What do you think?
Rate this book
The World of Andong Agimat: The Mystery of the Talisman
"Arre, one of the Philippines' master cartoonists, weaves his magic yet again." -- Publishers Weekly
A new brand of superhero from the rich lore of Philippine myth!
In this spellbinding action-adventure from Arnold Arre--the great master of the graphic novel, the age-old divide between good and evil widens. Catch a glimpse of a Manila privy to only a few of the supernatural and magically inclined, while following a superhero born and raised by its streets in The World of Andong Agimat.
In a world yearning for stability, a renegade force arrives, spreading chaos amidst the populace in the form of a gruesome plague. This is when the world needs Andong Agimat--an ex-gang leader turned vigilante with superpowers bestowed unto him by his mysterious amulet. He cooperates with the police and helps them keep Manila's underground, steeped-in magic and the supernatural, in check, but the people of Manila live in growing fear as acts of terrorism are committed by a cult growing within the city.
Follow Andong as he uncovers this violent cult's scheme, which threatens the very balance of the world. He trudges through the underbelly of Manila, teaming up with old friends, and even old rivals, to put an end to this cult's evil plans. Can Andong Agimat and his talisman's secret powers repel the forces of chaos?
A new brand of superhero from the rich lore of Philippine myth!
In this spellbinding action-adventure from Arnold Arre--the great master of the graphic novel, the age-old divide between good and evil widens. Catch a glimpse of a Manila privy to only a few of the supernatural and magically inclined, while following a superhero born and raised by its streets in The World of Andong Agimat.
In a world yearning for stability, a renegade force arrives, spreading chaos amidst the populace in the form of a gruesome plague. This is when the world needs Andong Agimat--an ex-gang leader turned vigilante with superpowers bestowed unto him by his mysterious amulet. He cooperates with the police and helps them keep Manila's underground, steeped-in magic and the supernatural, in check, but the people of Manila live in growing fear as acts of terrorism are committed by a cult growing within the city.
Follow Andong as he uncovers this violent cult's scheme, which threatens the very balance of the world. He trudges through the underbelly of Manila, teaming up with old friends, and even old rivals, to put an end to this cult's evil plans. Can Andong Agimat and his talisman's secret powers repel the forces of chaos?
232 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2006
6 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Arnold Arre
39 books167 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
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 26, 2018
When I was a kid, I loved watching Ramon Revilla’s movies featuring him as a superhuman who had in his keeping a special amulet called “Agimat”. Since I love reading Arnold Arre’s graphic novels, I was doubly excited to get my hands on a copy of “Ang Mundo ni Andong Agimat”. It took me years to finally get my copy, but my excitement never wavered. Actually, it kept on building...until I’ve read the book. Don’t get me wrong, I think this is phenomenal work. I just didn’t expect to finish it feeling confused and frustrated.
“Ang Mundo ni Andong Agimat” delivers in action, size and scope, if not in cohesion or narrative flow. It jumps from scene to scene without really building up the characters. Everything is absolute and black and white, especially with the villains whose motivations were not really clear to me except that they are bad. I didn’t recognize any nuances or layers. The ending felt rushed and there are still a lot of loose ends that were not addressed. So, like I said, I was confused and frustrated.
Nevertheless, I would follow this if this is a series, and I fervently hope it will be! This graphic novel is not without its strengths, making it worth the read. “Ang Mundo ni Andong Agimat” takes place in the modern day streets of Manila and the sophisticated pulse and personality of the city permeates the story. I found the setting quite familiar and believable even amidst the unexplainable, the magical, the dark, and the foreboding. I think that the first few pages of the book successfully established this. The superhero, Ando, is relatable in a way that he is not the hyper self-righteous paragon of justice like many fantasy protagonists, trying somewhat desperately to keep his head above water and do the right thing. From his checkered pass, subdued existence, his heartache, and to the choices he makes -- this hero could just be any of us: flawed and touchingly human. As for the illustrations, they were SUPERB! Just as what I have always come to expect from Arre’s work. I think, given time and with more installments, this could be a well established epic.
“Ang Mundo ni Andong Agimat” delivers in action, size and scope, if not in cohesion or narrative flow. It jumps from scene to scene without really building up the characters. Everything is absolute and black and white, especially with the villains whose motivations were not really clear to me except that they are bad. I didn’t recognize any nuances or layers. The ending felt rushed and there are still a lot of loose ends that were not addressed. So, like I said, I was confused and frustrated.
Nevertheless, I would follow this if this is a series, and I fervently hope it will be! This graphic novel is not without its strengths, making it worth the read. “Ang Mundo ni Andong Agimat” takes place in the modern day streets of Manila and the sophisticated pulse and personality of the city permeates the story. I found the setting quite familiar and believable even amidst the unexplainable, the magical, the dark, and the foreboding. I think that the first few pages of the book successfully established this. The superhero, Ando, is relatable in a way that he is not the hyper self-righteous paragon of justice like many fantasy protagonists, trying somewhat desperately to keep his head above water and do the right thing. From his checkered pass, subdued existence, his heartache, and to the choices he makes -- this hero could just be any of us: flawed and touchingly human. As for the illustrations, they were SUPERB! Just as what I have always come to expect from Arre’s work. I think, given time and with more installments, this could be a well established epic.
March 2, 2016
Sa maniwala ka't sa hindi, ang komiks/grapik nobela na ito ay kasing badass mismo ni Ando.
Si Ando na may agimat, di sya tinatablan ng bala at mga pampasabog, pero nasasaktan sya ng ibang bagay na nag-aalab, halimbawa: pag-ibig.
At saka lason nga pala (parang pag-ibig din. pwe.) na palihim na ininject ng isang kalaban sa yosi nya (chain smoker kasi) para makapaghigante pagkatapos syang gulpihin ni Ando at pahithitin sa tambutso ng jeep. You know, anti-hero thang. Dati ring kasing kriminal si Ando. Thug life, dre. Pero may Leon ang Maynila noon. Nakatadhana silang magkasagupa.
Wait,
Alam mo ba kung gaano kahirap magdrawing ng komiks na ikaw lang ang gagawa? Walang assistants, kargo mo lahat ng kailangan sa pagguhit, tapos ikaw rin ang magsusulat? At! 200 pages o pataas ang babanatan mo? Ganyan kalupit si Arre. Gusto ko syang tawaging Miyazaki, o Satoshi Kon ng Pilipinas, dahil bumibira rin sya ng award winning.animated.films.MAG-ISA! Deyymm.
Song: Bagsakan
by Parokya ni Clara (huling deboto ng Nazareno, Kulam-mastah in the abandoned hauz):
Nandito na si Ando, Fernando Asedillo.
Nandito rin si nene, si Maria Makiling.
Nandito rin si Boy Bato, wala siyang apelyido.
Magbabasakan dito, maligno ang babanat!
"Di ko alam kung ba't ako kasali dito" - Hari ng Tondo
*static* *glitches*
Yaaann, Pirated kasi ang CD. Bili lang kasi ni Ando sa kapatid ng kakilala nya, si Lawin, yung hipster na may alagang lawin na nagsisilbing stereo at cctv nya, tas may mga koleksyong anting-anting, agimat, potion, at bato ni Darna. Yep! Longtime sidekick din ni Ando sa mga labanang ang villain ay mga mangkukulam, mambabarang, baril ang kanang braso, mga bad girls na panday, lastikman na malibog, mga gang leader at kriminal gaya ni Boy Pangil at si Jun Pogi na mukang nginuyang champoy, isang faith healer na bumubutas talaga ng tiyan, na amo ay isang konyo-cut na malignong nagngangalang Zolgo, ang kailangang itumba ni Ando. E pa'no? Di naman tumatalab sa engkanto ang agimat niya, sa mga depulburang armas lang epektib. Buti sana kung bumubuga siya ng apoy katulad ni Tonio--ang bae ng isang diwata na kinidnap ni Zolgo, imbyerna siguro sa buhok ng diwata na blue and buhok hanggang baba. Dahil dito, nakipagbakbakan sina Ando sa mga adik na 'to kasama ang ex nyang anak yata ni Flavio, panday rin kasi, pero femme-fatale. Angas-abelgas di ba?
Eto yata ang unang grapik-nobelang pinoy na binili ko sa tanang-buhay ko. Dati kasi puro yung maninipis na komiks sa bangketa ang binbili ko. Tapos nagpatuli lang ako at naging busy sa panliligaw ng mga femme-fatal, biglang nawala na ang mga ganoong komiks. Kaya nung nakakita ako ng ganitong komiks sa bookstore, binasa ko kaagad, tinapos at...hindi pa rin nabili. Pero binalikan ko rin nung sinagot na ako ng niligawan ko after 3 years of S/M relationship. Kaya ayun, iniingatan ko pa rin ito, nandito pa rin sa akin. Pero yung syota ko wala na.
Gaya ng paghahanap ko kay ex na hindi anak ni Flavio (portrayed by FPJ) pero kamuka ni Grace Poe, goodluck na lang sa paghahanap ng kopya nitong Andong Agimat.
------------------------
Glass-shattering shout out ala Ma. Makiling: Visprint at iba pang publishing house, panahon na para bilhin ang copyright nito. Kung ayaw nyong maglaho ang mga obrang komiks gaya ng paglaho ng iba noon sa mga bangketa.
May 21, 2022
Full disclosure: This is more of a "it's not the book, it's me" situation
I understand why many readers enjoyed exploring the world of Andong Agimat. It's action-packed, has multi-faceted characters, and brings out old Filipino classic lore to set within the streets of modern Manila.
Again, the book wasn't the problem but it's just not for me.
The writing felt disconnected with loose threads failing to tie up together. There were characters on characters on characters whose intentions and motives weren't fully fleshed out. To be fair, this "greyness" is reflected in the main hero that is Ando, an ex-convict given a shot at a new life but is burdened his past as well as his newly given powers and responsibilities. That said, I didn't connect with him immediately. I understood him but it was hard to root for his character arc.
In fact, I liked all the other "heroes" better. The all-seeing Lawin, youthful Boboy, and my main girl squad Silang, Nara, and Clara! Even the tragic arc of Maria and Tonio was something I enjoyed. Maria's characterization reminded me of Te Fiti and Te Ka from Moana especially during the last parts!
Speaking of romance, Silang and Ando 's banters were fun but at the end of the day, my girl Silang deserves better! It would really be difficult to be in a relationship with someone who doesn't share your core, non-negotiable values tbh.
In terms of the art, it feels fitting to what the setting really is and the overall theme of the story. It's not nice and clean-cut. It is grungy, rough, and polluted - much like the urban streets filled with gangs, mobs, criminals, religious cults and those in the shadows who are set to watch over the city. I found it distracting but I understand the intent.
Overall, I think this will be enjoyed better by fans of FPJ and the classic Agimat stories. It has all the right elements and would probably work if it becomes serialized.
I understand why many readers enjoyed exploring the world of Andong Agimat. It's action-packed, has multi-faceted characters, and brings out old Filipino classic lore to set within the streets of modern Manila.
Again, the book wasn't the problem but it's just not for me.
The writing felt disconnected with loose threads failing to tie up together. There were characters on characters on characters whose intentions and motives weren't fully fleshed out. To be fair, this "greyness" is reflected in the main hero that is Ando, an ex-convict given a shot at a new life but is burdened his past as well as his newly given powers and responsibilities. That said, I didn't connect with him immediately. I understood him but it was hard to root for his character arc.
In fact, I liked all the other "heroes" better. The all-seeing Lawin, youthful Boboy, and my main girl squad Silang, Nara, and Clara! Even the tragic arc of Maria and Tonio was something I enjoyed. Maria's characterization reminded me of Te Fiti and Te Ka from Moana especially during the last parts!
Speaking of romance, Silang and Ando 's banters were fun but at the end of the day, my girl Silang deserves better! It would really be difficult to be in a relationship with someone who doesn't share your core, non-negotiable values tbh.
In terms of the art, it feels fitting to what the setting really is and the overall theme of the story. It's not nice and clean-cut. It is grungy, rough, and polluted - much like the urban streets filled with gangs, mobs, criminals, religious cults and those in the shadows who are set to watch over the city. I found it distracting but I understand the intent.
Overall, I think this will be enjoyed better by fans of FPJ and the classic Agimat stories. It has all the right elements and would probably work if it becomes serialized.
November 18, 2017
Gandang ganda ako sa paraan ng pagkakapalayaw sa mga character. Yung sketch ng comics, sobrang lapit sa Mythology Class at Halina Filipina.
Magkamukha sina Silang at Halina!
Bet ko rin yung mga watak-watak na pahapyaw ng lovelife ni Ando. Nakakawasak minsan, but oh well, life goes on living.
Binuhay ng komiks na ito ang appeal ni FPJ na hindi nagagawa ni Coco Martin sa puru pa-zoom-in at hindi mamatay-matay na karakter ng Ang Probinsyano.
Magkamukha sina Silang at Halina!
Bet ko rin yung mga watak-watak na pahapyaw ng lovelife ni Ando. Nakakawasak minsan, but oh well, life goes on living.
Binuhay ng komiks na ito ang appeal ni FPJ na hindi nagagawa ni Coco Martin sa puru pa-zoom-in at hindi mamatay-matay na karakter ng Ang Probinsyano.
May 2, 2023
I liked the art, but I had a hard time keeping track of the different plotlines.
October 14, 2017
Arre never disappoints. There’s a certain grittiness to Andong Agimat that you can see and feel the dirt and grime that’s depicted in every comics panel. The story is fast paced and breathtaking, and in true Arre fashion, spell binding. I can wave off the lapses on Filipino grammar for the amazing storytelling and characterization in this graphic novel. I certainly hope it would be adapted to a TV serial or a movie even. All I can say is job well done yet again, Mr. Arre!
November 9, 2017
Gusto ko 'yung pagpapakilala sa mundo ni Andong pero nung matapos ko 'yung komiks, bitin na bitin ang pakiramdam ko. Para kasing aasa ka ng malaki sa title kung paano o kung gaano kalawak maipapakilala si Andong sa mga mambabasa. Kasi ang daming karakter sa komiks na naipakita pero hindi gaanong tumatak sa akin at maraming tanong na naiwan sa isip ko nung matapos ko na ang komiks. Sana maging series 'to. 'Yun lang. hehe
March 17, 2021
Gustong gusto ko ang Mythology class at Children of Bathala ni Arnold Arre kaya ganun nalang kataas ang naging expectation ko sa libro na ito. Maganda naman ang climax ng istorya pero malayo ito lebel ng Mythology class. Hindi ko nagustahan ang mga dialogo at kung minsan ay hindi malinaw ang nangyayari sa guhit. Kung gagawin siguro itong palabas ay parang FPJ movie with a touch of Pedro Penduko feel.
July 11, 2025
Definitely a blast from beginning to end. I’m puzzled by the “moral grayness” of Ando and the kind of blind trust in the PNP especially in the context of the current Philippine police-state climate. But I sincerely enjoyed the convalescence of noir-action tied with Filipino religiosity past and present. Very well done.
October 26, 2017
Kompleto na koleksyon ko! Yun lang po. Bow.
June 29, 2021
Ang husay ng mga eksena!
I love you Sir Arnold Arre.
I love you Sir Arnold Arre.
February 7, 2023
I love the gritty feel of it throughout the book but some characters lack clarity in intention. Overall I still enjoyed Andong Agimat.
July 12, 2010
Simple lang ang masasabi ko tungkol sa librong ito: Astigin.
Kakaiba yata ang estilo ni Arre rito. Mabilis, maaksyon, madamdamin. Ang mga imahe nito ay tipong nag-mamadali, ngunit sa tamang pag-aarangkada na nasasabayan mo naman. Nakakatuwa ang mga tauhang makikilala mo rito, at nakakabagbag-damdamin yata ang mga tagpo.
Sabi ko sa'yo, p're: astiging usapan 'to.
Kakaiba yata ang estilo ni Arre rito. Mabilis, maaksyon, madamdamin. Ang mga imahe nito ay tipong nag-mamadali, ngunit sa tamang pag-aarangkada na nasasabayan mo naman. Nakakatuwa ang mga tauhang makikilala mo rito, at nakakabagbag-damdamin yata ang mga tagpo.
Sabi ko sa'yo, p're: astiging usapan 'to.
April 17, 2023
A throwback to those old-fashioned (outdated) action movies where the hero is a silent, brooding type most likely with a cigarette in his mouth and most definitely has a drinking problem and a complicated relationship with an ex. Mix in supernatural elements and you have our hero's story.
If Arnold Arre's The Mythology Class has the epicness of Watchmen, I would say this has Constantine vibes.
If Arnold Arre's The Mythology Class has the epicness of Watchmen, I would say this has Constantine vibes.
July 29, 2012
One of the books we own that I love so much I keep it in my closet. :) It is the book that gives others a glimpse of the Filipino Culture. It is very well written and characters are well established and the illustrations are very well done. Kudos to Arnold Arre.
August 28, 2010
A creative account on how exactly the Philippines is as a country / nation. Kinda like Jose Rizal meets Marvel Comics.
August 15, 2015
Probably the best Filipino graphic novel to date. Superb story and illustrations. Hands down to Arnold Arre!
October 10, 2014
Parang gusto kong mambasag ng bungo pagkatapos ko itong basahin.
January 26, 2022
Action packed!! Finished in one sitting >. < one of the good ones.
July 17, 2024
This to me is actually world class graphic novel and I like that it’s locally inspired from my country. It was easy to read, engaging, quick and imaginative.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews