Gempak Malaysia's Comic!

*click image to enlarge*

Alright, the competition for amatuer artist/illustrator/cartoonist to unveil their raw talents ended! i am sure Gempak Starz are always looking for new talents in Malaysia's comic industry!

For those who are interested for the book to be released, there are four categories in it.
The four categories are:

A) Open Comic
B) Under 18 Comic
C) Open Comic Strip
D) Open Illustration

Attractive prizes up to RM20, 000 awaits all the new talents! So let's hope for the best to all the new talents! Will be notifying when is the release of this 2009 book. Everyone will definitely be welcoming all this new and unique artists/illustrators/cartoonists! Enjoy!

For more information just head on here.

Calv out!

As requested by Yvonne, here is a review for Taiko & Little Peach.



>Title: Taiko & Little Peach
>Price: RM7.50, RM8.50 SB/SWK
>Created by: Oga
>Cover Page by: Oga
>Published by: Gala Unggul Resources Sdn Bhd, June 2008
>Main characters: Peach, Taiko Tian Dao
>Main language: Bahasa Malaysia + Rojak

A really big change for Oga when he came out with this oneshot graphic novel. Oga usually do ghost/horror genre and this time it is comedy/cute. What happens when you put a really cute and talkative child at the hands of a gang leader? One word: Chaos. Welcome to the really funny world when two totally different persons collide. Sometimes, it is good to get lost. You might not know who you will meet.



Oga really outdid himself when he came out with this book. One of his best work so far. Right at the start of this graphic novel, it managed to capture readers' hearts as it is funny and witty at the same time. The character development for this comic is great as readers will be able to see how the main characters change from one chapter to another. The characters' design and personality are great because it really captures your attention. One can see how adorable Peach is and how intense Tian Dao is. The colours in this graphic novel is bright which is suitable with the theme: comical and light hearted.

The storyline in this comic is direct as most of the information are being reveal at the beginning of the chapter. Other than that. readers will find that at the end of each chapter, it will put a smile on their faces. The panelling for this comic is easy to follow as there are no confusion at all when you are following the story. Again, this is completely different from Oga's past work and one of his best to date.



There are only a few setbacks in this comic from getting a full score. The effects in this graphic novel is very plain, that might reduce the mood in the comic. Readers might hope for a longer story in one chapter as each chapter in this comic is very short. Each chapter in this graphic novel is only 7 to 9 pages.

The conclusion for this comic comes too sudden which means that after the climax, the ending was dropped too fast. But after looking at all the minor setbacks, it doesn't really affect too much for this graphic novel.



This is a very very fun read and it will definitely bring a smile to anyone's face. The jokes here maybe childish but readers will surely laugh at it. It captures life at a very light way that in the end will attract a lot of readers if they give this book a try. What Oga did is definitely amazing! No other word to describe his work. Taiko & Little Peach, a book that can be read anywhere and at anytime.

Pros: Funny scenarios, great character develppment, lovable personality, straightforward story, colour matching with the theme.
Cons: Plain effect, chapter are short, sudden ending.

Rating: 8/10

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>Title: KomiXklusif
>Price: RM6.50, RM7.50 SB/SWK
>Created by: Baba Chuah, Zint, Keith, Cicak, Taufan, Ageha, Bear, Oga, Kash, King Kong, Mr. Children, Noone and Slaium.
>Cover Page by: Margaret
>Published by: Gala Unggul Resources Sdn Bhd, January 2005
>Main characters: None
>Main language: Bahasa Malaysia + Rojak

A compilation of Malaysia's many talented illustrator/artist in one book. This book covers the whole genre available in the comic industry. Each theme differ from one artist to another and there are collaborations of stories in this graphic novel. So who's your favourite illustrator? Find most of them here in this comic.



There is nothing much to comment on this comic actually. The mixed work of the different artist causes all the short stories here to have a different theme and different stroke everytime. Hence, it varies from stories to stories. One thing's for sure, the drawing for this is simple and clear cut. Readers will like reading this graphic novel as it is presented nicely.

The panelling for this comic varies too but it is well-arranged and flow nicely so readers can breathe a sigh of relief.



Even with all the talented artist/illustrator in one book, the transition between one short stories to another doesn't go well. Reason? The stroke for each short stories are different interrupting the transitions. Other than that, most of the storyline in this graphic novel is quite dry. The only nice ones are the fantasy genre and there is not many in this book. The character personality can be improved because readers can't really feel how the atmospheres in the comic are suppose to be.



When it comes to a compilation of different artists/illustrators work, there are the ups and downs. It is hard to decide what is the factor that made it a good or bad graphic novel. Luckily the short stories here are entertaining. It is definitely worth readers' money. Apart from a few hiccups, this comic performs.

Pros: Many talented artists/illustrators work, different themes, great panelling
Cons: Difficult transition, dry storyline.

Rating: 7/10

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>Title: Dari Alam Angker: Mamai
>Price: RM6.50, RM7.50 SB/SWK
>Created by: Oga
>Cover Page by: Oga
>Published by: Gala Unggul Resources Sdn Bhd, December 2003
>Main characters: None
>Main language: Bahasa Malaysia + Rojak

Hungry for haunting ghost stories? Here's a better choice, short ghost stories in graphic novel by Oga. A compilation of Oga's work, here is how he depicts ghost stories around us. Each stories tells different things so prepare to enter a world full of ghostly tale to chill your bones during the night: Mamai.



The starting point in this graphic novel is that the ghost in this comic is creepy. Some of it will actually stick in your mind after reading it. Therefore, the character (ghost) design is good. It leaves a lasting impression on the readers. The characters' personality is there as Oga manage to convey it nicely through their emotions. One thing to praise about his drawings is that it is definitely not Japanese manga influence. Every stroke here is his own. Might not be unique but it works.

Other than that, each theme for the short stories are good. It is completely different on how people would actually depict Malaysia's ghost stories. The storyline for this comic is simple and easy to follow, which is good for the readers as they can slowly enjoy this graphic novel. The panelling for this comic is fantastic as it was arranged nicely by Oga. It flows very well.



With all the different stories in the graphic novel, one would think it is a heck of a book. Sadly, the most important factor in a short ghost story graphic novel is missing: the level of scariness. If Oga wants to scare people in this comic, he did not really perform. There are just too few stories in this comic that manage to scare you. From the middle of the book onwards, one might not find it scary anymore. The ghost design and theme might be scary but with such simple storyline, it backfires.

One can see the effort put in creating the atmosphere for this comic but it did not do it's job. The effects and background does not really affect any part of the story as there is no depth in it. It is just too simple. If the shading and toning were better, this will definitely sets a nice mood to the story as well.



Simply put, this is just a fun read. Not as scary as the front cover suggested it might be. Oga's effort can definitely be seen in this graphic novel but it is just not enough to scare readers. If this graphic novel is not ghost stories, it would score well but too bad it is. All that is missing is the scary factor and the atmosphere for each of the short stories.

Pros: Great panelling, good ghost designs, good theme
Cons: Not as scary, bad atmosphere settings, bad storyline

Rating: 5/10

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>Title: The Plague
>Price: RM7.50, RM8.50 SB/SWK
>Created by: Puppeteer
>Cover Page by: Puppeteer
>Published by: Gala Unggul Resources Sdn Bhd, January 2007
>Main characters: Jack, Rin, Clack
>Main language: Bahasa Malaysia + Rojak

A very good illustration book by Puppeteer, one of my favourite artist, about the greed in human. An action and adventure graphic novel through Puppeteer's eyes. Kalakian, which is a group of prisoners, are experimented to be the perfect biological weapons. As expected, the prisoners rebel against the ones who are experimenting on them. Jack and Rin are victims who are caught in between this war.

Welcome to the realistic and a world conquer by greed from Puppeteer.



It is very obvious that the drawings and colouring for this book is exceptional when readers flip open the first page. The drawings for this comic is realistic and very life like. Puppeteer's stroke always manage to grab attention from page to page. The colouring for this comic is great because it sets the mood for the graphic novel and every colour seem to blend in nicely. The effects in this comic is the best i've seen so far as it is simple an real at the same time.

The character development for this comic is good, always the hero where he falls and rises at times. Another favourite part of mine is the characters' design. Look at all the biological experiment humans, it is unique and different from anything anyone had seen before. Readers should appreciate this uniqueness. Other than that, the panelling for this comic is straight to the point; no confusion and distraction.



One of the common problems i have with most of the action genre graphic novel is that the fighting scene is always too short. Most of it in this novel is quick and swift too. If only those scene can last longer, it would be better action wise. The fighting part for this comic is messy too at times as readers might not be able to see the movement of the characters because of the complications of Puppeteer's drawings.

There are also times where the characters and the background blend in because the colours are almost the same causes confusion to the readers. Other than all these setbacks, the rest are great! The storyline in this comic is a little boring as there is not much suspence built but it get's better the further you read.



Prepare to be amaze by Puppeteer's skills as it is a well drawn and planned graphic novel. The best thing is that, everything looks real. Puppeteer's stroke and colouring really sets the bar high for other illustrators to compete with. Again, prepare to be amaze!

Pros: Great stroke, nice colours, great effect, unique characters
Cons: Short fighting scene, messy drawings at times, slow storyline.

Rating: 7/10

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>Title: Drak
>Price: RM7.50, RM8.50 SB/SWK
>Created by: Slaium
>Cover Page by: Slaium
>Published by: Gala Unggul Resources Sdn Bhd, February 2005
>Main characters: Drak, Ed Wood, Short T
>Main language: Bahasa Malaysia + Rojak

Enter the realm where one can travel to different dimension. A fantasy and action graphic novel created by Slaium. This comic is mainly about the protagonist, Agent Drak battling with the evil forces and in the process learn the truth about himself. There is a war going on between Lumiera and Dark Lord. As Drak was recruited to help Lumiera, more truths were being reveal later in the graphic novel.

Full of colors and different characters inside, this is one comic that will grab your attention.



One of the best things in this comic is Slaium's unique stroke that brings out the characters personality very well. The drawings are easy to follow therefore going through the graphic novel is pleasant to the eyes. The colours in this graphic novel added the atmosphere of this comic making the effects looked better, stressing out realism even though it is a fantasy comic.

The protagonist character development for this graphic novel can be seen throughout the story as it portrays him being fragile yet hopeful at the same time. Basically, the high point of this comic is that Slaium really keeps everything simple: the drawings are not confusing and the panelling of the story is great as it was arranged nicely.



The problem i had with this graphic novel is of the final battle. It was too sudden and there was really no excitement about it compare to the other battles. Other than that, storyline wise, it wasn't that great. It took too long for Slaium to build the climax and too fast to end it. There is also a lot information that could be added to increase the realism of the story because even though the missing link was explain, if there were illustrations, it would be better.

The main focus is at Drak but i would like to see more development for the other characters like Ed Wood, Short T and Cynegard. It seems that this characters' developments shifted suddenly especially Cynegard (antagonist).


There are four exclusive short stories at the end of the book by C2V, Kaoru, Lefty and Slaium. Above is one of the exclusive short story.

Readers can welcome this fantasy realm book as it is a light read. But don't expect too much of entertainment as the storyline in this graphic novel is quite fast. Prepare for an adventure when you grab this book in stores near you!

Pros: Simplicity in its art, great atmosphere & effects, good character development.
Cons: Disappointment in final battle, climax took too long to reach, storyline too fast.

Rating: 6/10

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>Title: 5 Elemen
>Price: RM6.50, RM7.50 SB/SWK
>Created by: Kash
>Cover Page by: Kash
>Published by: Gala Unggul Resources Sdn Bhd, 2003
>Main characters: Noel, Tasha, Chici, Huzie, Shiro and Theo
>Main language: Bahasa Malaysia + Rojak

Fire, Air, Wood, Gold and Earth. A oneshot action pack graphic novel by Kash. The setting of this story is in the future where the hunt for power is at it's peak. A power hungry Major, Theo, striving to be the most powerful man in the world evoking an unfinished battle 500 years ago with the main character, Noel. To know more, just read the book.

Full of combats and tragedy, this graphic novel will capture a few of the reader's attention.



A great try by Kash for this comic. The storyline for this is common yet Kash managed to breathe a new life into it. The stroke for this comic is simple and clean therefore readers will not have any problem getting drawn to it. That is basically all the good stuff about this graphic novel.



One of the main problems i had with this comic is that the character development is bad. Especially for the a few of the main characters because it was introduced quite late in the book. Even though with the clean strokes, the fighting scene is very messy and too quick, cutting the realism of this graphic novel. The final battle is disappointing as there is too little action causing the climax to drop very fast. Basically, the speed of the comic is too fast. Maybe Kash should had made it into a twoshot instead of one.

A lot of the panelling for this comic is confusing as it wasn't arrange nicely but it is bearable. Readers may not appreaciate the graphic effect of this comic as it is too simple and looked like it is done by an amateur. If the illustrator would had spent more time on the effects, it might made this comic looked better. Again, with the simple effect, there is no life in the comic.



In the end, this is just a fun read. Maybe people can just get it from a friend instead of taking this as a collector's item. This is where readers will just read it once instead reading it again and again. It lacks almost everything an action or even comic fan would want to see. Not one of my favourite comic. i'll give this a pass.

Pros: Clean stroke, presented differently.
Cons: Very unrealistic, bad panelling, terrible effects, too fast of a storyline, unbalanced characters development.

Rating: 4/10

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>Title: Juice
>Price: RM7.50, RM8.50 SB/SWK
>Created by: Juice
>Cover Page by: Juice
>Published by: Gala Unggul Resources Sdn Bhd, June 2008
>Main characters: None
>Main language: Bahasa Malaysia + Rojak

Another short love stories graphic novel. The illustrator, Juice, is focusing on touching and heartbreaking stories and endings. It never fails to amuse me how Juice can twist the story immediately. The comic captures different aspect on how love can happen to anyone and everyone. The book is a little expensive as the book is coloured.

Get ready for an emotional roller coaster ride as this book takes readers into different scenarios of love.



The best part about this graphic novel is about the touching and heartbreaking stories. Each of this short stories presents a different theme on their own which brings life into the stories. Other than that, with the colours; the most important aspect in this comic; the atmosphere and environment is great allowing readers to go with the stories easily.

The panelling for this graphic novel is good for obvious reason: arrangements are neat and the eyes won't get confused as it browse through the comic. Characters development for such a short stories are well done as it can be seen through the characters' facial expression.



One of the things that i found irritating to me was that the whole graphic novel stroke is similar to the Japanese manga. Especially the females in Juice's work. Some of the themes in the graphic novel seem repetitive that might bore the readers as they go on. It might turn out a little bland for some readers if they are not really into reading touching and heartbreaking comics.

Let's just hope that Juice's next work will be less like Japanese mangas. Other than that, there is not much to complain about this comic.



Prepare yourself for an emotional ride as this is the graphic novel that will play with your feelings. Laugter, sadness, charming, surprising all pack into one book. It may looked like a translated version of a Japanese manga but it is good to read.

Pros: Touching and heart breaking stories that will stir your heart
Cons: Japanese influenced stroke

Rating: 7/10

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>Title: Lawak Kampus
>Price: RM6.50, RM7.50 SB/SWK
>Created by: Keith & Zelo
>Cover Page by: Keith & Zelo
>Published by: Gala Unggul Resources Sdn Bhd, July 2004
>Main characters: Vanness, Froggy, Aditas, Si Kosong, Bebop, etc
>Main language: Bahasa Malaysia + Rojak

Here goes one of the best comedic graphic novel. The style for this is simple. Every comedy scene/situation is being explained by using just 4 panels. It is amazing how it captures student's life, in an extreme point of view.

There are many main characters in this graphic novel as there are no real focus on who really takes the lead. Each of the scene explores what almost a real situation. The creativity flow is great as the illustrators really need to crack their head so that they will not bore the readers.



The best part about this graphic novel is that there is no confusion between which panel to go to next as there is only one way to see it (from top to bottom). The scene has a nice flow to it when it is divided into four panels; introduction, suspense, climax and conclusion. The ideas are simple which in result make readers understand what is going on with the scene in each panel. The most important thing is that it is hilarious. The comic does not only revolves around students but even the teachers, including the headmaster.

The characters designs are cute and creative. Keith and Zelo really brings the meaning cute, as in ugly but adorable. At first look, one may think that the characters are ugly and irritating but as the readers progress, they will surely be attracted to one of them, if not more. i personally like a character called Bebop. The strokes for this graphic novel is very simple as there is really no need for in depth addition. Even the backgrounds are arranged nicely just for the readers to know where are the scene is happening.



There is really nothing to say about the disadvantages of this comic. One might think that it is too silly or just illogical. Heck, ignore it, that's what a comedic comic is all about! It can be as illogical as it can go but it is still funny. There are a few (very few) scenes where readers can find it confusing or not funny but that will disappears the further the readers go.

Maybe the only complain is that there is not enough of the comedic scene. Insert more 3 scene into a page instead of 2?


The page above is a treat from Keith and Zelo as they made it into a short story to a scene in that graphic novel.

Get ready to kick back and laugh your pants off. It will make you reminisce about your school days as you might go "Hey, that happened to me too!" Grab it at stores near you. Laughter is indeed the best medicine when it comes to Lawak Campus.

Pros: Cute characters design, simple scene, addictable comedy.
Cons: The need to increase more scene in one page.

Rating: 8/10

Calv out!