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The Children of Bathala #1
The Children of Bathala Volume 1
Twenty years after the events of The Mythology Class...
Bidding a pleasant farewell, Mrs. Enkanta left to continue her journey through time. Nicole and her friends adventures into the realm of myth and magic were seemingly over.
However, things have not been peaceful over the past two decades: Lane has lost her telepathic powers; Kubin is weakening; Rey and Misha have mysteriously gone missing; and doubts about Enkanta's true purpose are growing.
As their friendships, once strong and binding, slowly fall apart, Nicole senses a dark spell affecting them all.
Convinced that those cherished days they shared in the Mythology Class are fading away, Nicole is unaware that a new band of visitors from the magical world of Ibalon have arrived. These beings hold the key to unlocking an ancient mystery; one that may reveal a frightening terror, but also open an enchanting new world for Nicole, her friends, and her daughter Princess Marilag.
Bidding a pleasant farewell, Mrs. Enkanta left to continue her journey through time. Nicole and her friends adventures into the realm of myth and magic were seemingly over.
However, things have not been peaceful over the past two decades: Lane has lost her telepathic powers; Kubin is weakening; Rey and Misha have mysteriously gone missing; and doubts about Enkanta's true purpose are growing.
As their friendships, once strong and binding, slowly fall apart, Nicole senses a dark spell affecting them all.
Convinced that those cherished days they shared in the Mythology Class are fading away, Nicole is unaware that a new band of visitors from the magical world of Ibalon have arrived. These beings hold the key to unlocking an ancient mystery; one that may reveal a frightening terror, but also open an enchanting new world for Nicole, her friends, and her daughter Princess Marilag.
200 pages, Paperback
First published November 20, 2019
About the author
Arnold Arre
39 books165 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 10, 2020
I was hesitant to read "The Children of Bathala" because "The Mythology Class", the book to which it is a sequel of, is one of my favorite graphic novels. But I'm happy I finally did.
"The Children of Bathala" tells us what happened to the characters in "The Mythology Class" 20 years after the events in that book, when a group of college students battled with and against creatures of Filipino myth and legend. It shows us that happy endings may not remain happy after all. The characters have experienced disillusionment, failure, and heartbreak since. Even their friendship, which had seemed so strong and steadfast then, appears to be breaking up.
It has probably been a decade since I last saw these characters, but Arnold Arre has a gift; he makes you care about them again, such that I had tears in my eyes a third into the book.
It takes another supernatural threat against the world, the warning against which is brought by a new set of characters, to bring the group together again, and the impending arrival of this danger is where the author leaves us for now. I cannot wait to find out more in the next installment of this 5-part series.
4.5 of 5 stars.
"The Children of Bathala" tells us what happened to the characters in "The Mythology Class" 20 years after the events in that book, when a group of college students battled with and against creatures of Filipino myth and legend. It shows us that happy endings may not remain happy after all. The characters have experienced disillusionment, failure, and heartbreak since. Even their friendship, which had seemed so strong and steadfast then, appears to be breaking up.
It has probably been a decade since I last saw these characters, but Arnold Arre has a gift; he makes you care about them again, such that I had tears in my eyes a third into the book.
It takes another supernatural threat against the world, the warning against which is brought by a new set of characters, to bring the group together again, and the impending arrival of this danger is where the author leaves us for now. I cannot wait to find out more in the next installment of this 5-part series.
4.5 of 5 stars.
January 31, 2021
One of the things I've noticed in my many years as an educator, is that more and more of my grade school students no longer know what engkantos, kapres, and tikbalangs are. Tiktok and Genshin Impact have replaced story telling, which is the precious gift of culture and identity passed down through generations.
Which is why I'm so grateful for Arnold Arre and the other incredibly talented Filipino artists who create new stories with Filipino mythology in them!
Every Filipino must read this, and its precursor, THE MYTHOLOGY CLASS (TMC)!
THE CHILDREN OF BATHALA (TCOB) was published (and takes place!) in 2019... twenty years after TMC. Reading TCOB was one big homecoming, and I loved every minute! I laughed, I cried, and any book that makes me do both is a rare five-star one, indeed!
The lovely foreword by Jamie Bautista said it all:
"Arnold has once again captured the spirit of society and mixed it in with classic Philippine fantasy elements. But it's not the same type of story as TMC... the first chapter feels like a story about mid-life crisis... And the readers, like the characters in the story, are made to take a look at their lives and ask what are they supposed to do now. The times have changed, we've changed, and the threats have changed. Can we still cling on to the magic we depended on before, or do we need to let all that go and grow up?"
"All this during a time in our country when evils and demons we thought were defeated decades ago start to slowly reappear, only in newer and more subtle and insidious forms..."
I am so happy to discover that this is merely the first of five sequels! And that also explains why this first volume is mainly character development and premise setting. When the action happens, it arrives quickly! And I would suggest not to read this at night because the evil engkantos were drawn so skillfully, I was legit scared!!!
There are SO MANY things to love about this graphic novel. The familiar settings (U.P. Diliman, Katipunan Ave., Krus na Ligas) also made me reflect on my own idealistic college self, and how much I've changed, yet in many ways, stayed the same (like my love for Kubin, the Ibalon warrior... somehow made even more good-looking in his short-sleeved barong and work-appropriate haircut!! Hahaha)
For Filipino readers, no need to brave the pandemic to go to a bookstore. You can have your book delivered, courtesy of Lazada!
Thank you, Christian, for the reco!
Which is why I'm so grateful for Arnold Arre and the other incredibly talented Filipino artists who create new stories with Filipino mythology in them!
Every Filipino must read this, and its precursor, THE MYTHOLOGY CLASS (TMC)!
THE CHILDREN OF BATHALA (TCOB) was published (and takes place!) in 2019... twenty years after TMC. Reading TCOB was one big homecoming, and I loved every minute! I laughed, I cried, and any book that makes me do both is a rare five-star one, indeed!
The lovely foreword by Jamie Bautista said it all:
"Arnold has once again captured the spirit of society and mixed it in with classic Philippine fantasy elements. But it's not the same type of story as TMC... the first chapter feels like a story about mid-life crisis... And the readers, like the characters in the story, are made to take a look at their lives and ask what are they supposed to do now. The times have changed, we've changed, and the threats have changed. Can we still cling on to the magic we depended on before, or do we need to let all that go and grow up?"
"All this during a time in our country when evils and demons we thought were defeated decades ago start to slowly reappear, only in newer and more subtle and insidious forms..."
I am so happy to discover that this is merely the first of five sequels! And that also explains why this first volume is mainly character development and premise setting. When the action happens, it arrives quickly! And I would suggest not to read this at night because the evil engkantos were drawn so skillfully, I was legit scared!!!
There are SO MANY things to love about this graphic novel. The familiar settings (U.P. Diliman, Katipunan Ave., Krus na Ligas) also made me reflect on my own idealistic college self, and how much I've changed, yet in many ways, stayed the same (like my love for Kubin, the Ibalon warrior... somehow made even more good-looking in his short-sleeved barong and work-appropriate haircut!! Hahaha)
For Filipino readers, no need to brave the pandemic to go to a bookstore. You can have your book delivered, courtesy of Lazada!
Thank you, Christian, for the reco!
February 19, 2021
I can’t wait to read more about Im-ma!
March 23, 2026
This isn't as light and lively as Mythology Class. It's pretty heartwrenching. The sweet parts about Marilag's childhood were interspersed among scenes of the dreary state of the characters' lives, giving needed relief. The situations most of the characters were so real and relatable. It can get depressing, but heartwarming reunions and stunning spreads towards the end make sticking with the characters through their struggles worth it.
March 23, 2023
The Perfect Sequel (in my own humble opinion)
Took me less than a day to finish it once I got my copies of Volume 1 and 2 from the Bargain Reader. Thanks to my Ate again for getting my copies of The Mythology Class last year when I wouldn't stop badgering her about how much I wanted to it, and The Children of Bathala Volumes 1 and 2 as an early grad gift.
Alright, so I have a fun little story about this specific volume. The year was 2022, I had just read and finished The Mythology Class and loved it immensely. I was looking forward to reading the sequel's volume one. However, none of the shops that sold the series had any copies in stock. So, I messaged the Bargain Reader about when they'll restock it, and they told me that the publisher will have a new run of reprints and they're waiting for it. I was expecting to wait for about three months, so I checked in, and they told me no updates about the reprints. A year later (this year), I messaged them about how I was planning to get Volume 1 and 2 ahead of Volume 3's release. They said that the publisher hasn't updated them yet, and they'll check with them. A few days later, lo and behold, there were exactly 5 copies of Volume 1, and I immediately ordered 1 and 2. I messaged them about my order, and they said that they found a few copies and storage and that they'll check if it's in good condition to ship. Only a few hours later, my order was shipped and arrived the next day! So, yes, I believe that Bathala did bestow a few copies in their storage so that I could order at last.
Moving on to my review of TCOB V.1. First, I will say that the art has had very few changes, which I appreciate, although I believe that Arnold Arre's work got more refined with time. Second, the writing and pacing improved compared to that of the Mythology Class. While I did enjoy the Mythology Class quite a lot, there were times when I felt the story was paced a bit too fast or too slow. Which I would attribute to the fact that there are too many characters for one book to address all of them and the fact that it was the first in the series and the fact that there some scenes when I felt little to nothing was happening. Third, when I say that the writing has refined in TCOB Volume 1, I'm referring to the pacing and plot. The pacing of it was really quick, which I enjoyed since it was right for the book and the plot and in this one you feel as though every part is intentional and necessary for the characters' development and stories. And yes, I would recommend this series (including The Mythology Class) to anyone who loves reading I will ever befriend. I gave The Mythology Class five stars because it was a five out of five, and it deserved it. But I would give The Children of Bathala 6 out 5 stars if I could. It's the best sequel to any series I've read to this date, and I would recommend reading The Mythology Class and The Children of Bathala if you haven't!
Took me less than a day to finish it once I got my copies of Volume 1 and 2 from the Bargain Reader. Thanks to my Ate again for getting my copies of The Mythology Class last year when I wouldn't stop badgering her about how much I wanted to it, and The Children of Bathala Volumes 1 and 2 as an early grad gift.
Alright, so I have a fun little story about this specific volume. The year was 2022, I had just read and finished The Mythology Class and loved it immensely. I was looking forward to reading the sequel's volume one. However, none of the shops that sold the series had any copies in stock. So, I messaged the Bargain Reader about when they'll restock it, and they told me that the publisher will have a new run of reprints and they're waiting for it. I was expecting to wait for about three months, so I checked in, and they told me no updates about the reprints. A year later (this year), I messaged them about how I was planning to get Volume 1 and 2 ahead of Volume 3's release. They said that the publisher hasn't updated them yet, and they'll check with them. A few days later, lo and behold, there were exactly 5 copies of Volume 1, and I immediately ordered 1 and 2. I messaged them about my order, and they said that they found a few copies and storage and that they'll check if it's in good condition to ship. Only a few hours later, my order was shipped and arrived the next day! So, yes, I believe that Bathala did bestow a few copies in their storage so that I could order at last.
Moving on to my review of TCOB V.1. First, I will say that the art has had very few changes, which I appreciate, although I believe that Arnold Arre's work got more refined with time. Second, the writing and pacing improved compared to that of the Mythology Class. While I did enjoy the Mythology Class quite a lot, there were times when I felt the story was paced a bit too fast or too slow. Which I would attribute to the fact that there are too many characters for one book to address all of them and the fact that it was the first in the series and the fact that there some scenes when I felt little to nothing was happening. Third, when I say that the writing has refined in TCOB Volume 1, I'm referring to the pacing and plot. The pacing of it was really quick, which I enjoyed since it was right for the book and the plot and in this one you feel as though every part is intentional and necessary for the characters' development and stories. And yes, I would recommend this series (including The Mythology Class) to anyone who loves reading I will ever befriend. I gave The Mythology Class five stars because it was a five out of five, and it deserved it. But I would give The Children of Bathala 6 out 5 stars if I could. It's the best sequel to any series I've read to this date, and I would recommend reading The Mythology Class and The Children of Bathala if you haven't!
May 16, 2022
This is my second time reading it (I wonder why I didn't note it here on GR) but this time around, I felt a whole new level of appreciation to the sequel of the best selling The Mythology Class: A Graphic Novel
This new series takes place 20 years after the events of the first book - and if I'm not mistaken, 20 years after it was first published too. Unlike the energetic and youthful vibes of the first book, The Children of Bathala Volume 1 deals with the aftermath of the group's glory days.
It generally had a somber mood as we see how each of our beloved characters carried some level of trauma, one way or the other and how their experience 20 years ago still haunted them to the present day no matter how hard they try to forget.
I think the gloom of this book in contrast to the hopeful tone of the first one is an accurate portrayal of how growing up feels like. We are no longer in class, but rather facing the harsh realities of real life. Admittedly, I'm not as old as they are but at this point in my life, I already feel the magic of my youth slowly ebbing away. We lose connections to people we used to hold dear. We physically ache. We are met with disappointments. We are riddled with regrets.
While it still has mythological aspects - meeting the visitors from Ibalon and learning of new evils to be conquered - this first volume focused more on their internal turmoil and their maturity, which I think provides a solid groundwork for the next four volumes.
Overall, the evocative artwork showcased Arre's growth as an artist throughout the years and the well-written plot reflected his growth as a writer. These two components worked hand in hand to make readers feel the nostalgia, sadness, and heart-wrenching pain as if we were really part of the class (in some ways, old readers are).
Still at the end of the day, the budding sense of hope remains and you just can't help but root for these well-loved characters, believing the last strands of their friendship will remain intact enough to conquer the new challenges they're facing.
This new series takes place 20 years after the events of the first book - and if I'm not mistaken, 20 years after it was first published too. Unlike the energetic and youthful vibes of the first book, The Children of Bathala Volume 1 deals with the aftermath of the group's glory days.
It generally had a somber mood as we see how each of our beloved characters carried some level of trauma, one way or the other and how their experience 20 years ago still haunted them to the present day no matter how hard they try to forget.
I think the gloom of this book in contrast to the hopeful tone of the first one is an accurate portrayal of how growing up feels like. We are no longer in class, but rather facing the harsh realities of real life. Admittedly, I'm not as old as they are but at this point in my life, I already feel the magic of my youth slowly ebbing away. We lose connections to people we used to hold dear. We physically ache. We are met with disappointments. We are riddled with regrets.
While it still has mythological aspects - meeting the visitors from Ibalon and learning of new evils to be conquered - this first volume focused more on their internal turmoil and their maturity, which I think provides a solid groundwork for the next four volumes.
Overall, the evocative artwork showcased Arre's growth as an artist throughout the years and the well-written plot reflected his growth as a writer. These two components worked hand in hand to make readers feel the nostalgia, sadness, and heart-wrenching pain as if we were really part of the class (in some ways, old readers are).
Still at the end of the day, the budding sense of hope remains and you just can't help but root for these well-loved characters, believing the last strands of their friendship will remain intact enough to conquer the new challenges they're facing.
April 8, 2020
“Memories are what make us who we are.”
Coming across The Mythology Class by Arnold Arre years ago was life changing for me. It opened my eyes to the wonderful world of Philippine Mythology. The Children Of Bathala gave me the same sense of wonder I felt when I’ve first opened the pages of TMC. Arnold Arre’s illustrations are not only God tier, his story telling and way with words are also mystical. He can always present myths and legends in an interesting way, without overloading the reader with too much information.
Set twenty years after The Mythology Class, the first volume of its sequel, The Children Of Bathala has a more serious and more ominous tone to it. The first half of this graphic novel was heartbreaking to read. The changes that time brought to the main characters were painful to see.
The friendship and strong bond they had, as well as the happy and festive mood that were in the last pages of The Mythology Class were nowhere to be found. What welcomed me was the repressive and tensed ambiance of a friendship hanging by a thread. Just like in real life, a lot had happened in the span of twenty years. Each of the characters was all suffering from problems that life threw at them.
The crack in their friendship as well as their misfortunes all started many years ago, when all of them shared one dream (more like a nightmare). It was the exact same dream that kept on repeating until they almost went insane. Apparently, it was actually a warning the omen deity was sending them. They realized it too late though.
Their adventure started again when their ‘visitors from another time’ arrived to the present. Unfortunately, they were not the only supernatural beings that appeared but also the dark anitos and the creatures bound to kill Kubin and all of the followers of Mrs. Engkanta.
This first volume of The Children of Bathala was obviously an introduction and an overview of the situation of each character. That was why the first half was slow-paced. The second half, on the other hand was dark and intense. Based on this volume alone, I have a feeling this series is going to be darker and thrilling than The Mythology Class. I can’t wait for volume 2.
Coming across The Mythology Class by Arnold Arre years ago was life changing for me. It opened my eyes to the wonderful world of Philippine Mythology. The Children Of Bathala gave me the same sense of wonder I felt when I’ve first opened the pages of TMC. Arnold Arre’s illustrations are not only God tier, his story telling and way with words are also mystical. He can always present myths and legends in an interesting way, without overloading the reader with too much information.
Set twenty years after The Mythology Class, the first volume of its sequel, The Children Of Bathala has a more serious and more ominous tone to it. The first half of this graphic novel was heartbreaking to read. The changes that time brought to the main characters were painful to see.
The friendship and strong bond they had, as well as the happy and festive mood that were in the last pages of The Mythology Class were nowhere to be found. What welcomed me was the repressive and tensed ambiance of a friendship hanging by a thread. Just like in real life, a lot had happened in the span of twenty years. Each of the characters was all suffering from problems that life threw at them.
The crack in their friendship as well as their misfortunes all started many years ago, when all of them shared one dream (more like a nightmare). It was the exact same dream that kept on repeating until they almost went insane. Apparently, it was actually a warning the omen deity was sending them. They realized it too late though.
Their adventure started again when their ‘visitors from another time’ arrived to the present. Unfortunately, they were not the only supernatural beings that appeared but also the dark anitos and the creatures bound to kill Kubin and all of the followers of Mrs. Engkanta.
This first volume of The Children of Bathala was obviously an introduction and an overview of the situation of each character. That was why the first half was slow-paced. The second half, on the other hand was dark and intense. Based on this volume alone, I have a feeling this series is going to be darker and thrilling than The Mythology Class. I can’t wait for volume 2.
January 19, 2020
The story begins 20 years after the events of Mythology Class and much have changed. While we are confronted with old characters from the previous graphic novel, it feels as if they've become different people altogether. It's as if they really grew and became complicated after so many years. The genius of Arnold Arre lies not only in writing a page-turner story steeped in the ways and worldview of Filipino indigenous cultures, but in the bridging of what was familiar (characters from the previous work) and what is new—new characters that have their own distinct personalities drawn from age-old Filipino folklore. The reader, as a result, is left with nothing but awe, wonder, and excitement on this ever expanding universe. The ending is such a cliffhanger because this sequel's storytelling leaves the reader wanting for more.
Please have the Volume 2 released soon, Mr. Arre!
Please have the Volume 2 released soon, Mr. Arre!
December 4, 2023
I did not realize this new series was a sequel to an earlier book written and set 20 years earlier. The art is outstanding and the story intriguing. However, there are so many characters that I didn't get to know or recognize several of them. There's also a lot of Filipino culture, which is done well, but which I am not familiar with. I think it would have been better to read The Mythology Class: A Graphic Novel first, and I will do that before continuing with the series.
December 10, 2019
It's nostalgic. I've missed the characters, missed the philippine mythology.
The premise didn't feel like a cheesy start to a sequel riding on the first installment's happily ever after. It felt grounded except for Marilag's opening arc. Felt out of touch there.
Over-all I'm intrigued. But cliched beginnings often lead to cliched endings. We'll see. This is a 5-part series, after all. Excited for more.
Also, props to sir Arnold on his use of Philippine Mythology. Absolutely groundbreaking for Philippine literature and comics and history.
The premise didn't feel like a cheesy start to a sequel riding on the first installment's happily ever after. It felt grounded except for Marilag's opening arc. Felt out of touch there.
Over-all I'm intrigued. But cliched beginnings often lead to cliched endings. We'll see. This is a 5-part series, after all. Excited for more.
Also, props to sir Arnold on his use of Philippine Mythology. Absolutely groundbreaking for Philippine literature and comics and history.
July 11, 2020
Arnold Arre never failed its readers to feel the adrenaline and at the same time to touch our deepest cultural roots in this sequel. I read this in only 5 hours because of interesting twists that happened in this chapter. Yes, I will be waiting for the rest of the 4 chapters. Well done, Mr. Arre for keep my interest to catch up with the students of Mrs. Enkanta.
September 11, 2020
Its the sequel to mythology class but its a 5 book series, so far “children of bathala” is also action packed, and the characters from mythology class are still involved. However, it started gloomy because every parted ways already and most are not doing well. The story is just building up, another set of evil is coming soon...
Did Not Finish
March 13, 2024Disappointed. I thought this could be read as a stand-alone but I was seriously lost. I gave this a shot until halfway through. Skimmed the rest - I didn’t miss anything. Too much dialogue and references I am missing. Also lots of Tagalog is infused in this, which makes sense, but cuts away from my understanding of the story.
I wanted to see more mythological creatures and action.
I wanted to see more mythological creatures and action.
August 18, 2022
This did not fail to bring something new to old readers. I liked how different this feels compared to Mythology Class but it didn't fail to give me the magic of storytelling and Philippine mythology Arnold Arre tells through his illustrations.
March 26, 2020
Holy shit that was an epic ride! I’m still trying to catch my breath. HOLY SHIT!!!!
March 4, 2021
Can't wait for volume 2!
The story started with a gloomy atmosphere and ended on a breathtaking scene. This series will be a gem!
The story started with a gloomy atmosphere and ended on a breathtaking scene. This series will be a gem!
July 9, 2021
Issues between Arre and the Trese team aside, I really liked this first volume of The Children of Bathala, with the themes of growing up and encountering the magical and the mystical come together.
July 17, 2021
Wow this gem has stood the test of time! The only bad thing about this is that it had to end. I can’t wait for the remaining volumes!!
October 3, 2021
Only complaint was this sequel is too short. Can't wait for the next one!
February 10, 2022
I missed them all so much:(
September 14, 2022
it wasnt that good tbh but i do like filo mythology
May 25, 2023
I will say it’s been a while since I last read The Mythology Class, so some parts I felt I needed a refresher or more explanation. Yet, interested to see what happens next.
May 25, 2023
Definitely would like to read the next chapter...
July 12, 2023
What a surprising sequel. I need some time to gather myself for Volume 2.
July 16, 2025
this is so much better than the first book i love it
February 3, 2024
That. Was. Awesome! It was such a ride, I need to get a copy of the next book, The Journey to Lupan-on!!
February 2, 2022
Wow. Just wow. Arnold Arre delivers in this highly-anticipated sequel to the famous The Mythology Class. It is always a challenge to follow up such success but The Children of Bathala exceeds my expectations. It's nice to see how elements from the previous installment blend well with the new material. We are no longer inside the classroom—welcome to the real world. I love how the art became slicker. Arre did well in weaving his story in his panels. I'm looking forward to the next installments.
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