Gempak Malaysia's Comic!

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: 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

Calv out!

>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!