Siglo: Freedom

Siglo #1

by Dean Francis Alfar (Editor), Michael Vincent Simbulan (Editor), Gerry Alanguilan

approx 120p burgundy hardback with gilt lettering to spine and front, illustrated throughout, numbered #349 in back, light library markings only, a collection of comics from Manila, botanical art by Yang Vergara-Simbulan,

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Book Club, Fantasy

244 pages, Graphic Anthology

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jedi JC Daquis]

Siglo: Freedom is a collection of decade-by-decade stories from the Philippines' 20th century, told from the perspective of Filipinos who were alive during that period. Embedded in these chapters were either events of historical significance, like the battle of Bud Bagsak, and the rise and fall of "emperor" Florencio Entrencherado, or just life's snippets of that era like the comic fad of the 60s and 70s or the video gaming culture of the 90s. The stories are all standalone, each has its own interpretation of the concept of freedom.

This compendium really has a brilliant motivation and a smart narrative that could immerse its readers in that particular time the story is set. It is a fine example of how graphic literature can be effective as a storytelling device, where this time the story to tell is the history of the Philippines.

However, Siglo: Freedom falls short on the technical side. For a graphic novel that is is focused on the concept of freedom, this is very uninspired. Each chapter can barely tell a solid story. The dialogue on most stories is disjointed and meanders to oblivion, not to mention that it is way off to the lingua franca of that partucular time. This takes too much away from a supposed immersion. Even some stories have historical events which were forcefully lodged in the story. The editors could have done more to come up with a more cohesive volume.

But the book has its good moments. I particularly liked the first one and the story written and drawn by Gerry Alanguilan.

[AnnaKarenina]

easy read and fast pace read! highly recommended for those who liked comics.

[Monique]

Marginalia! >> http://bookishlittleme.attymonique.co...

"When the fire is over, do you think it's possible?... Can I keep the shoes?" - Negros Occidental, 1978

[Maria Ella]

The best part of the Anthology is...
Negros Occidental, 1978

Maybe because the darkest story of the nation still lingered there as long as a Saga. Maybe because whenever I go back to that island beside Panay, all I see is a long stretch of sugarcanes, of the stories of Sikada and Sugar barons, and of the people who have no choice but to harvest tubo for survival.

Nakakapanlumo pa rin na wala akong magawa sa kanila maliban sa pagbisita at pakikipagsalamuha sa kanila.

[DC]

This book is a compendium of stories about freedom, particularly from colonialism. The stories are nice, and showcase that Filipinos have great artists among them, too. A great and entertaining read.

[Tin]

This is one of those things where "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts". I mean as a collection, I like how varied the stories are, and how it showcases that freedom can mean different things to different people. Individually, however, the stories doesn't seem to hold much weight. There is no strong feelings generated from any of them, not from me, at least.

[Maria]

Panay. 1925.