recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good magic graphic novel. The story had some suspenseful moments but they were very interesting and exciting. I would read all the sequels to this book.

[Ele]

OK WAIT SO THIS IS AN ASIAN-INSPIRED CHILDREN'S FANTASY COMIC STARING A WALKING SHARK AND I HAVE TO WAIT 3. YEARS. FOR. IT. TO. BE. RELEASED.

i am disgusted by you, life.

[Chelsea]

Review to come on May 12thThank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy

Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa by Kara Bodegón-Hikino is a middle grade fantasy graphic novel inspired by RPGS. As a baby, Mage was found and raised by the Sorcerer, who kept her away from the forces of evil who means to eradicate her and the rest of her people. When the Sorcerer is taken captive while protecting Mage, she and Squalo, her shark companion, run to the guild so they can learn the skills to become stronger and save their world and be reunited with the Sorcerer.

Multiple aspects of the worldbuilding are inspired by Filipino culture such as adobo and aswang and the story itself reads like an RPG video game, with inventory screens and little dialogue boxes stating how much money the protagonists have earned. This combination feels both familiar and new for older readers while also being very engaging for younger readers who have a strong preference for video game-style storytelling.

I loved the bright use of colors and how much blue, yellow, and pink was used. It's a very bright palette that isn't particularly interested in being true to nature and that fits in so well with the RPG aspects. The backgrounds are full of details without feeling busy or that they're taking away from the more simple character designs.

I would recommend this to young fans of video games and young fans of adventure fantasy

[Marie]

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a review copy! This has in no way influenced my reading experience or opinions.

My, what a fun, adventure-filled graphic novel! Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa captured my heart at first sight, and I am pleased to let you know it only kept getting better from there. I flew through the pages in one sitting and I loved every second of it!

Inspired by the myth of the bakunawa, a sea serpent that swallowed Earth’s six out of seven moons, this graphic novel never shied away from representing Filipino culture. It’s loud and explicit, and I can’t help but feel immense pride. Better yet, it didn’t feel forced. Instead, it felt like a natural part of its worldbuilding. There are cultural references everywhere like the bahay kubo, traditional clothes, food, mannerisms, and rural landscapes. While I had a lot of fun spotting these, and the witty pop culture references even more so, I don’t think non-Filipinos and those who are removed from the culture will miss out on anything crucial to the plot itself. They can very much enjoy the story as is!

I’ll be honest, the story unfolding like a cozy RPG game with battles, side quests, rewards, skills, and upgrades took me aback at first because… huh, what for? Eventually, I figured I just probably needed some sprinkle of whimsy! I think it’s really neat and, in my case, nostalgic because I used to play a lot of RPG games (still do, but it’s been a while). By the end, I was begging for an official game adaptation. I mean can you imagine it with this art style?! And a really cozy soundtrack to boot?? I’d be obsessed!!

Speaking of art styles, I’m head over heels in love with it! It reminds me a lot of Adventure Time, but with its own unique spin. The illustrations were fairly simple yet visually pleasing and easy on the eyes, especially with the soft pastel and warm colors. I’m sure kids will eat it up!! The character designs were also adorable and expressive, and while the monsters looked fairly sanitized, I still find them threatening—just nothing that’s made of nightmares!

The chosen one and her talking animal companion, Mage & Squalo make such a fun loveable chaotic duo. I had a blast following them on their side quests and adventures thus far, and I would have no complaints reuniting with them on a potential sequel. Their friendship is everything. Also, Squalo had no right to be this funny! Perhaps a little absurd, but wholesome and adorkable all the same. I was laughing out loud!

All in all, Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa is a delightful, light-hearted read and a perfect start to a promising middle grade fantasy duology. There’s humor, heart, and valuable lessons. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book—every page was brimming with charm and childlike whimsy. Definitely a must-read for Filipino kids and young at heart, and especially for anyone who’s interested in exploring Filipino culture and mythology, and cozy graphic novels!

[Sai theengineerisreading]

This middle grade graphic novel should be in your 2026 TBR.

Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa is the first book in Kara Bodegon-Hikino’s debut epic fantasy duology where we follow a good boy warrior shark (Squalo) and a neutral good Kawayan druid (Mage) as they journey across territories to save their world (Mundo) from the Bakunawa’s rage.

From the very first page where the main characters’ encounter with the evil forces was established, the vibrant world of Mundo was introduced through striking visuals that captures the essence of whimsical and playful balanced with a set of palette that is aesthetically pleasing. I love the choice of pastel colors as it set the atmosphere and mood for story. I’m not an artist but I also appreciated the arrangement of panels where action scenes are given the focus it deserve while quieter moments were given space to breathe as well.

There are three themes that I picked up from the story: bravery, kindness, and importance of friendship.

Mage’s story took the centerstage in terms of setting up the discourse on bravery. From her epic origin story to the present time when she had no other choice but to travel the world in search of the Bakunawa, the underlying theme in her monologues is being courageous for the people she loves.

Kindness is another concept that was explored in the story. The placement of kindness as a superpower in her RPG-like battle scenes speaks volumes about how powerful compassion is to the point that it can defeat evil forces.

This graphic novel alsotouches on the importance of friendship. Squalo and Mage’s backstory is one of my favorite panels. No wonder they became the best adventurer duo.

Lastly, I can’t find the write words to describe how unapologetically Filipino this book is. From hidden easter eggs to direct references (hello Gary Valenciano, sapin-sapin, nuno, aswang, and the list goes on), the author-illustrator made sure that Filipino readers like me will feel seen in the pages.

Overall, a highly recommended read! Squalo and Mage not only champions the rich myths and folklore of the Philippines but also instills important lessons on courage and kindness. Excited to get my hands on a copy + sequel soon!

[YSBR]

When an evil tikbalang takes her father’s life, the last thing Mage remembers is his final wish: find the Bakunawa, the legendary guardian of the sea. So Mage, a young wizard honing her magic, and her trusty partner Squalo, a shark plushie come to life, set out for an adventure. They will encounter side quests, greedy pirates, and confusing riddles, all while leveling up their stats, acquiring new weapons and spells, and helping the people of Mundo. But the evil Ventrolio, the Nightmare Maker, is after Mage for unknown reasons, so they will have to face shapeshifting Aswangs, possessed pigs, and all sorts of monsters to succeed. And when Mage learns that the Bakunawa is raging in the seas, summoning storms and destroying ships, she and Squalo must get to the bottom of the guardian’s anger before the Bakunawa floods Mundo with her waters. 

Squalo & Mage is a whimsical and cute tale full of friendship, RPG magic, and adventure. The journey is set in the world of Mundo, a cozy and playful land inspired by Filipino folklore and culture, where readers will encounter Filipino customs, food, language, and traditions that ground the fantastical story of folkloric creatures, monsters, and the legendary Bakunawa herself. Mage’s and Squalo’s experiences replicate a video game RPG, with unlockable achievements, health and magic bars, and fun stats that both pop up in the comic panels but are also visible (or at least known) to the characters. It makes for a fun merging of two fantasy tropes: folklore tales and video game logic. Mage and Squalo are both enjoyable characters: Mage being the logical wizard and Squalo a positive goofball swords-shark, but their relationship and how they help each other through tough challenges is where their characters really shine. Overall, a very fun graphic novel that folklore, video game, magic, and adventure nerds will enjoy. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Karla]

Thank you so much to the author for this arc!

First of all, the illustrations are so cute!  The use of muted colors of predominantly blue, purple and pink in this graphic novel was so easy on the eyes. The drawings were so on point at expressing the emotion of each scene.  

The story itself is one big magical adventure, made even more precious because it involves two best friends.  Mage is the magical orphan, the chosen one, who uses powerful kind magic to slay his enemies.  Squalo is the small but terribly cute shark who assists Mage in his quests but doesn't fully realize his potential.  Together, the story emphasized their strong friendship bond, amidst the loss that they have endured, and the conflicts that they faced that have threatened their people.

The storytelling is done in a role-playing game style and seeing the characters accept missions for rewards, fight their enemies in terms of using items in their inventories, equipping weapons, collecting money from defeated enemies, and using various attack and magic options made for an enjoyable experience.   The use of gen alpha slang also added appeal to its intended audience.

As much as the story revolves around the good vs bad plotline,  there are also some deeper themes involved.  For example, we have a bit of political satire in the story, and reading this at this time, let's just say it reminded me of unpleasant things happening recently.  There were also mentions of endangered animal abuse and illegal activity.   And lastly, the underestimation of these two cute wizards makes the reader root for these underdogs, and that good conquers evil all the time.   So not only is this book highly entertaining and visually appealing, it also provides important lessons to our young ones, about kindness, confidence, brevity and integrity.

I cannot wait for their next adventures!  

[Armina Fonacier]

Squalo & Mage vs The Rage of the Bakunawa
By Kara Bodegón-Hikono
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I had so much fun reading this comic book! As a gamer and a fantasy reader, I loved it so much and I'm giving it a perfect 5 ⭐️ rating!

✨️ ᏖᏂᏋ ᏕᏖᎧᏒᎩ

The story follows Mage, a young girl with magical powers, and her loyal best friend Squalo, a talking two-legged shark.
After Mage’s adoptive father is killed during an attack by a tikbalang serving the evil Ventrolio, Mage learns that she may be one of the last of the Kawayan people. Before dying, her father tells her to seek the Bakunawa, the legendary sea serpent guardian from Filipino mythology.

Mage and Squalo then journey across the magical world of Mundo, facing monsters and corrupted creatures such as Tikbalangs and Aswangs.

🗡 ᏖᏂᏋ ᏰᏗᏖᏖᏝᏋᏕ

One of its most engaging aspects is its game-like storytelling, especially during battle scenes. The fights are similar to an RPG adventure, with quests, monster encounters, power upgrades, & strategic teamwork that make every conflict exciting and dynamic. The comic builds tension like a video game campaign, where each challenge reveals new abilities, deeper lore, and higher stakes for Mage and Squalo.

👾 ᎥᏁᏕᎮᎥᏒᏗᏖᎥᎧᏁ

What made it even more memorable for me was the fact that it drew inspiration from Filipino Folklore. Seeing creatures and legends like the Bakunawa woven into such a vibrant fantasy adventure made the story feel both magical and deeply rooted in Filipino culture.

I truly enjoyed how the comic balanced action and humor with meaningful lessons about courage, friendship, grief, and protecting others, making it not only entertaining but also heartfelt and thought-provoking.

🩵 ᏖᏗᏦᏋᏗᏇᏗᎩ

I want a personal copy. 😆
I can't wait to read it for my nieces and nephews.

Thank you so much Akdang Pinoy and Kara Bodegón - Hikino for the advanced readers copy.

[Eleennae Ayson]

Ever feel like life is one big daunting mission that has no clear instructions? Grab a trustworthy plushie and take a cue from Squalo and Mage, the cutest bravest adventurers to walk the earth. They're tasked to find the Bakunawa, but they have no idea where to start.

What do they do? They find clues while doing one sidequest at a time. Nothing is too small for them: anything that can get them to level up, earn monnies, and buy adventuring gear is fair game. Their adventures take them deep into the crisis affecting their world's fate, and they soon find out just how powerful kindness is against corruption and exploitation.

The book is structured into RPG-style quests and battle encounters, and the love for all things game-related is very evident in this book. Even all the small villager requests like minding the chickens is an exciting boss battle, and my personal favorite is the challenge to make the kawawa tree smile.

The pastel art and funny encounters make for a comfy read, but they also do not dilute the story's depth. Mage has time to honor her adoptive father's stable, everyday love while grappling with her long-lost people's legacy. The supporting characters are also equally charming, and I can't wait to meet Italon and Balteo in future stories.

There is so much love infused into the smallest details of this book's world-building. The signs, the character designs, even some of the random side quests featured here are very familiar to the typical Filipino lived experience. They are not merely translated or Filipinized flavor text ripped from other media; rather, its RPG mechanics are built on its setting and inform the motives and abilities of its characters.

[Brittany]

This is a super cute lit RGP graphic novel series for kids/middle grade readers. It follows a young child named "Mage" who has magic powers and has been living with a sorcerer her whole life. Her best friend "Squalo" is an anthropomorphic shark that protects Mage. When the sorcerer is killed trying to protect Mage from an evil enemy that wants to kill all Mage's people, Mage and Squalo must journey out to seek help from a sea dragon called the Bakunawa. As they journey, they level up, and gain new items and skills just like in a lit RPG. The characters a really energetic and I found a lot of their exchanges funny - kids will really enjoy this!

The artwork was very child friendly as well. It uses a brighter color palette for most of the story (I like to think of the colors as what you'd see on a 90's windbreaker - turquoise, lavender, maroon, etc), but when there are flash backs the color palette switches to greys. It was always really easy to tell what was going on, and I enjoyed the art style. The colors and style would definitely be appropriate and appealing to a younger audience.

Overall, I enjoyed this fun, magical, adventure a ton and would definitely pick up a second volume! But don't fret, even though it's a series, the first story ARC wraps up nicely in this volume, so if you don't know yet if you want to commit, it end with a satisfying conclusion.

5/5 stars

Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Michael Angelo Rivera]

I got the book in Fully Booked when me and my friends were having a playdate in Bonifacio High Mall outlets. When my friends were about to go, I read it. First off,
the word "cream puff/s" tends to pop up often, a sure sign that Squalo loves this treat. ( I tried a few myself at Beard Papa's , and believe me, they are blissful,
but messy.) And then in a flashback of Mage's memories, we meet the cute turtles, also a very rude word that could only come from Mage. Please don't include abusive language, Tita Hikino, because I will thank you if you don't in the next novel.Any way, we also see the buddies Map of Mundo, which is beautiful. And then we meet Balteo, and he
became real helpful in distracting the guards later on. By the way, the whole thing is a GAME. You got life expectancy, weapons, potions, holy water, whatever you see in
most games the moves are posted. Ok, back to the story. While Balteo is distracting the guards, Squalo&Mage sneak inside and confront Mayor Doma. Ok, pretty scary but not so scary I have nightmares. Unfortunately for the heroes, Mayor Doma escapes. The people have a party, much to Mage's annoyance, and haven't prepared at all. A storm rolls in, and Squalo&Mage, alongside Balteo and Italeon, prepare to fight and sing(yes!) against the enemy, and the Bacunawa. In the end, our heroes win, and they truly celebrate, and prepare to leave to another realm. But the enormous hand of Ventrolio grabs at the heroes behind their backs. (That is not a metaphor, it really did happen.)

Alice Samantha Rivera, aged 9.

[anj]

It's been a while since I read a graphic novel, and Squalo & Mage vs. The Rage of the Bakunawa felt like it came at the right time.

The storytelling is done in a cute, RPG-style that feels reminiscent of Pokémon. This makes the novel incredibly easy to follow. It's so cute how the characters gained exp points and money every time they defeated enemies and completed a quest.

It's an adorable reinterpretation of Filipino folklore and culture. It's hard to miss the easter eggs incorporated in the novel — the street food, the culture of pabaon, fiestas, among a few. Squalo being an ube lover is so relatable.

Speaking of Squalo, I loved his quips the most! The zillennial humor in this book is very relatable. Aside from the story, I also loved the color palette of muted blue, pink, yellow, and violet. It's such a visual treat.

Squalo & Mage is technically classified as a children's book, but it's a story that packs something for all generations to enjoy. I loves how it seamlessly combines the magic of Philippine folkore with themes of political satire and environmental accountability. It's exactly the kind of whimsy that we need at this day and age.

I can't wait to see more of Squalo & Mage's next adventure!

[Dahlia (ofpagesandprint)]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa: A Graphic Novel is an addictive, adventurous, and heartwarming read.

I absolutely adored this one. Infused with captivating Filipino folklore, delicious food, vibrant settings, and delightful magic, Kara Bodegón-Hikino’s lush and immersive world-building swept me away; I could have spent hours exploring the world alongside Squalo and Mage. I did not want it to stop (when I reached the final page, I attempted to frantically scroll in hopes that more of the splendid story would magically appear). Bodegón-Hikino’s writing was charming, funny, and engaging, brimming with emotion, love, and adventure. Bodegón-Hikino’s illustrations were absolutely beautiful, presenting Squalo and Mage’s tale with cinematic, colorful imagery. Squalo and Mage were adorable main characters, and I loved the exploration of family, friendship, and community. The plot was entertaining, creative, and action-packed, and the pacing fit the tale wonderfully. I highly recommend this one and can’t wait for the next book!

Thank you to the publisher for the free ARC!

[pineapple tofu]

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Dive deep into Filipino folklore as a young girl (Mage) and her best friend (Squalo), who fight against the tides of the bakunawa. After losing her father, Mago and Squalo travel the lands of Mundo, taking on side quests alongside the journey of fulfilling her father’s last wishes. As nightmare creatures come alive and terrorize the locals of Mundo, these two companions try to decipher the chaos that is haunting the guardian of the sea, the bakunawa. Yet, can Mage and Squalo come into their own powers in time to save everyone?
Against the backdrop of Filipino culture and mythology, this starter of a duology is both mythical and magical. Mage is determined to honor her father’s last wishes and learn to train in combat along the way. Soft pinks and faded blues color a picture of folklore, the evil Tikbalang, the Bakunawa, and everything in between. This graphic novel is hilarious as it shows boss battles and the play-by-play moments of healing tonics and fight scenes. And with Mage is Squalo, her shark friend who’s snarky and loves money for completing side quests. An absolute treasure to read.

[Aika Lopez]

A hot summer afternoon, I just finished playing a game — did some fishing, finished quests, decorated my home, and fixed my outfit. Then I grabbed my e-reader and started reading Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa by Kara Bodegón-Hikino. 🎮📚

It follows Mage and her shark best friend, Squalo, as they explore the wonders of Mundo in search of the Bakunawa. Along the way? Side quests, skill upgrades, fighting aswangs, and earning “monnies.” Come on… am I still playing a game or reading a graphic novel? 😭

The Filipino humor and references made the experience even better — Mayor Doma? Tita Kamote? I was SOLD. Honestly, this graphic novel 𝑓𝑒𝑙𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑧𝑦 𝑎𝑑𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑔𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝐼 𝑑𝑖𝑑𝑛’𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑜𝑓.

Whether you’re a gamer, comic fan, or just looking for a fun feel-good read, I’d definitely recommend giving this graphic novel a chance.

Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa is set for release under @harpercollins on May 26, 2026. You can pre order on @_fullybooked and Amazon.

Thanks, TFS and NETGALLEY.

check my creative review here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DYkSt7aiS...

[Aly]

This was such a fun read. I've heard great things about it but tried reading it after it was kinda amped up in the book community. And I must say it was so good.

I enjoyed the graphics in the book. It was so engaging and very lively. It is tagged as middle grade/children's but I believe it's also perfect for those who enjoys graphic novels and middle grade books because it is not just for the graphics but also the lesson and story it comes with.

This book just embodied the whole meaning that kindness will always defeat the bad. And kids should be introduce to that, that it is better to be kind and good.

I so so soooo love Squalo. He is very talkative and frank, which made me enjoy his character more. He's like the perfect breakage from the kinda serious attitude of Mage because of what her father left for her to accomplish.

I am excited for Squalo & Mage's new adventures as they journey to the new realm with the Bakunawa.

[kyra]

in squalo & mage, the art will hook you in, the story will make you stay, and the execution will leave you wanting more.

in this middlegrade, fantasy graphic novel, we follow two brave adventurers as they travel through mundo, fighting nightmares as they journey towards their goal of finding their new guardian, the bakunawa. seems simple enough, until they realize that everyone else doesn't seem to have anything nice to say about her. given that's the case, they start to wonder - how could she be their guardian?

cozy-gamers are SO going to enjoy this given the references to leveling up, losing HP, gathering loot, and completing side quests. nostalgia hit and i was transported back to my stardew valley era. it adds an extra layer of fun to the storytelling, making the overall experience fresh and light even as it tackles societal issues and concepts that may be new to the younger age groups.

it's also unapologetically soaked with filipino culture you won't stop finding easter eggs. at times it may feel like an 'i spy' game where you're trying to decode if there's a reference you may have missed.

all that to say, this was so cute. i loved it. the story is planned to be a duology so consider me locked in and looking forward to book 2!

[Kristy]

I liked:
-The art style it's cute and the limited pastel palette worked for me.

-It features Filipino mythology.

-The friendship between Mage and Squalo was nice.

I disliked:
-There's no page numbers, and that's really annoying.

-It reads much younger than I was expecting, which is fine if that's what you want.

I'm unsure about:
-It's a litRPG. At one point Mage hits a literal save point. The characters level up and use different abilities the same way they would in a video game. I think I was fine with it, but it almost seemed a bit out of place.

I might read the sequel, but I won't be in any rush to do so.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital review copy.

[Ené]

This was such a light and adorable read, easy to absorb considering I read this the second I woke up, one eye squinting until I could open both properly. The art style makes you want to keep reading, making you unable to stop or put it down.

But the story is soft and emotional. We talk about friendship, bravery, and kindness. And the magic that you can create in your life when you have all these. Although it is light, it still carries on about the rage and pain of loss. The feeling of being unable, being alone. Feeling like you failed.

While carrying a soft energy, it brings to light stories and lessons that you can apply regardless of what point in your life you are at.

Also, it's really funny.

Squalo is my spirit animal.

[Angge]

Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa completely stole my heart from the very first page.

What I loved most about this graphic novel was how effortlessly it balanced humor, heart, and adventure. The humor genuinely made me laugh, but underneath all the chaos and fun is a story that feels incredibly heartfelt and magical. It has that special kind of energy that reminds you why adventures are so fun to begin with.

And the art style? Absolutely gorgeous. Every page felt vibrant, whimsical, and full of personality. I found myself slowing down just to take in all the little details and expressions because everything looked so lively and full of charm.

I also really loved how easy it was to connect with the story and characters. Even in the quieter moments, the book never lost its sense of wonder. It’s the kind of graphic novel that feels cozy, exciting, and unforgettable all at once.

I’m genuinely so grateful I got to read an early copy because this is absolutely a story I’ll be recommending to everyone once it releases.

[Hannah Rowan]

This was a fun middle grade fantasy graphic novel! The art style is charming and the color palette is stunning. The story is told like you are playing an RPG video game which I enjoyed and found unique. I think it will make it even more approachable for the middle grade audience! The beginning opens up with a pretty heavy scene but the rest of the novel is lighthearted and fun. The battle scenes are done very well. (Almost like a turn based game!) The characters are loveable, especially Squalo! I would highly recommend this for any fantasy lovers and gamers no matter the age! I look forward to future installments.

*Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher in exchange for my honest review!*

[J]

I received this DRC from NetGalley.

I loved this one! The artwork was incredibly cute (and done in such a pretty palette) and the relationships between the Sorcerer, Mage, and Squalo were really sweet. Their characterizations were done well, and I liked the flashbacks to reveal their past - especially since we don't get to spend time with the Sorcerer in present time. The story was fast-paced and I enjoyed all of the lore that was included. I hadn't realized beforehand that this was a lit-RPG, so I thought that was a fun element. I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes cute fantasy adventures.

[Earl]

I didn't even know about this book until I saw it on the new release shelf at the bookstore where I work.* But I'm glad I did since I really enjoyed it and will be waiting for the next book in this new duology series.

Even though Filipino mythology seems to be the entry point for kids books lately, this one seemed fresh and exciting- fun with the sort of role playing games vibes (think Final Fantasy) components mixed in.

Perfect for fans of Maple Lam's Monkey King and the World of Myths series as well as any gamers and mythology fans.

*That brings me to my issue of how do I get my hands on all the Filipino kids books so I can read them and talk about them?!?

[Charessa]

Thank you to HaperCollins and NetGalley for the eGalley to review!

I love how this story is structured; the story's world is essentially a roleplaying game and the characters and environments act as such (accepting quests, opening inventories, leveling up, battle stats overlays, etc.), and it's combined with Filipino folklore and storytelling. It's really neat! Of course, this naturally causes some cheesiness (there's a balloon axe at one point that actually does some decent damage), but it's well juxtaposed with the seriousness of the overarching plot featuring evil corrupting hearts and trying to end the world. It's a true adventure and I can see many kids picking this series up.

[zari]

this was such a fun read! i loved the fantasy rpg feel with all the quests, leveling up and loot, but what made it even more special was how it brought filipino folklore and culture into the adventure. mage and squalo are such a lovable duo, and i found myself rooting for them the whole way through.

i also really appreciated how the story touches on things like environmental responsibility, corruption and kindness without ever feeling too heavy for its younger audience. paired with the gorgeous illustrations and vibrant colours, this was such a heartfelt and imaginative little adventure, and i’m already hoping we get more of mage and squalo soon!