Gempak Malaysia's Comic!

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!

>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: 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

Calv out!