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Doorkeeper
An immortal being.
Six individuals, trapped by fate.
All of time and space.
Doorkeeper has lived for an eternity and more, the unyielding guardian of the Ways of time and space. His task: to reveal to mortals the consequences of their choices. He does not interfere.
But then he meets a doomed warrior. A boy with an imaginary friend. A would-be king. A world-weary musician. A priest with a crisis of faith. A scientist faced with the ultimate choice.
And Doorkeeper travels with them, from prehistory to dictatorship, from World War II to the frontiers of the far future. Through colonial Intranuros, alleyway bars, and half-imagined queendoms.
Doorkeeper watches, listens, and learns. He maintains the Ways. He does his duty.
But perhaps even the oldest of beings can change.
Six individuals, trapped by fate.
All of time and space.
Doorkeeper has lived for an eternity and more, the unyielding guardian of the Ways of time and space. His task: to reveal to mortals the consequences of their choices. He does not interfere.
But then he meets a doomed warrior. A boy with an imaginary friend. A would-be king. A world-weary musician. A priest with a crisis of faith. A scientist faced with the ultimate choice.
And Doorkeeper travels with them, from prehistory to dictatorship, from World War II to the frontiers of the far future. Through colonial Intranuros, alleyway bars, and half-imagined queendoms.
Doorkeeper watches, listens, and learns. He maintains the Ways. He does his duty.
But perhaps even the oldest of beings can change.
Paperback
First published November 1, 2017
6 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 7, 2023
4 stars. An anthology of interwoven stories, Doorkeeper was wonderfully illustrated and written but left me wanting more from each individual narrative contained within it.
May 29, 2020
This was such a beautiful graphic novel!!! If not for quarantine, I would have lamented that this isn't available at our local bookstores. Good thing Scott released for free! I truly enjoyed the episodic progression and the writing style!!O'll definitely have to watch out for these artists soon :>
May 24, 2025
My first Pinoy comic
November 13, 2017
Great art, great stories! Full review tk.
January 4, 2021
"I will not run."
Doorkeeper is a graphic novel told in six parts, spanning an expansive timeline that begins at the dawn of life and ends at the twilight of humanity's existence. There are seven artists credited for the illustrations in this book, each of them showcasing their own unique artistry while also effectively representing their narrative era in a way that complements and never distracts from each other.
The Doorkeeper is a celestial being who has been keeping watch over everything even long before planets were formed. He's essentially a guardian, duty-bound to show the way, but never to interfere.
Through time, the Doorkeeper meets some very interesting characters who will gradually challenge what he knows about what he does. Is he really guarding and maintaining the balance in the Ways of time and space? Or could one of the feisty characters he met along the way be right all along: That he merely is just a servant of the Universe?
The stories may get a bit confusing at first, jumping around in time, introducing new characters and new narrative strings at each turn.
But I felt that the way things eventually fell into place to deliver the story's final act was so well-played that the tragical beauty of it all just caught my heartstrings unaware.
I absolutely loved the affinity the Doorkeeper shared with the brave warrior, Makaraeg, doomed to a life away from his family, tirelessly fighting and keeping the monstrous Bakunawa at bay.
That being said, I also loved how the stories incorporated elements from Filipino myth, folktale, and history—such a rich minefield of creative ideas that I hope to see more of in Filipino speculative works.
I mean, don’t you find it sad and strange that most of us grew up knowing more about the mythologies and old tales of other countries than that of our own? Breaks my heart every time.
I am really glad that we are seeing more of them these days, though. ♥
March 27, 2020
big thanks to the authors for putting the graphic novel up for free due to this coronavirus situation, and also for helping me hit my humble reading challenge goal this year lol. do read it! takes like half an hour and zero pesos
I liked this! Nice cohesive story tackling the nature of choice through six different angles. Plus, I will always champion Filipino comic artists. Come on. Favorite chapters were 4 and 6 - the former because its setting really made the bitterness of choice evident (and also contained my absolute favorite art in the book), the latter because it provided such a satisfying ending. Least favorite... probably Chapter 2. Started strong but the ending petered out.
I liked this! Nice cohesive story tackling the nature of choice through six different angles. Plus, I will always champion Filipino comic artists. Come on. Favorite chapters were 4 and 6 - the former because its setting really made the bitterness of choice evident (and also contained my absolute favorite art in the book), the latter because it provided such a satisfying ending. Least favorite... probably Chapter 2. Started strong but the ending petered out.
May 15, 2025
This reminds me of Marvel's What If...?. The Doorkeeper is very similar to The Watcher but doesn’t feel like a ripoff. The creators aimed for a "stern but humble" aura, and they definitely achieved that.
The stories were set in different timelines and atmospheres. They were good, although the pacing was a tad too fast at times. The stories were connected through the Doorkeeper; the execution was okay, but I wished the connection had been more apparent. It would have been better if there were more links beyond just the Doorkeeper.
The story was still enjoyable, paired with amazing illustrations. The difference in art styles also brought a sense of uniqueness to each story.
The stories were set in different timelines and atmospheres. They were good, although the pacing was a tad too fast at times. The stories were connected through the Doorkeeper; the execution was okay, but I wished the connection had been more apparent. It would have been better if there were more links beyond just the Doorkeeper.
The story was still enjoyable, paired with amazing illustrations. The difference in art styles also brought a sense of uniqueness to each story.
March 24, 2018
I came in judging the book one story at a time and by the end of the second story, I was wondering how it gained a high rating in goodreads. with the conclusion of the third story, though, I began to pay more attention and backtracked on the first two. the book is both the story of the respective lead characters in the story as well as that of doorkeeper and how it all tied together was absolutely brilliant. such genius in execution and the marvelous art make this a worthwhile read.
November 14, 2017
Extra love to chapters 4 and 6. ❤
February 15, 2021
I LOVE IT. This was actually a school requirement but I never expected to like it so much. I even finished reading it for less than an hour. I'm not into comics or graphic novels but the concept, plot, dialogues, and characters of Doorkeeper blew me away. I was stunned with how creative the writers and illustrators are. The stories are a combination of reality and fantasy...which what makes it a great read. I'm so glad that I gave this book a shot, required or not.
December 26, 2018
"Things don't change right away, but the revolution... It begins with whispers and murmurs, and an old tune that won't fade."
I truly believe Filipino authors and artists are world class, and this short work is proof! Comparisons to SANDMAN are inevitable, but DOORKEEPER is uniquely Filipino. With a collection of short stories that reinterpret our country's past and foretell a possible future... beautifully told and exquisitely illustrated... and a frame narrative that ultimately brought me to tears, this is a winner! My only complaint is that it was too short! I want, nay, NEED... more.
I hope a sequel will follow!
This book also made me realize that a re-read of FLORANTE AT LAURA is in order 😂
(Rated 4 out of 5 stars)
I truly believe Filipino authors and artists are world class, and this short work is proof! Comparisons to SANDMAN are inevitable, but DOORKEEPER is uniquely Filipino. With a collection of short stories that reinterpret our country's past and foretell a possible future... beautifully told and exquisitely illustrated... and a frame narrative that ultimately brought me to tears, this is a winner! My only complaint is that it was too short! I want, nay, NEED... more.
I hope a sequel will follow!
This book also made me realize that a re-read of FLORANTE AT LAURA is in order 😂
(Rated 4 out of 5 stars)
January 27, 2018
I was a sent a copy by the authors in exchange for an honest review and I feel awful that I only got to get to it now. I really enjoyed reading it, mostly because I love when stories are interlaced with other stories. The creators did a great job weaving most of the stories with those we are already familiar with. The art is also great and really helped move the story forward. I think my favorite is the story set in Manila circa Martial Law.
The Doorkeeper reminded me of Dream of The Sandman, and I would love for this to become a series of books, too. Congratulations to the authors and artists behind this book!
The Doorkeeper reminded me of Dream of The Sandman, and I would love for this to become a series of books, too. Congratulations to the authors and artists behind this book!
April 11, 2018
I’m quite upset on the outcome of this book. I really anticipated this book for a long time it piles up on my TBR, and I have a chance this month to read it.
This is my first graphic novel of Filipino authors that’s why i’m excited to read it. It focuses on the different story of each protagonist via their timeline base on the doorkeeper’s pace. Thus, the whole concept is really nice, but how I appreciate and understand the said novel is not so clear in many points.
This is my first graphic novel of Filipino authors that’s why i’m excited to read it. It focuses on the different story of each protagonist via their timeline base on the doorkeeper’s pace. Thus, the whole concept is really nice, but how I appreciate and understand the said novel is not so clear in many points.
December 30, 2017
Finished half of this while standing in Uniqlo waiting for friends. I love the concept, the art, and how fantasy and history can come together to create compelling stories.
September 9, 2020
> came and stayed for the art
> the challenge with compilations like this lie in its cohesion and coherence which was somewhat lost on me
> the challenge with compilations like this lie in its cohesion and coherence which was somewhat lost on me
June 8, 2025
#BernardReads | BOOK REVIEW 📚
#Doorkeeper by Scott Lee Chua, Ethan Chua and various illustrators 🚪
I've been trying to check this #comicbook #anthology even before when it had its first edition's cover. I bought a copy last #MIBF with the 5th anniversary edition. I knew so little about what this is about. The cover screams cosmic #fantasy at me.
After reading Sir Budjette Tan's foreword, I now understand that it is inspired by other comic book anthologies wherein a cosmic being serves as external observer, like the Watcher and Sandman.
I knew that they tried to had that familiar character, it's familiar if you read comic books. There's always this cosmic being who just watches within your comic book world or worlds. So I do appreciate that these amazing comic book artists were able to have our own version, the Doorkeeper.
Just the art alone is enough for this to be a must-read. So here are my short reviews for each story:
I. Allen Geneta
It tells a short origin of this world and a short encounter between a warrior and the Doorkeeper. It has that common story of giving choice to a special character during one of his climactic battles. The art of the Bakunawa was stunning, not so much in the human characters. But the art on the Doorkeeper is mesmerizing as well. And I'm satisfied with the character's final choice.
II. Bianca Lesaca
I liked the art more here. But the story was hard to follow yet I love the intrigues and the hisfic vibe.
III. Jap Mikel
I like how they rewrite histories and tales with this one, and at the same time, telling a compelling story within a short time. And the reveal that the Doorkeeper is The Kumakatok is brilliant. But I just not getting the vibe yet of this guardian messing with people's choices, past and future.
IV. Dominique Duran
I like the almost painting style art here. And the story as well. It's starting to shape. I like characters, the theme, and the abrupt ending. Fave so far.
Interlude. Bianca Lesaca
I'm not sure if she's still the artist for this one because this short interlude shows connections from previous stories so far. The Doorkeeper is becoming less cosmical and far away as he witnessed how and why some people chose pain over personal pleasure.
V. Brent Sabas
I think this was the shortest tale but it has a haunting artstyle and evoking ending.
IV. Bow Guerrero
Set in the future, the last story gave an epic and tearful ending. A beautiful art and a beautiful story.
Epilogue. Aaron Felizmenio
I'm not sure where the epilogue starts, when the artstyle changed or just the last few pages? Anyway, the last artstyle, although kinda jarring, but still pays off the cosmic ending.
Chapter Openers. Borg Sinaban
End Pages. Raymund Bermudez
Overall, this anthology has one of the most beautiful art styles gathered. Even the chapter openers alone are mesmerizing to look at. Most of the stories were great and fascinating. Ultimately, the weaving of these tales was an entertaining and emotional payoff. I wanted more!
#bookrecommendations #bookreview
#Doorkeeper by Scott Lee Chua, Ethan Chua and various illustrators 🚪
I've been trying to check this #comicbook #anthology even before when it had its first edition's cover. I bought a copy last #MIBF with the 5th anniversary edition. I knew so little about what this is about. The cover screams cosmic #fantasy at me.
After reading Sir Budjette Tan's foreword, I now understand that it is inspired by other comic book anthologies wherein a cosmic being serves as external observer, like the Watcher and Sandman.
I knew that they tried to had that familiar character, it's familiar if you read comic books. There's always this cosmic being who just watches within your comic book world or worlds. So I do appreciate that these amazing comic book artists were able to have our own version, the Doorkeeper.
Just the art alone is enough for this to be a must-read. So here are my short reviews for each story:
I. Allen Geneta
It tells a short origin of this world and a short encounter between a warrior and the Doorkeeper. It has that common story of giving choice to a special character during one of his climactic battles. The art of the Bakunawa was stunning, not so much in the human characters. But the art on the Doorkeeper is mesmerizing as well. And I'm satisfied with the character's final choice.
II. Bianca Lesaca
I liked the art more here. But the story was hard to follow yet I love the intrigues and the hisfic vibe.
III. Jap Mikel
I like how they rewrite histories and tales with this one, and at the same time, telling a compelling story within a short time. And the reveal that the Doorkeeper is The Kumakatok is brilliant. But I just not getting the vibe yet of this guardian messing with people's choices, past and future.
IV. Dominique Duran
I like the almost painting style art here. And the story as well. It's starting to shape. I like characters, the theme, and the abrupt ending. Fave so far.
Interlude. Bianca Lesaca
I'm not sure if she's still the artist for this one because this short interlude shows connections from previous stories so far. The Doorkeeper is becoming less cosmical and far away as he witnessed how and why some people chose pain over personal pleasure.
V. Brent Sabas
I think this was the shortest tale but it has a haunting artstyle and evoking ending.
IV. Bow Guerrero
Set in the future, the last story gave an epic and tearful ending. A beautiful art and a beautiful story.
Epilogue. Aaron Felizmenio
I'm not sure where the epilogue starts, when the artstyle changed or just the last few pages? Anyway, the last artstyle, although kinda jarring, but still pays off the cosmic ending.
Chapter Openers. Borg Sinaban
End Pages. Raymund Bermudez
Overall, this anthology has one of the most beautiful art styles gathered. Even the chapter openers alone are mesmerizing to look at. Most of the stories were great and fascinating. Ultimately, the weaving of these tales was an entertaining and emotional payoff. I wanted more!
#bookrecommendations #bookreview
July 1, 2021
*review by my 12 y/o student*
The book is about a guardian of time named Doorkeeper, he travels through time to give people options of their fate and destiny. The stories about these people are in stages from the past to the future.
What I liked about the book was the graphics, the characterters and the artwork. My favorite chapter was chapter three because of the time the story was set and the battles.
What I did not like about the book was that some parts didn’t make sense because there was not enough information in the stories to understand the context and the ending. It was not my type of reading because I am not familiar in Philippino mythology.
I would recommend this book to my friends and people who like philipino mythology, I personally think this book was not for me because I am a different type of reader and I like books that explain every detail of the story and not let you make your own conclusions. I would give this book a three out of five stars.
The book is about a guardian of time named Doorkeeper, he travels through time to give people options of their fate and destiny. The stories about these people are in stages from the past to the future.
What I liked about the book was the graphics, the characterters and the artwork. My favorite chapter was chapter three because of the time the story was set and the battles.
What I did not like about the book was that some parts didn’t make sense because there was not enough information in the stories to understand the context and the ending. It was not my type of reading because I am not familiar in Philippino mythology.
I would recommend this book to my friends and people who like philipino mythology, I personally think this book was not for me because I am a different type of reader and I like books that explain every detail of the story and not let you make your own conclusions. I would give this book a three out of five stars.
January 15, 2023
The illustrations were amazing! I really liked the concept of the story, but I think I was expecting more(?). Spoilers: I thought that the people in the stories would be connected someway instead of being their own separate story and having only Doorkeeper be the constant connection. I also thought it was random at the end of the book when the illustration changed (I have the 5th Anniversary edition, not sure if it’s the same for the others). However, it was awesome to see glimpses of the Filipino culture from different times.
Read
October 14, 2024dnf i’m so sorry i have no time
this is not an opinion i am proud of but (in general not necessarily applied to this specifically but i'm thinking abt it now also bc i don’t have enough time to fully appreciate it so like this is NOT applied to this thanks) if you don’t write your story in a way that the audience will get it it’s somewhat unsuccessful imo. trying to not think this way bc yes things have value even if I don’t get it but guys. rarely do i not understand pieces of lit. anyway sorry ill revisit this when i am sane again
this is not an opinion i am proud of but (in general not necessarily applied to this specifically but i'm thinking abt it now also bc i don’t have enough time to fully appreciate it so like this is NOT applied to this thanks) if you don’t write your story in a way that the audience will get it it’s somewhat unsuccessful imo. trying to not think this way bc yes things have value even if I don’t get it but guys. rarely do i not understand pieces of lit. anyway sorry ill revisit this when i am sane again
May 23, 2018
3.5 out of 5 stars
November 24, 2019
Awesome!
Review to come. Maybe. Idk anymore.
Review to come. Maybe. Idk anymore.
December 10, 2022
This is actually good though it's confusing at first read.
December 20, 2022
This book was the very first comics I have read,a very magical story with a powerful message about fate and decisions in life.A perfect Christmas gift I received for this year💟
June 1, 2020
An epic graphic novel event from the Philippines featuring the Doorkeeper, an immortal being and the guardian of time. He shows up at pivotal moments of people's lives to reveal the consequences of their actions.
With the collaboration of several graphic novelists, we are presented multiple stories that span different time periods from the distant past all the way into a far off future featuring a wild mix of characters. It's in these stories, these people, that makes the Doorkeeper do something he never did before. He interferes.
Touching on Phillipine history and literature, readers are in for a wild ride.
The creators have made it available for free to read here: https://issuu.com/scottchua/docs/door...
With the collaboration of several graphic novelists, we are presented multiple stories that span different time periods from the distant past all the way into a far off future featuring a wild mix of characters. It's in these stories, these people, that makes the Doorkeeper do something he never did before. He interferes.
Touching on Phillipine history and literature, readers are in for a wild ride.
The creators have made it available for free to read here: https://issuu.com/scottchua/docs/door...
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews