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Lola: A Ghost Story
Jesse sees dead people, monsters, demons, and lots of other things that go bump in the night that no one else can see. No one except his ailing grandmother—a woman who used her visions to help those living in her small town... the same rural community in all the scary stories Jesse's heard as a child. Man-eating ogres in trees. Farmhouses haunted by wraiths. Even pigs possessed by the devil. Upon his grandmother's passing, Jesse has no choice but to face his demons and whatever else might be awaiting him at grandma's house.
112 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2009
8 people are currently reading
1367 people want to read
About the author
J. Torres
402 books83 followersComic book writer whose credits include the Eisner Award nominated Alison Dare, the YALSA listed Days Like This and Lola: A Ghost Story, as well as Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight, Love as a Foreign Language and Teen Titans Go, which garnered him a Shuster Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
December 22, 2020
I kept wanting for more when I finished up reading this amazing graphic novel. It seems like a memoir somehow. It only talks about a particular holiday kind of visit that was happening in the story. I love how innocent the whole story was! It is told from a child's perspective regarding urban folklore kind of stories especially the main character's grandmother, Lola (it means grandmother in Tagalog) based in the Philippines. It's an interesting narration with sight pleasing vivid illustrations in neutral hues of brown-grey white shades (first of its kind for me and I don't think I will read something like this in the same colour hues ever again!).
I love how alive the characters were and I came to know a bit about the way families are in the Philippines alongwith some of their traditions. I wish it was a bit more detailed in either the art or the dialogues.
It was a pretty good read.
Thanks #NetGalley for the copy of the book #Lola
I love how alive the characters were and I came to know a bit about the way families are in the Philippines alongwith some of their traditions. I wish it was a bit more detailed in either the art or the dialogues.
It was a pretty good read.
Thanks #NetGalley for the copy of the book #Lola
October 20, 2020
I kept wanting for more when I finished up reading this amazing graphic novel. It seems like a memoir somehow. It only talks about a particular holiday kind of visit that was happening in the story. I love how innocent the whole story was! It is told from a child's perspective regarding urban folklore kind of stories especially the main character's grandmother, Lola (it means grandmother in Tagalog) based in the Philippines. It's an interesting narration with sight pleasing vivid illustrations in neutral hues of brown-grey white shades (first of its kind for me and I don't think I will read something like this in the same colour hues ever again!).
I love how alive the characters were and I came to know a bit about the way families are in the Philippines alongwith some of their traditions. I wish it was a bit more detailed in either the art or the dialogues.
It was a pretty good read.
Thanks #NetGalley for the copy of the book #Lola
I love how alive the characters were and I came to know a bit about the way families are in the Philippines alongwith some of their traditions. I wish it was a bit more detailed in either the art or the dialogues.
It was a pretty good read.
Thanks #NetGalley for the copy of the book #Lola
January 29, 2020
This story is visually beautiful. If you're going to take anything away from my review, let it be that. I'm stunned and awed at how the story pulled me in by visuals alone (and of course, later with the words. Those are important too!).
About the story:
Our lead, Jesse's Lola (Grandmother) scares them - she's quite odd yet everyone seemed to love her. The family travels back to the Phillipines and things seem different and scarier. After a scary story, a rumour is spread that Lola had visions... And Jesse might too.
My positives:
1. I did not know Lola meant Grandmother in Tagalog. I love learning new things, so that was a bonus for me.
2. The visuals and illustrations are just magical. They're soft in colour but so fulfilling. Honestly, that was one of my favourite parts of this book. I think the pictures suited the story very well.
3. This is a story of loss and grief but also supernatural ties. I think it had a very good mix of showing emotion and weaving in a narrative. I applaud J. Torres. I was truly hooked to this story.
My negatives:
1. I really enjoyed this little story, but it was just too short. I wanted more! It's not short in a bad way - the narrative finishes and feels final. I just truly wanted more. This story was magical.
All of that being said, I definitely want to read more by J. Torres. I'm truly intrigued with this story and art style. With such a lovely story behind it, this graphic novel is sure to be a smash.
Five out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for giving me access to this book.
About the story:
Our lead, Jesse's Lola (Grandmother) scares them - she's quite odd yet everyone seemed to love her. The family travels back to the Phillipines and things seem different and scarier. After a scary story, a rumour is spread that Lola had visions... And Jesse might too.
My positives:
1. I did not know Lola meant Grandmother in Tagalog. I love learning new things, so that was a bonus for me.
2. The visuals and illustrations are just magical. They're soft in colour but so fulfilling. Honestly, that was one of my favourite parts of this book. I think the pictures suited the story very well.
3. This is a story of loss and grief but also supernatural ties. I think it had a very good mix of showing emotion and weaving in a narrative. I applaud J. Torres. I was truly hooked to this story.
My negatives:
1. I really enjoyed this little story, but it was just too short. I wanted more! It's not short in a bad way - the narrative finishes and feels final. I just truly wanted more. This story was magical.
All of that being said, I definitely want to read more by J. Torres. I'm truly intrigued with this story and art style. With such a lovely story behind it, this graphic novel is sure to be a smash.
Five out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for giving me access to this book.
February 2, 2020
This story is visually beautiful. If you're going to take anything away from my review, let it be that. I'm stunned and awed at how the story pulled me in by visuals alone (and of course, later with the words. Those are important too!).
About the story:
Our lead, Jesse's Lola (Grandmother) scares them - she's quite odd yet everyone seemed to love her. The family travels back to the Phillipines and things seem different and scarier. After a scary story, a rumour is spread that Lola had visions... And Jesse might too.
My positives:
1. I did not know Lola meant Grandmother in Tagalog. I love learning new things, so that was a bonus for me.
2. The visuals and illustrations are just magical. They're soft in colour but so fulfilling. Honestly, that was one of my favourite parts of this book. I think the pictures suited the story very well.
3. This is a story of loss and grief but also supernatural ties. I think it had a very good mix of showing emotion and weaving in a narrative. I applaud J. Torres. I was truly hooked to this story.
My negatives:
1. I really enjoyed this little story, but it was just too short. I wanted more! It's not short in a bad way - the narrative finishes and feels final. I just truly wanted more. This story was magical.
All of that being said, I definitely want to read more by J. Torres. I'm truly intrigued with this story and art style. With such a lovely story behind it, this graphic novel is sure to be a smash.
Five out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for giving me access to this book.
About the story:
Our lead, Jesse's Lola (Grandmother) scares them - she's quite odd yet everyone seemed to love her. The family travels back to the Phillipines and things seem different and scarier. After a scary story, a rumour is spread that Lola had visions... And Jesse might too.
My positives:
1. I did not know Lola meant Grandmother in Tagalog. I love learning new things, so that was a bonus for me.
2. The visuals and illustrations are just magical. They're soft in colour but so fulfilling. Honestly, that was one of my favourite parts of this book. I think the pictures suited the story very well.
3. This is a story of loss and grief but also supernatural ties. I think it had a very good mix of showing emotion and weaving in a narrative. I applaud J. Torres. I was truly hooked to this story.
My negatives:
1. I really enjoyed this little story, but it was just too short. I wanted more! It's not short in a bad way - the narrative finishes and feels final. I just truly wanted more. This story was magical.
All of that being said, I definitely want to read more by J. Torres. I'm truly intrigued with this story and art style. With such a lovely story behind it, this graphic novel is sure to be a smash.
Five out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for giving me access to this book.
August 4, 2015
This was really fun! My only complaint is that I would have liked it to be longer. Maybe there will be a sequel.
October 28, 2020
It's nice to see Filipino folklore explored in this supernatural tale, but the main story falls into unremarkable "I see dead people" territory. I'm pretty sure I read this when it first came out a decade back, but I picked up the new 10th anniversary edition to see why I couldn't remember much about it, and now I know why. I do remember that J. Torres did a lot more interesting stuff back in the day, and I should maybe revisit something like Copybook Tales instead next time.
January 31, 2020
E-arc kindly sent by NetGalley and Oni Press in exchange for an honest review.
Lola is a visual story filled with Philippine culture and mythology, following a young boy who is coming to terms with his unique gifts. Jesse’s Lola (grandmother) is a bit strange — she can see things that no ones else can but everyone adored her. When she passed away, Jesse and his family fly back to the country to reunite with their relatives. During their visit, Jesse is haunted by things in his past and the unseen of the present, and it will take courage to confront the demons around him.
First off, I really loved the visuals and each panel was beautifully drawn. I really love the warm monochromatic colour scheme an everything visually was well done. The part that made me drop my rating was the overall story, which felt a bit flat for me. I was expecting so much more though I still loved all the Philippine folklore featured and all the Tagalog words used. It just make my Filipino heart swell. I just love seeing my culture represented in story. My expectations were raised since it featured Philippine mythology. I just wanted MORE with the story. A longer plot, more creatures, just more. If there’s a sequel I would gladly read it to get more of this story. A feature of this reprint is the revised ending which really opened up the story for future sequels and I do hope this is the case.
This was a fun story that meant a lot to me to see my culture in print but i just wanted more.
Lola is a visual story filled with Philippine culture and mythology, following a young boy who is coming to terms with his unique gifts. Jesse’s Lola (grandmother) is a bit strange — she can see things that no ones else can but everyone adored her. When she passed away, Jesse and his family fly back to the country to reunite with their relatives. During their visit, Jesse is haunted by things in his past and the unseen of the present, and it will take courage to confront the demons around him.
First off, I really loved the visuals and each panel was beautifully drawn. I really love the warm monochromatic colour scheme an everything visually was well done. The part that made me drop my rating was the overall story, which felt a bit flat for me. I was expecting so much more though I still loved all the Philippine folklore featured and all the Tagalog words used. It just make my Filipino heart swell. I just love seeing my culture represented in story. My expectations were raised since it featured Philippine mythology. I just wanted MORE with the story. A longer plot, more creatures, just more. If there’s a sequel I would gladly read it to get more of this story. A feature of this reprint is the revised ending which really opened up the story for future sequels and I do hope this is the case.
This was a fun story that meant a lot to me to see my culture in print but i just wanted more.
March 27, 2015
I really wanted to like this book more. The third star comes mainly because it touches on family psychic issues I am exploring, and it's hard to find such books, but the story as told is sort of disappointing. Lola is Tagalog for Grandmother, and this story, subtitled "A Ghost Story" focuses on Jesse, returning to the Philippines for his Grandmother's funeral, who is, like his grandmother, psychic. They see dead people. They see pigs possessed by demons. Man-eating ogres in trees. And this is a secret for Jesse, mostly. Jsse, who we really don't get to know all that well.
J. Torres dedicates this book to his Lola Gloria, "whose stories inspired this story," and this is the main basis for the tale, to get these all in here…. and they are interesting, but the overall tale doesn't work so well. Not as engaging as I'd like. A little bit creepy for younger people, I guess. Feels a little young for YA, more tween. You get some cultural education into Filipino culture and language, which is a little interesting. Or's art is sepia toned, muted. It's just all right, unfortunately.
J. Torres dedicates this book to his Lola Gloria, "whose stories inspired this story," and this is the main basis for the tale, to get these all in here…. and they are interesting, but the overall tale doesn't work so well. Not as engaging as I'd like. A little bit creepy for younger people, I guess. Feels a little young for YA, more tween. You get some cultural education into Filipino culture and language, which is a little interesting. Or's art is sepia toned, muted. It's just all right, unfortunately.
December 16, 2019
Dealing with death right, so this graphic novel was appropriate to read.
The story is of a boy of filipino decent, who goes back to his grandmother Lola's house, after she dies.
But the house is not being haunted by his recently dead grandmother, but by a cousin who died, that Jessie was friends with, the last time he came to visit.
Gramma Lola had the gift, as does Jessie, but he doesn't want it, like his cousin does. But nothing he can do about it.
Interesting story, learning about Filipino folklore.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
The story is of a boy of filipino decent, who goes back to his grandmother Lola's house, after she dies.
But the house is not being haunted by his recently dead grandmother, but by a cousin who died, that Jessie was friends with, the last time he came to visit.
Gramma Lola had the gift, as does Jessie, but he doesn't want it, like his cousin does. But nothing he can do about it.
Interesting story, learning about Filipino folklore.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
July 7, 2022
I wanted to like this more because I also have a Lola Gloria who passed away and generally love ghost stories but unfortunately I had a hard time getting over the main character’s negative comments about his whole visit to the Philippines. I get it, he’s not used to the heat, the bugs, and lechon freaks him out… but come on, as a visitor to the country, how about a little more openness? I kinda wished it ended with the main character learning to love and appreciate his culture and the country more.
I think this would’ve done better without the translation boxes (the context already did that).
I think this would’ve done better without the translation boxes (the context already did that).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2012
2.5 stars
I liked this, but it seemed a bit simplistic, both in story and art. I have hopes that another volume will flesh out the story a bit more.
I felt like there were missed opportunities for Torres to convey, particularly through art, the main character's mixed feeling about visiting the Philippines and dealing with his Lola's death instead of, as usual, including food and weather references (pancit, lechon, "Don't forget to put down the mosquito net) to give the work surface, non-threatening cultural flavor.
I liked this, but it seemed a bit simplistic, both in story and art. I have hopes that another volume will flesh out the story a bit more.
I felt like there were missed opportunities for Torres to convey, particularly through art, the main character's mixed feeling about visiting the Philippines and dealing with his Lola's death instead of, as usual, including food and weather references (pancit, lechon, "Don't forget to put down the mosquito net) to give the work surface, non-threatening cultural flavor.
February 16, 2016
Whoa!! There has to be more to this... it can't be the end... that ending was spooky as hell!!
Have you ever seen something out the corner of your eye? Hear voices... but you're all alone? Maybe a monster under your bed? Hear footsteps in a creaky house?
Lola was a walking talking paranormal psychic. And it passes on from generation to generation.
Wish there was more to this. Highly enjoyed the simplicity of the ghost story. That ending was one hell of a fiery crash!
Have you ever seen something out the corner of your eye? Hear voices... but you're all alone? Maybe a monster under your bed? Hear footsteps in a creaky house?
Lola was a walking talking paranormal psychic. And it passes on from generation to generation.
Wish there was more to this. Highly enjoyed the simplicity of the ghost story. That ending was one hell of a fiery crash!
December 18, 2019
2,5/5. Not a bad book, but way more of a book about grief, then something weird and creepy like I thought it would be. I really like the artwork and the story was okay but just not captivating enough for me.
May 11, 2016
I had to read this for my diversity in children's literature class.
That last scene was pretty disturbing!
That last scene was pretty disturbing!
February 20, 2023
Read Around the World: Philippines
August 16, 2011
The Publisher’s Comments for Lola : A Ghost Story make this graphic novel sound more atmospheric than it really is. I mean, the idea that Jesse sees dead people alone makes for creepy idea. And it is disturbing when it happens (when you realize it is happening). But overall, I was hardly frightened. What it was though, was compelling.
Jesse’s grandmother has died, bringing his family to her farmhouse in the Philippines for the funeral, a place haunted by the stories his uncle and cousin insist on recalling, stories of his grandmother’s youth and her legacy of a supernatural ability. The stories are not the only thing haunting the farmhouse.
The mystery of who JonJon was and what happened to him unfolds as Jesse comes to grips with who he is via his grandmother, still a bit overwhelmed by its most surreal/folk lorish qualities. Torres & Or cleverly reveal JonJon and the extent of Jesse’s abilities over the course of the story. They explore both the curse and blessing of it, and end with an honest uncertainty. Moments of terror and triumph find a balance in a young life just beginning (and as another has ended).
The story is told in sepia; the gentler contrast softens the blow of a story cast in black. The renderings of the characters are very expressive, appealing. The narrative easy to follow, a well-crafted partnership of text and image. Beginning in subtlety, transitions blur with the ambiguity of what is really occurring and what Jesse is seeing. Stories come to life alongside other more disturbing things–like ghosts, and unforgettable sorrows.
I found Lola on the Teen Graphic Novel shelf, but Powells books categorizes it under Juvenile fiction. For the maximum effect of creepiness, Powells has it right. As for the Teen Shelf, is it the last page, 102? After some sense of victory, a perilous, but otherwise positive result of his gift, Jesse is reminded of the more tormentive aspects. The cover and the style of artwork appeals to the young set, but the upper end of Juvenile fiction may find the last page appropriately haunting without permanent damage…or would it. I enjoyed the shift back into the dark and disturbing, the tipping backward into imbalance and intrigue and uncomfortable ideas–and the idea that Jesse is still trying to find his voice.
*****************
Additionally: You get a bit of cultural education: words native to the Philippines are given translation in small print at the bottom of the page. old traditions meet new external influences and the more modern era. a marvelous setting compliments of Elbert Or.
So, Lola : A Ghost Story should be good and creepy for the younger audience. I should try it out, but I can never tell how these things go with Natalya (newly 11). If I can coax her away from her Hardy Boys mysteries before the book is due back, I will let you know how it went.
L @ omphaloskepsis
Jesse’s grandmother has died, bringing his family to her farmhouse in the Philippines for the funeral, a place haunted by the stories his uncle and cousin insist on recalling, stories of his grandmother’s youth and her legacy of a supernatural ability. The stories are not the only thing haunting the farmhouse.
The mystery of who JonJon was and what happened to him unfolds as Jesse comes to grips with who he is via his grandmother, still a bit overwhelmed by its most surreal/folk lorish qualities. Torres & Or cleverly reveal JonJon and the extent of Jesse’s abilities over the course of the story. They explore both the curse and blessing of it, and end with an honest uncertainty. Moments of terror and triumph find a balance in a young life just beginning (and as another has ended).
The story is told in sepia; the gentler contrast softens the blow of a story cast in black. The renderings of the characters are very expressive, appealing. The narrative easy to follow, a well-crafted partnership of text and image. Beginning in subtlety, transitions blur with the ambiguity of what is really occurring and what Jesse is seeing. Stories come to life alongside other more disturbing things–like ghosts, and unforgettable sorrows.
I found Lola on the Teen Graphic Novel shelf, but Powells books categorizes it under Juvenile fiction. For the maximum effect of creepiness, Powells has it right. As for the Teen Shelf, is it the last page, 102? After some sense of victory, a perilous, but otherwise positive result of his gift, Jesse is reminded of the more tormentive aspects. The cover and the style of artwork appeals to the young set, but the upper end of Juvenile fiction may find the last page appropriately haunting without permanent damage…or would it. I enjoyed the shift back into the dark and disturbing, the tipping backward into imbalance and intrigue and uncomfortable ideas–and the idea that Jesse is still trying to find his voice.
*****************
Additionally: You get a bit of cultural education: words native to the Philippines are given translation in small print at the bottom of the page. old traditions meet new external influences and the more modern era. a marvelous setting compliments of Elbert Or.
So, Lola : A Ghost Story should be good and creepy for the younger audience. I should try it out, but I can never tell how these things go with Natalya (newly 11). If I can coax her away from her Hardy Boys mysteries before the book is due back, I will let you know how it went.
L @ omphaloskepsis
December 22, 2019
Jesse, like his grandma ("Lola" in Tagalog), can see spirits, but Jesse doesn't see it as a blessing that his Lola did. He sees it as something scary and shame-filled.
When Jesse returns to the Philippines with his parents after Lola's death, he visits with relatives who have also lost their son, JonJon. Jesse struggles with coming to terms with his powers and how he can use them to heal.
I really enjoyed this story... and what a cliffhanger at the end. (No spoilers!)
I also loved learning about Filipino ghost lore. J. Torres has a whole index at the end of the book dedicated to the various spirits.
When Jesse returns to the Philippines with his parents after Lola's death, he visits with relatives who have also lost their son, JonJon. Jesse struggles with coming to terms with his powers and how he can use them to heal.
I really enjoyed this story... and what a cliffhanger at the end. (No spoilers!)
I also loved learning about Filipino ghost lore. J. Torres has a whole index at the end of the book dedicated to the various spirits.
August 3, 2015
I just picked this up at the library today as I am currently on a graphic novel binge.
I wish the whole book was like the end. That would've made it so much more interesting. Parts of it were wonderfully creepy but most of it just didn't flow very well. Parts of the story would just stop and start, without any apparent reason.
I did love that it was a different storyline from the norm. A kid whose parents moved from the Phillipines to Canada go back home in the summer for his grandmother's funeral. It was okay, just wanted something more out of it.
I wish the whole book was like the end. That would've made it so much more interesting. Parts of it were wonderfully creepy but most of it just didn't flow very well. Parts of the story would just stop and start, without any apparent reason.
I did love that it was a different storyline from the norm. A kid whose parents moved from the Phillipines to Canada go back home in the summer for his grandmother's funeral. It was okay, just wanted something more out of it.
September 11, 2018
Lola: A ghost story was a short and cute read. I loved the story and the Illustrations. We follow Jesse through his grandma's stories, but his family called them haunts. His grandma could see ghost, and he knows she passed it on to him. He doesn't tell anyone though, but based off the ending I really hope he does.
December 12, 2019
I received this graphic novel from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
This is a book about a boy who can see ghosts, a boy who has lost his grandma and who along with his father and mother go back to their home country to say their last respects to grandma.
Review to come in March 2020.
This is a book about a boy who can see ghosts, a boy who has lost his grandma and who along with his father and mother go back to their home country to say their last respects to grandma.
Review to come in March 2020.
October 10, 2016
Such a cool and smartly-planned story! The plot was well thought, I recommend this to all my friends!
September 14, 2019
It's fun to see a Filipino-focused story including mythical creatures like the kapre and the tiyanak. I wish we had gotten to know the eponymous Lola a bit better in her own right!
March 12, 2020
I really enjoyed this graphic novel about Jesse and his grandmother, Lola. Jesse sees supernatural things, and so did Lola. So when she passes away, he must deal with his own grief as well as the supernatural events that keep happening around him. I really liked learning about Filipino ghosts and legends, as well as the truly creepy atmosphere of this book! I only wish it had been longer!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC.
December 21, 2022
Found this in the elementary library at my school. Definitely not appropriate for the younger years due to creepiness (tiyanak - scariest and most disturbing monster in the world). Some of the pictures of monsters in Filipino folklore are definitely scary! It was fun to read a story set in the PI, seeing the main character's feelings about his parents' home country and his own memories. A touching story with spiritual elements.
September 22, 2023
dude... aswang are on another level. loved learning about filipino mythology & strengthening my fear of pregnancy
January 7, 2020
What a pleasure to read a book outside my own understanding that touches on some universal themes around family, grief and a child’s understanding growing up.
Returning from their new home in Canada, Jesse’s family go back to the Philippines for his Grandma (Lola is the original Tagalog word) funeral.
It is both a joyous and sound occasional with the adults, parents, and aunts and uncles and many cousins coming to terms with her passing.
She was a special person strong in her Catholic faith but steeped in Filipina Folklore.
Jesse gets teased about the different beliefs in his late Grandma’s culture, ghosts, spirits and demons that would frighten any kid. He is more sensitive as he seems to have “inherited” some of Lola’s unusual gifts and powers.
This is a rewarding read and speaks to the heart of growing up and the importance of family. Jesse has to wrestle with his own experience and the new twist on his experiences through learning about his heritage and that Lola may have blessed or cursed him.
In a clear two tone graphic novel presentation of a seminal moment in Jesse’s life this is a wonderful insight into another country and how we can all n afraid of the dark and the unexplained. The story is a journey to faith and renewal which will encourage while perhaps scaring you along the way.
Returning from their new home in Canada, Jesse’s family go back to the Philippines for his Grandma (Lola is the original Tagalog word) funeral.
It is both a joyous and sound occasional with the adults, parents, and aunts and uncles and many cousins coming to terms with her passing.
She was a special person strong in her Catholic faith but steeped in Filipina Folklore.
Jesse gets teased about the different beliefs in his late Grandma’s culture, ghosts, spirits and demons that would frighten any kid. He is more sensitive as he seems to have “inherited” some of Lola’s unusual gifts and powers.
This is a rewarding read and speaks to the heart of growing up and the importance of family. Jesse has to wrestle with his own experience and the new twist on his experiences through learning about his heritage and that Lola may have blessed or cursed him.
In a clear two tone graphic novel presentation of a seminal moment in Jesse’s life this is a wonderful insight into another country and how we can all n afraid of the dark and the unexplained. The story is a journey to faith and renewal which will encourage while perhaps scaring you along the way.
April 7, 2020
Lola by J. Torres, 102 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Oni Press, 2020. $13.
Language: PG (1 swear, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Back in the Philippines for his lola’s (grandmother’s) funeral, Jesse is unsettled to be visiting again. No one knows that Jesse takes after his lola, that he inherited her gift. Jesse would be happier without it, though -- to him, it feels like a curse.
Having personal experience in the Philippines, I love how this book stays true to the culture there and includes words and illustrations that give good insight to the setting. Story-wise, I think the title and cover are somewhat misleading because, while Jesse interacts with ghosts, he does not see his grandmother’s ghost as I expected. Apart from the initial confusion, the story was alluring, and it was fun to learn about Filipino mythology.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
Language: PG (1 swear, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Back in the Philippines for his lola’s (grandmother’s) funeral, Jesse is unsettled to be visiting again. No one knows that Jesse takes after his lola, that he inherited her gift. Jesse would be happier without it, though -- to him, it feels like a curse.
Having personal experience in the Philippines, I love how this book stays true to the culture there and includes words and illustrations that give good insight to the setting. Story-wise, I think the title and cover are somewhat misleading because, while Jesse interacts with ghosts, he does not see his grandmother’s ghost as I expected. Apart from the initial confusion, the story was alluring, and it was fun to learn about Filipino mythology.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
May 28, 2022
The story doesn’t quite match the cover or the description. The cover, title, and description make it seem like the main character’s grandmother (Lola) will be visiting him as a ghost and further Filipino folklore will be involved in the story. To be clear, the grandmother’s ghost never appears in this book, though she has just died. The main character sees another family spirit, as well as Filipino folklore creatures.
I liked the Filipino folklore. There is a Filipino folklore glossary in the back that explains different creatures, which I really appreciated and found interesting.
This story got me thinking about how culture intersects with the unexplained, myth/legend, and mental health. For example, what might be considered a legitimate belief in the supernatural in one place, might be considered mental illness in another place.
I liked the Filipino folklore. There is a Filipino folklore glossary in the back that explains different creatures, which I really appreciated and found interesting.
This story got me thinking about how culture intersects with the unexplained, myth/legend, and mental health. For example, what might be considered a legitimate belief in the supernatural in one place, might be considered mental illness in another place.
July 11, 2020
Repost
I was sent an arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This was a lovely graphic novel about family, loss and of course the supernatural! I loved how the muted colour palate really reflected the story. The folklore of the world has always fascinated me and the creatures in Filipino lore are some of my favourites, they are so creepy and normally bloodthirsty (everything I look for in a supernatural creature). This is quite a simple story and the main character is a bit hard to root for in the beginning but once you realise how scared he is of what he is seeing and how isolated it makes him, you start to root for him. I was a bit disappointed that the creatures weren't featured as much as I hoped but it was a sweet and heart-warming story.
I was sent an arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This was a lovely graphic novel about family, loss and of course the supernatural! I loved how the muted colour palate really reflected the story. The folklore of the world has always fascinated me and the creatures in Filipino lore are some of my favourites, they are so creepy and normally bloodthirsty (everything I look for in a supernatural creature). This is quite a simple story and the main character is a bit hard to root for in the beginning but once you realise how scared he is of what he is seeing and how isolated it makes him, you start to root for him. I was a bit disappointed that the creatures weren't featured as much as I hoped but it was a sweet and heart-warming story.
March 24, 2021
Closer to 2.5 than 3 for me. Great book for a younger crowd. The work leaves one wanting more, as its depiction of Filipino culture (and even the magical realism) feels very surface level. The nuances of the story are on the thin side of subtle. I hope this is a story the authors consider revisiting, as the premise and setting have a lot of potential.
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