Gempak Malaysia's Comic!

>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.

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!

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!

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

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>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

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>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!

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

Calv out!