Gempak Malaysia's Comic!

Apologies my fellow readers for the seriously lack of update.


>Title: Geng 5405
>Price: RM6.50
>Created by: Virus-AC
>Cover Page by: Virus-AC
>Published by: Gala Unggul Resources Sdn Bhd, February 2010
>Main characters: Brutal, Xerox, Trasher and Icchan

When I first purchased Geng 5405, I thought it would be a story of gang members fighting one another. At the very least, there will be some kind of fierce action going on (the word “Geng” and the number “5405” got me thinking it’s a gang name or some sort). After the first few pages, I was smiling and feeling good. Wait a minute! That’s not how an action genre supposed to sound like!



Don’t feel betrayed because Geng 5405 is definitely entertaining by making you laugh at the shenanigans from these four university students. It tells a tale of four friends wrecking havoc in their hostel, room 5405. That’s all. Seriously, that’s all. Xerox, Brutal, Thrasher and Icchan are showing us the way to have fun in any kind of situations. No matter what happen, they always ended up in a hilarious situation.



They are all equipped with their own personality: serious, happy-go-lucky, playful, and devious with one thing in common, their mischievousness. Of course Xerox and Brutal are the troublemakers as these two usually team up coming up nonsense for everyone!

Then, there is their leader, Thrasher. Hot-temper yet looking cool at the same time, he is the most responsible among them. That’s one way to blend hot and cold. One thing’s for sure, never mess with his hair! Out of the Geng 5405 friends, Icchan is the feminine looking guy. I actually thought he was a she until a certain point in the book. His cheerfulness is indeed a weapon because it is very contagious.

Seeing that this is Virus-Ac’s debut comic, she did a great job with the storyline. There was never a chance for me to get bored of the plot because I feel that this comic has soul. I can believe that the main characters take off and come to like them. It is very smart of Virus-Ac to include a chapter of their origins in the middle of the book just to deepen our connection with them.



Despite the great storyline, there are a few things holding it down. One of it is the amount of dialogue boxes in a panel. It made each panel look so cluttered that sometimes it becomes an annoyance. Other than that, the characters’ designs are great but every now and then, it blends with the background making it a little hard to scan through the whole page.

This is the sort of light-hearted read I need to have after a busy day. If you can forgive the annoying cluttered panels, give this book a go.

Pros: great characters, funny
Cons: cluttered panels

(Rating: 6 out of 10)

>Title: Lawak Junk Food: Breakfast
>Price: RM6.50
>Created by: Jo
>Cover Page by: Jo
>Published by: Gala Unggul Resources Sdn Bhd, February 2010
>Main characters: Everyone

Standing on her own, Jo present to us her first solo four panel comic comedy. It's a good break away from her usual collaboration with other artists. As usual, branching away from cute and big goo goo Japanese type of eyes, this graphic novel showed us the lighter side of working class comedies.



First thing's first, it is amazing how all of this four-panel artists get ideas to illustrates their version of "funny." With that, I would like to say good effort by Jo. There were many funny moments in this comic and also so-what moments too. This might be because the artist tried too hard to be funny and ended up with dry jokes.

Despite that, the drawings in this comic are good as it breaks away from simplicity with more details on each character. It's funny how all characters appear normal (with the exception of Snow White and Alien) but manage to make me laugh by using the scenes in it.



One of my favourite character is Taiko, an ex gang leader who tries to lead a normal life. Each situation these characters run to will definitely make you laugh real hard. Just beware of the dry jokes throughout the book that might caught you off guard.

It's too bad with so many good four panel comics out there, Jo will have a tough time standing out. Readers out there will expect more from her but again, it really is a good try by Jo.



Quick-witted jokes with a little element of disgusting, plain looking characters can be a weird but great combination for short laughter. Whatever it is, Jo will definitely be coming back with better jokes. When there are tough competitors out there, one needs to do a lot more to stand out. Nonetheless, it is still a good read.

Pros: Unexpected comedy, one of it's kind
Cons: Dry jokes

Rating: 6/10

Calv out.

Alright, everytime you buy a Gempak Starz comic (not comic magazine), at the back of the book, you can see one of those, with different design/variation.

Don't just ignore it. You can actually collect a number of those to trade into Gempak Starz merchandise!!

Just cut the coupons out, stick it in the coupon trade form in Gempak (issue 251) 1 May, Utopia (issue 177) 1 May and Comic King (issue 120) also from the Gempak Starz website. Once you got that done, just post it to them. Simple, right?

Get your scissors and glue ready!

Oops, been out for too long everyone. Sorry for the really long absence. It’s all thanks to laziness and some other personal reason. But fear not, I'm back!



>Title: Gengkey Fever
>Price: RM7.50
>Created by: C2V
>Cover Page by: C2V
>Published by: Gala Unggul Resources Sdn Bhd, September 2007
>Main characters: Lowkey, Paul, Amin
>Main language: Bahasa Malaysia

I can’t help but noticed that there is still one more important artist I forgot: Michael Chuah a.k.a. C2V. His first debut, the ever so mischievous Gengkey (because of this writer’s forgetfulness, he don’t know where he had misplaced his Gengkey, that’s why it’s replaced by Gengkey Fever images)




The drawing when it first hit you will look absurd, innocent, and again mischievous. The wonderful adventures of Lowkey, Paul and Amin are never-ending as their daily goal to annoy everyone, even you. Don’t get me wrong, you will LOL all the way.

What else is there to say? Just to see Lowkey got beaten up, with (a lot of) blood spraying here and there, is hilarious. There is nothing more disgusting than all of this but it really entertains you. The violence level is high but don’t worry, there is nothing too obscene for all of you. It is “controlled” in every standard.



The thing is that they are not the only characters to poke fun at, other side characters in this comic too. Every single character is really a punch line itself. Design so absurdly yet so memorable for you to go along with. At some point of your life, I am sure that these are the people you met or will meet.

Only one complain: I wish that there were more chapters, more comics being drawn. By the looks of C2V's schedule, maybe let this be one of his great stepping stones in the comic industry.



Looking at the artwork, it is funny that how the artist commented that it was one of his bad artworks. The thing is, every combination works and C2V really did a good job to keep us waiting for more. If violent, nonsense, explicit, extreme, mischievous, funny (the list goes on) comic is your kind, this is really for you.

Pros: Hilarious, easy-reading, memorable characters
Cons: More Gengkey needed!

Ratings: 9/10

Calv out!

Guess what? Comic Fiesta is having this commercial appearing on Astro Animax Channel 715 this December! Have a look at it before it appears on your television!



One of the greatest event for anime and manga lovers!

Here's the direct URL on YouTube.

Calv out!

Take a look at this contest with scholarships and attractive prizes that worth more than RM150,000!

(Click image for larger version)

There are two categories open for those who are interested in particpating.
For secondary school students who are interested, stand a chance to win One Academy scholarship and more!
For adults, stand to win movie passes and other The Storm Warriors merchandises!

Closing date for this competition is on December 11, 2009!
So what are you waiting for?
Get your creative juice flowing and start creating your comic hero!!
Remember, your character of artwork must be related to The Storm Warriors!!

Wait!! There is more!!
Be among the first to submit your entry before November 20, 2009 to stand a chance to win "Meet The Stars of The Storm Warriors" passes!!

For more information click here.

Calv out!

Here is what's coming to you real soon if you are a fan of Cosplay!!


(Click image for larger version)

Date : 21 November 2009 (Saturday)
Venue : Concourse Area, Sungei Wang Plaza, Kuala Lumpur

Even greater news, there is NO ADMISSION FEE at all!!!
Attractive prizes (cash & others) for those who are interested in participating!
What are you waiting for? Grab your costumes and enjoy!

*Registration on November 21, 2009 opens from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Cosplay Counter.

P/S: To view the rules and regulation, visit here.

Calv out!

Review Requested by Kael!


>Title: Detektif Hantu
>Price: RM7.00
>Created by: Totoro
>Cover Page by: Totoro
>Published by: Gala Unggul Resources Sdn Bhd, 2002
>Main characters: Detektif Hantu
>Main language: Bahasa Malaysia

A classic comic created by Totoro. It is centered around horror and action that surrounds the main character in this book. Detektif Hantu who seeks power from Jin Buana Hitam to find the demon that killed his wife and son, Meen. As the story goes, more unexpected plot unfold. Can Detektif Hantu stop himself from being consume by his inner demon and keep his sanity? Read it to find out.



One of the first things that readers can expect to find is Totoro's very unique stroke. It really brings out the atmosphere in this comic: creepy. There is a degree of goriness that will be appreciate by action pack lovers too. His sense of horror is so good that it manage to make us believe that such world really existed. The panelling for this comic works well despite it being cluttered at time. It is understandable as there is so many details to fill that Totoro managed to clean it up.

The background and effects created was great and really adds more feeling to readers as it fits the whole genre of the graphic novel. Looking all the characters' design, all of it is actually memorable with special features of their own. The character development is obvious as more of Detektif Hantu is being reveal as the chapters went on. The storyline for this comic was greatly structured as it slowly unfolds all events for readers to read.



Good news is that there is not many bad part in this graphic novel. The normal too little pages per chapter still there. If the amount of pages could increased, it will make this comic a great one to read. One of the most irritating part is that the last chapter fighting scene is too short. One would expect an awesome showdown when it comes to the final fight but sadly it doesn't really happen here.


A great comic, great artwork, great storyline. What is there to say? This is a must to have and once you got it, wrap it up nicely! One of the best horror comic that was ever created! It's amazing how Totoro can fully capture and combine all elements in this comic to make it that great. Get ready to be horrified and read it again and again!

Pros: Unique stroke, great character development, great effects and background, memorable character design, organized storyline.
Cons: Too few pages in a chapter, short final fight scene.

Rating: 9/10

Calv out!

Congratulation to the finalist of Peraduan Bakat Baru Komik Malaysia 2009!
The list are out! Are you in the list or did you see your friend's name there?
Have a look here:


(Click image for the larger version)

Prize awarding ceremony is on November 22, 2009!
All the best to the finalist!
For more information head here.

Calv out!

Guess what? A compilation of 63 local comic artist works by Mandarin Comic Society. There will be artworks, comic mandarin history and many more! This book will be available during Mines Book Fair on 20-29 November 2009.

What are you waiting for? Just go ahead and get it. Stay tune for updates about this compilation. You can check here if there is any futher notices.

Calv out!

Here's a review request made by Z.



>Title: Wasabi
>Price: RM6.50, RM7.50 SB/SWK
>Created by: Keith
>Cover Page by: Keith
>Published by: Gala Unggul Resources Sdn Bhd, June 2007
>Main characters: Wasabi, Chiro
>Main language: Bahasa Malaysia

Keith finally released his first comic series. The genre for it is obviously comedy. Set in a schooling environment, this graphic novel will show everyone the life and times of all the students there. Every scene and every story is continuous, no longer the four-panel comedy Keith used to do. Here's the layout of this graphic novel: Chiro newly moved to a town trying to adjust to it met one of the most mischievous student, Wasabi. Follow their story throughout this comic.



One of the best thing in this comic is that it is indeed funny. The quality of this comic did not reduce a bit from Keith's transition from four-panel to series. Each chapter passed with laughter because there will be at least one funny scene to make the readers laugh. The storyline is simple to understand as there were no real goal to begin with. All this comic featured was funny and comical violence that are sure to steal readers' heart.

The characters design for this graphic novel is, as always, cute and this time mature a little. This is because there are teenage physique involved in this comic. The character development is good because Keith manage to retain their personality throughout the comic. The panelling for this graphic novel is easy to follow because Keith manage to arrange it nicely. Another thing to praise is that the characters expression were priceless. He manage to capture all emotions available when readers look at the facial expressions.



One of the common problems in this comic is that, it looked like a Japanese influenced manga product. The stroke for this comic seems very similar with how a Japanese artist would do it. If Keith could show another type of unique stroke, it might contribute more to the comic from the creative aspect. As a series, there is not much focus on the side characters such as Diego or Tobi as they too add extra boost to the comic.

Not all effects for this comic is great either. Only certain chapters have good effects. Other than that, the rest of the chapters looked plain without the effect that will add more atmosphere to the whole comic. There is nothing more to complain about this comic actually.



A very funny and exciting comic, this will surely get your funny bone laughing out loud. A fresh look at school life injected with weird and cute characters added extra charm to this comic. Readers should just fork out their money and get this book. Prepare for an exciting journey with every flip of the page.

Pros: Every chapter funny, simple storyline, improved character design, memorable scenes.
Cons: Similar with Japanese manga, same stroke, dull effect.

Rating: 8/10

Calv out!

>Title: Wanna Dance With You
>Price: RM7.50, RM8.50 SB/SWK
>Created by: Leoz
>Cover Page by: Leoz
>Published by: Gala Unggul Resources Sdn Bhd, November 2008
>Main characters: None
>Main language: Bahasa Malaysia + Rojak

Leoz, finalist of Pencarian Bakat Baru 2005, presents his first graphic novel to the readers. The genre in this comic is mainly romance and slice of life. The main story for this comic is Wanna Dance With You that consists of five chapters. Each of the other short stories is presented differently, some using fantasy as an explanation.



Readers can really appreciate this comic as the stroke is very original, creating a different type of feeling when they open this book. Leoz’s sense of style in this graphic novel is great as well. Each of the clothing is fresh and unique showing that he is indeed versatile when it comes to fashion. Especially the fashion drawn by him in Wanna Dance With You. Other than that, readers will be able to see that he did not even leave the background of the comic untouched. Everything is there creating a sense of wholeness in a panel.

The character designs were nice and alive with personality. Within a few chapters or a short story, readers will find it easy to adjust to the different type of characters available in the comic. The storyline for each of the short stories were presented well: not great but not bad either. One thing’s for sure, his fantasy concept can’t be found in any other comics.



One of the major problems with this comic is that the transition of drawings from one panel to another is confusing for a few of his stories, especially the ones with fighting scene. Other than that, the characters’ faces are not alive with emotion. The way Leoz drew their eyes made them looked dead. Not only that, when it comes to the dance move in this comic, it is all messy as readers can’t see what is going on.

There are some stories in this graphic novel that made no sense at all despite the great theme. There was no beginning and ending causing it to start out of nowhere. Another factor that will cause a pain to the readers is that the short stories are really short. This will indeed frustrated readers as there is too little information being disclose to them. It made connecting to the readers harder.



Leoz has a way with illustration in his work and that what makes it worth the reader’s money. They will definitely be entertained by the main story of this comic and the creatively drawn scenes.

Pros: Original stroke, great fashion, detailed, good character design.
Cons: Transition of drawings, character’s face, too short.

Ratings: 6/10

Calv out!

Radioactive X Comic Book Artist T-shirt collection "Creative Chaos" is out for sales now. Check out Radioactive outlets in Malaysia to get your one of a kind T-shirt for a limited print only!

Here are two design:



By Zint



By Sau Lim (Slaium)


There are designs from Michael Chuah (C2V), Lefty, Sau Lim (Slaium), Redcode, Tan Eng Huat, Zint, Leong Wan Kok (Puyuh) and Kidchan. What are you ready for? Go get your wallet and run to the nearest store to get it!

For more information, head to Michael Chuah's blog.

Calv out!

>Title: When Fusion Met Pop
>Price: RM6.50, RM7.50 SB/SWK
>Created by: Nizam Bachok
>Cover Page by: Nizam Bachok
>Published by: Gala Unggul Resources Sdn Bhd, January 2008
>Main characters:
1)Fusion Pop: Chiko, Elle, Yeop, Lins, Low
2)When Sherly Met Donkey: Sherly, Donkey, Benny, Lil'z, Blacky, Ester
>Main language: Bahasa Malaysia + Rojak

A funny and also weird graphic novel produced by Nizam. Looks like this comic brings in a type of slice of life genre as it shows how things going on when a situation arises. He included two stories into one book which is:
Fusion Pop - A story about luxuries that caused the main character to be hunted in the process almost damaging friendships.
When Sherly Met Donkey - When looks become the source of happiness, two person will learn how to work when thing's are reverse for them.



The stroke for this comic is very unique as it really portray a different look on charcters' design. The way he drew the graphic novel really interesting as he try a new spin on the story line, which shows creativity on his part. The character designs here are memorable as each of them is really different from each other with specific designs and very visible personality.



That all being said, there are a lot more that can be done to really save this graphic novel. One of the biggest setback for this comic is that the graphic novel is really dry. The storyline is really dry as the jokes are not funny, scenes are very boring and basically the effects are dull. Each and every element in this comic did not combine well causing it to be a drag when readers are reading it.

Nizam looks like he is not trying at all as there is nothing worth reading despite it all being different and unique. The expression of the characters here are exaggerated (not in a good way) will cause readers to lose interest in them as there is no emotion at all. The panelling for this comic is too close together which causes too many things happening on one page that will be frustrating for the readers. It is definitely very hard to find any good aspect story line wise and effects for this comic.



There is no doubt that readers should just save their money and borrow it from a friend if they really got no other comic to read. This is one of the least favourites comics and don't think readers should bother going through it. It is poor in all aspect and there is not to say about it. Everything is very dull and dry. Let's hope that the next work he does will be much better than this. i am sure he can do it.

Pros: Creative spin on storyline.
Cons: Dry scenes, dull effects, panelling too close, ridiculous jokes, no emotion, no atmosphere.

Rating: 2/10

Calv out!

*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

Calv out!