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Strange Natives #2
Strange Natives: The Forgotten Memories of a Forgetful Old Woman
HELLO STRANGER
How much of our native land can you remember?
Our past has been rewritten, reimagined, and forgotten by invaders, colonizers, and fellow natives. How much of our past are you certain to be true? Nobody knows. Strange, isn't it? Our past is lost forever as we embrace a more worldly future. Leaving us all strangers in this native land, just like Grasya, a forgetful old lady and her forgotten memories.
How much of our native land can you remember?
Our past has been rewritten, reimagined, and forgotten by invaders, colonizers, and fellow natives. How much of our past are you certain to be true? Nobody knows. Strange, isn't it? Our past is lost forever as we embrace a more worldly future. Leaving us all strangers in this native land, just like Grasya, a forgetful old lady and her forgotten memories.
- GenresGraphic NovelsManga
168 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2016
2 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 9, 2017
The Forgotten Memories of A Forgetful Old Woman is the the second story of the Strange Native graphic novel anthology series. The story is by Paolo Herras, who scripted it, and with illustrations by Jericho Marte. This reader came into this series cold. This is the first volume I've read, but this is already the second book. After reading this one, I'm definitely getting the first one.
The story by Herras has the feel of a Gabriel Garcia Marquez novel. This is a shorter story but it's a generational tale; it has magic; and it's a chronicle of the tragic end of a family. It's an allegory of much the Philippines has lost of its native culture, in favor of a newer Western tradition. The irony though is that this story laments that loss, it's told in the most Western of art-forms, the graphic novel.
The artist that brought Herras' vision to reality, Marte, is a revelation. This is the first time this reader has beheld any of his work and it is gorgeous. Panel composition is manga inspired, but his hyper-detailed line art is a class of its own.
This is wonderful book is full of surprises. I'm surprised it took me this long to read it.
The story by Herras has the feel of a Gabriel Garcia Marquez novel. This is a shorter story but it's a generational tale; it has magic; and it's a chronicle of the tragic end of a family. It's an allegory of much the Philippines has lost of its native culture, in favor of a newer Western tradition. The irony though is that this story laments that loss, it's told in the most Western of art-forms, the graphic novel.
The artist that brought Herras' vision to reality, Marte, is a revelation. This is the first time this reader has beheld any of his work and it is gorgeous. Panel composition is manga inspired, but his hyper-detailed line art is a class of its own.
This is wonderful book is full of surprises. I'm surprised it took me this long to read it.
June 8, 2017
This book is one of our Recommended Reads! Read our post here.
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Please note: We don't use ratings but for this purpose, we tag books with three stars by default.
Would like to be a reviewer/contributor to Bookbed? Sign up here!
We also accept review requests. More info here.
January 19, 2019
“The invaders can kill our gods, replace our tongues, change our minds. But they cannot crush our spirit. Our spirit is strong. It carries on. For how long no one knows”
“The insignificant memories fade fast, but the more important ones live longer than the people that lived them.”
Can't help but marvel at the images created with inks and imaginations.
Set in the present and back to colonial era. The natives beliefs and the White's are clashing. Pre- colonial gods and magic are fading.
It tells the story of grasya and her family. A different perspective on the colonial era up to the present. It gives the reader a nostalgic feeling and savor each memory we own.
A one sitting read.
“The insignificant memories fade fast, but the more important ones live longer than the people that lived them.”
Can't help but marvel at the images created with inks and imaginations.
Set in the present and back to colonial era. The natives beliefs and the White's are clashing. Pre- colonial gods and magic are fading.
It tells the story of grasya and her family. A different perspective on the colonial era up to the present. It gives the reader a nostalgic feeling and savor each memory we own.
A one sitting read.
October 2, 2018
2.5 at least, perhaps.
Overly styled yung art, redundant, parang nasapawan yung bisa ng text, masyadong excessive yung details na pwede naman bawasan sa ibang parts/panels para magaan sa mata ng reader, yung hindi nakakaumay bawat pahina. Dapat hindi lahat ng pahina e showy o flamboyant, may certain parts lang na dapat ipe-flesh out ang conceit ng art style, para exciting ang paglipat ng pahina.
Pero maganda yung ibang panel gaya nung parang natutunaw yung frame, tsaka yung memories na naging wall ng monitors.
Okay naman yung story, magic realism, may mga interesting na tagpo at concepts (mga paru-paro bilang alaala). Siguro kung di ako na na-bother ng art, mas engrossing at coherent yung pagbasa ko sa story. Bagay yung ganitong kuwento sa mga artists na mild lang ang stokes sa line-art. Though na-appreciate ko yung kasipagan at effort ni Jerico, wag lang sana masyado obsessed sa details at style siguro para di nakakaumay at nasasapawan yung narrative. Sana binura rin nang mabuti yung ibang bakas ng lapis.
Overly styled yung art, redundant, parang nasapawan yung bisa ng text, masyadong excessive yung details na pwede naman bawasan sa ibang parts/panels para magaan sa mata ng reader, yung hindi nakakaumay bawat pahina. Dapat hindi lahat ng pahina e showy o flamboyant, may certain parts lang na dapat ipe-flesh out ang conceit ng art style, para exciting ang paglipat ng pahina.
Pero maganda yung ibang panel gaya nung parang natutunaw yung frame, tsaka yung memories na naging wall ng monitors.
Okay naman yung story, magic realism, may mga interesting na tagpo at concepts (mga paru-paro bilang alaala). Siguro kung di ako na na-bother ng art, mas engrossing at coherent yung pagbasa ko sa story. Bagay yung ganitong kuwento sa mga artists na mild lang ang stokes sa line-art. Though na-appreciate ko yung kasipagan at effort ni Jerico, wag lang sana masyado obsessed sa details at style siguro para di nakakaumay at nasasapawan yung narrative. Sana binura rin nang mabuti yung ibang bakas ng lapis.
September 25, 2016
I couldn't get enough of this graphic novel. It was so beautifully illustrated and so beautifully painful.
September 25, 2021
The premise of the book is interesting. I found it thought-provoking, not only on the concept of memory, but also about the Philippines' history: of colonization, of revolution, of culture, and of religiosity.
I admit, however, that the art made it slightly difficult to read, although I understand it also added to the atmosphere of the story. It took me a while to comprehend certain panels, and I struggled to like the style (if I ever did).
It is not a 'light' read. There is an undercurrent of angst that runs throughout the book, and the ending does not make me feel any happier nor more hopeful. In addition, the presumably happier memories are completely omitted; the focus is very much on the turbulent, gut-wrenching moments past. This is not a criticism of the book so much as a note to potential readers.
It was an okay read overall, but it also perhaps takes a certain reader to truly appreciate it.
I admit, however, that the art made it slightly difficult to read, although I understand it also added to the atmosphere of the story. It took me a while to comprehend certain panels, and I struggled to like the style (if I ever did).
It is not a 'light' read. There is an undercurrent of angst that runs throughout the book, and the ending does not make me feel any happier nor more hopeful. In addition, the presumably happier memories are completely omitted; the focus is very much on the turbulent, gut-wrenching moments past. This is not a criticism of the book so much as a note to potential readers.
It was an okay read overall, but it also perhaps takes a certain reader to truly appreciate it.
July 16, 2022
Sa lahat ng comics na nabasa ko, isa ito sa pinakagusto ko ang ilustrasyon. Kita ang sariling estilo ni Jerico Marte, ang ganda. Kung ilustrasyon lang ang pagbabatayan, bibigyan ko ito ng 5/5.
Nakukulangan ako sa kuwento. Formulaic na rin ang salaysay--silipin lamang ang mga alaala, huwag sa mabuhay sa alaala.
Samantala, ang ganda ng bahagi sa kuwento na naging bala ng baril ang mga paruparo (na sagisag ng alaala) at tumanim sa katawan ni Grasya, at pagkatapos ay nagsimulang isalaysay ang lagim ng panahon ng Hapon. Ang ganda ng transisyon: paruparo, alaala, baril, giyera, karahasan.
Nakukulangan ako sa kuwento. Formulaic na rin ang salaysay--silipin lamang ang mga alaala, huwag sa mabuhay sa alaala.
Samantala, ang ganda ng bahagi sa kuwento na naging bala ng baril ang mga paruparo (na sagisag ng alaala) at tumanim sa katawan ni Grasya, at pagkatapos ay nagsimulang isalaysay ang lagim ng panahon ng Hapon. Ang ganda ng transisyon: paruparo, alaala, baril, giyera, karahasan.
February 21, 2020
A gem that I was lucky enough to get my hands on at the 2019 Komiket. Coincidentally that I also got the autograph of its author, Paolo Herras. First, the gorgeous illustration captivated me and then the story swallowed me whole.
Just timely that I'm recovering from my father's passing that I happen to find this in my cabinet of books. Upon rereading it, it made me think about my relationship with all my memories with him, both good and bad.
Just timely that I'm recovering from my father's passing that I happen to find this in my cabinet of books. Upon rereading it, it made me think about my relationship with all my memories with him, both good and bad.
August 6, 2025
A wonderful graphic novel about memories. Memories that should not be forgotten. Memories that come with lessons that one should not leave behind. The art style was magnificent! The story short and sweet but impactful!
January 2, 2020
I'd give it five stars if it was fully colored.
September 16, 2021
So I forgot to say that I finished this book and give it a review, this too is simply beautiful especially the artwork is just fantastic, this is an amazing graphic novel and I highly recommend it!
November 4, 2022
While the story revolves around a forgetful old woman, the tale is far from forgettable. Some memories can be frightening but this book teaches how one can confront and learn from it.
February 10, 2024
GANDA.
April 24, 2016
This is my kind of story! Automatic 5 stars for both art and story!
I must admit first that I like this WAAAY better than the first Strange Natives, and that this sequel is a bit more thicker than the first one. Hold on, I'm not sure if this is a "prequel" from the first book (because there is a grandmother in SN#1, we'll never know), but in my opnion, I think this book would better stand off on its own, or as another new story within the strange natives comic series.
The story is wondrouous, as it not only tackles about magic --- but also mystery, family, romance, and even Filipino history!
Strange Natives 2 is a story of a woman remiscing back to her days; as a young girl enjoying her time with her interesting family members, a young woman, who has gone through the perils of romance and lust, and a mother who has experienced the joy of having a son despite wedlock. However, as I have mentioned this is a story with historical setting, she also experienced the painful loss of losing her family, along with her son, in the hands of invaders of the Motherland. As her mystical aunt passed on to her the "old ways", Grasya encounters a personification of her "memories", and is then 'cursed' to exist by watching her memories replay in her mind over and over and over again. Thus, she watches her life in a rather nostalgic and romanticized loop.
The story was done in the most visually appealing way, where Marte's stylized drawing style has wonderfully paired the storytelling which I believe Herras has intended from the beginning. I must admit that while reading this book, I did get the chills not only from the scenes' depiction, but also the lines Grasya says. Her ruminations and realizations from the passage of time are thought-evoking and (forgive my lack of words) deep. As this book is thicker than the first, I believe it was no easy task in research all the details drawn into this book - the Spanish houses, the fashion of the era, and most of all THE BUTTERFLIES! The detail put into this book is astounding. I cannot even fathom the idea of inking in such a stylized drawing style.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone actually! But appreciating the drawing style may take awhile as it is stylized, a bit distorted (thats the beauty of it!).
I tip my artist cap to Jerico Marte, and of course to Paolo Herras too. Well done good sirs. I actually look forward to meeting Paolo Herras, as I have already had this book signed at Summer Komikon 2016 with Jerico Marte. (I remembered I also received an awesome bookmark during that day! I feel so lucky!)
Let me end with my favorite (last) line from the book:
"But its only when all our memories are pieced together, can we only see ourselves as whole.
So always remember. Remember to never forget. Never ever forget."
I must admit first that I like this WAAAY better than the first Strange Natives, and that this sequel is a bit more thicker than the first one. Hold on, I'm not sure if this is a "prequel" from the first book (because there is a grandmother in SN#1, we'll never know), but in my opnion, I think this book would better stand off on its own, or as another new story within the strange natives comic series.
The story is wondrouous, as it not only tackles about magic --- but also mystery, family, romance, and even Filipino history!
Strange Natives 2 is a story of a woman remiscing back to her days; as a young girl enjoying her time with her interesting family members, a young woman, who has gone through the perils of romance and lust, and a mother who has experienced the joy of having a son despite wedlock. However, as I have mentioned this is a story with historical setting, she also experienced the painful loss of losing her family, along with her son, in the hands of invaders of the Motherland. As her mystical aunt passed on to her the "old ways", Grasya encounters a personification of her "memories", and is then 'cursed' to exist by watching her memories replay in her mind over and over and over again. Thus, she watches her life in a rather nostalgic and romanticized loop.
The story was done in the most visually appealing way, where Marte's stylized drawing style has wonderfully paired the storytelling which I believe Herras has intended from the beginning. I must admit that while reading this book, I did get the chills not only from the scenes' depiction, but also the lines Grasya says. Her ruminations and realizations from the passage of time are thought-evoking and (forgive my lack of words) deep. As this book is thicker than the first, I believe it was no easy task in research all the details drawn into this book - the Spanish houses, the fashion of the era, and most of all THE BUTTERFLIES! The detail put into this book is astounding. I cannot even fathom the idea of inking in such a stylized drawing style.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone actually! But appreciating the drawing style may take awhile as it is stylized, a bit distorted (thats the beauty of it!).
I tip my artist cap to Jerico Marte, and of course to Paolo Herras too. Well done good sirs. I actually look forward to meeting Paolo Herras, as I have already had this book signed at Summer Komikon 2016 with Jerico Marte. (I remembered I also received an awesome bookmark during that day! I feel so lucky!)
Let me end with my favorite (last) line from the book:
"But its only when all our memories are pieced together, can we only see ourselves as whole.
So always remember. Remember to never forget. Never ever forget."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2016
"But it's only when all our memories are pieced together, can we truly see ourselves as whole.
So always remember.
Remember to never forget.
Never ever forget."
(These words can relate to the historic event tomorrow. Unless we learn, the memories will keep repeating over and over. We learn and always remember. #NeverAgain)
So always remember.
Remember to never forget.
Never ever forget."
(These words can relate to the historic event tomorrow. Unless we learn, the memories will keep repeating over and over. We learn and always remember. #NeverAgain)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews